Upgrades - Nap202 Vs Nap112

Posted by: Ancipital on 28 April 2003

Whilst having my AV2 replaced (Thanks to the Naim guys for this - up and running perfectly) I was talking to the guys in my local dealers (BillyVee) about my upgrade path for later this year.

Replacing my Nait2 - in the middle of the conversation about using floor standing speakers he mentioned it would be worth listening to a 202/150 as well as the 112/150.

What are the main differences between these apart from the price? I did do a search but couldn't find a match.

The Nait2 would be relegated to producing a bedroom system though may have to purchase another CD player!

My upgrade could be bumped forward a bit as my attempt to buy another horse floundered on a price issue, didn't see eye to eye on value!

Steve.
Posted on: 28 April 2003 by Jay
Hi Steve

The generally accepted opinion is that both will sound better than your AV2, the 202 significantly better. If you demo them together and have the money you'll walk home with the 202. Easy!

If two channel music is a priority it might be worth sorting out your source first (I looked at your profile). It's not that the Axis isn't worthy but a 202/150 would put you somewhat out of whack....

Jay
Posted on: 28 April 2003 by John L.
Hi A,

Have to agree with Jay about the 202. I was running CD5+FC2,112+FC2,150 driving Allaes, as a second system but was unhappy with the drop off in detail and musicality at low volumes; this system often provides background music when friends are round for a meal.

I went to my dealers and we set up the same system,put on some discs and then substituted the 202 in place of the 112. The difference is incredible, the whole system sprang into life with all the usual NAIM attributes, whatever volume it was played at. Adding a NAPSC brought even more detail into the picture. Biggest surprise of all was to discover what a fantastic and much under rated power amp the 150 is.

Needless to say I bought 202 and NAPSC and have been running this set up for a while now and am still marvelling at just how good it is, detailed, musical, exciting to listen to.

My advice, buy the 202 and enjoy!

John
Posted on: 28 April 2003 by Ancipital
A couple of replys here...

Jay, sorry, profile hasn't been updated for a while, corrected it now Smile I have a CD5 as well which goes into the Nait2. I do listen to vinyl, just not a great deal of it (have had the Axis for 13 years) and listen mostly to CD's and watch films. The 2 channel and surround have equal priorities.

John, thanks for the input, looks like the 202 could be well worth the extra spend.

When I get round to doing the demos, my dealer should now be able to build my complete setup in the demo room so I can do both the 2 channel and 5.1 surround together, this will give me ability to decide for sure.

Cheers,

Steve.