NAC12 and NAP160 any thoughts?

Posted by: bigtrak on 04 December 2001

Hi everyone. As I mentioned in my last post I am serching for a new CD player (settled on CD3 or 3.5). While looking I have come across a NAC12 and NAP160 for sale for approx £260 (maybe less as he is up for a bit of haggling) At present I have a NAC62 and NAP140 (new style) and was wondering what your views are as to buying the 160 as a replacement for the 140. If this a good move is the above price good? I asume that my NAC65 would be miles better than the NAC12 and would probably sell this on. Looking forward to your replies. Thanks

Posted on: 04 December 2001 by ebirah

I started with a bolt-case 12S 160 many moons ago, and they were s/h when I got them. I was surprised a good few years later when comparing a new 110 to the 160 - the 110 thrashed it! Furthermore, a 140 was another step better. I have no doubt whatsoever that the 160 needed a good going-over, recapping etc etc. I decided to sell it cheap rather than spend this cash at the time (impoverished student). The motto here is that age matters, at least for the power-amps. Try and find out how much it's been used. For example, I've been listening to a relatively unused 180 for the last few days and it runs my well-used (by me) 250 very close indeed.

I think it's a different story with the pre-amps. The 12S I had was every bit as good as the 32 I replaced it with (and as good as subsequent 42.5, 62) - it was only until I got a 72 that I felt it was bettered. the 12S is a cracking pre-amp and phenominal value if you can get one. Get a SNAPS as well and go for the vintage look!

Steve

Posted on: 05 December 2001 by bigtrak

Thanks for your comments - keep em coming. daveyp, what pre amp did you use it with?
Thanks