Old FC to power newer system?

Posted by: Kieron on 14 October 2016

First of all, Hello!

I'm new to the forum, so first post and all!

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere before - I did do a search, but couldn't find anything that specifically dealt with my questions.

Having lived in the wilderness of MP3 delivered through my aging AV amp for years, I've recently decided to resurrect my old vinyl collection. I bought myself a Rega P3 (with the power supply upgrade), and am slowly putting together a Naim system as funds allow.

I haven't yet heard my new Naim system though! As I've been putting it together slowly, I'm still missing the last vital SNAIC cable to connect the Stageline (arriving in the post any time now)! As a result I'm listening to the P3 using the rubbish phono stage in my Denon AVR-2805, which is less than ideal.

My new system comprises of the following:

 

I have a bit more cash that I can afford to use to upgrade a little further, and I was wondering whether I could gather the collective wisdom and experience of the forum about a couple of ideas I had to improve my system.

The main "issue" I'm having with my P3/Denon/Spendor system is that as my speakers are by necessity positioned in the corners of my listening room, they completely lose control of anything but the most simple bass lines. From the testing I was able to do before I bought the NAC 152 XS, I know that it does an considerably better job of keeping a grip on the bass, but I'm wondering what might be the best next step to control things even further. 

Firstly, I've been offered another NAP 180 by the person I bought mine from (for a price that makes it very very tempting), and I wondered whether there are any serious gains to be made in bi-amping my Spendor S3s. I know that a 250 would likely offer better results than 2 x 180s, but unfortunately that's beyond my budget at present.

So my first question is: assuming that there is a gain to be made, how would I actually go about bi-amping using the 152 XS? I've looked at the various config diagrams on Naim's site, and can't work it out. I'm guessing I'll need another power supply, which leads me on to my next question...

...at present I can't afford a new Flatcap XS, which seems to be the logical upgrade for my system, however, I have noticed the original FC is typically going secondhand for less than a third of the price of a new one. I notice though that the original olive FC seems to have less power and signal connections than the new one, and that leads me to wonder whether it would work in my system. 

The connection diagram for the new FC XS shows the 152 XS connected to power A, and the SL connected to power B, with the power amp connected to signal out A. Am I correct in thinking that the original FC will only power one device, and not my 152 XS and SL simultaneously? Finally, if I wanted to bi-amp in addition to power the 152 and SL, would I need more than one additional power supply?

Any input would be very greatly appreciated! 

Cheers,

Kieron

Posted on: 14 October 2016 by ChrisSU

How old is the 180 you're getting? Keep your spare cash and put it towards getting that serviced if it needs it. Other than that, just get the new gear set up first, and get used to its strengths and weaknesses before you spend any more. Oh yes, and make sure it's on a decent equipment rack of you want it to sound at its best. Good luck, hope you enjoy it.

Posted on: 14 October 2016 by Kieron

I know, I know, listen to what I have for while, before upgrading! I absolutely agree, it's just that I was able to put this system together for a little less than I had budgeted, and so there's a chance to do some tweaking with the remaining funds.

The 180 was serviced a few years ago apparently, so in theory it won't need another service for a while. I do already have an Atacama equipment rack, which I'd describe as workmanlike, rather than good!

Posted on: 14 October 2016 by hungryhalibut

Forget biamping, it's largely a waste of time. Get a flatcap 2x, which will power the preamp, and unless I'm mistaken the preamp has a powered socket for the phono stage. 

Now, the speakers. Get them out of the corners, or they will always sound crap, and you can spend all the money in the world and they won't be any better. There is always a way. Reorganise the room. Get rid of the QED and get some Naim speaker leads. 

Im rushing off now, hence this slightly terse reply.