Upgrading my Naim system

weird thing is that I have to send my units to the importer of Naim products and they will send my units to Naim factory in the UK for re-cap and other bits.

there's no full service repair shop for Naim in my country, this is really disturbing for me as it will cost an arm and a leg to get them into full perfection like new

Do you still have the stock Naim power leads. If yes I would suggest that you replace the Supra Lorad with the Naim power cables. I have the Lorad and every time I compared them with other power cords the Lorad either went to the least important component such as the Napsc or it got out of the system. Although the differences between power cords can be quite marginal, I find the Lorad to soften the dynamics, sparkle and leading edge in music. 

kowalski posted:

weird thing is that I have to send my units to the importer of Naim products and they will send my units to Naim factory in the UK for re-cap and other bits.

there's no full service repair shop for Naim in my country, this is really disturbing for me as it will cost an arm and a leg to get them into full perfection like new

They will be returned as good as new, possibly sounding better than when they were actually new given the expertise gained in the elapsed time since manufacture. The price will be high. But nowhere as high as if you bought a CDX2.2 and NAC202/ NAP200 for a meaningful upgrade.

C.

When I went to Supra LoRads (I also use stock power leads and a Powerline) it was in a quest to reduce noise and interference in my system. I didn't notice any softening when the LoRads were introduced. I do agree that a mains block (particularly if it has any filtering/conditioning on board) can adversely impact SQ, but I did not find this with the LoRad mains cables.

Anyway, I digress, the OP needs to focus on his pre amp and power supply. Others on here are better placed to advise here as, although I have used a flatcap (olive era) in the past, I do not have experience with the 112 or 122x NACs. As you have no Naim service facility in your country, I would try to get newer models or a flatcap that has been recapped. Yes you will pay a little more but it will be worth it in the end.

ryder. posted:

Do you still have the stock Naim power leads. If yes I would suggest that you replace the Supra Lorad with the Naim power cables. I have the Lorad and every time I compared them with other power cords the Lorad either went to the least important component such as the Napsc or it got out of the system. Although the differences between power cords can be quite marginal, I find the Lorad to soften the dynamics, sparkle and leading edge in music. 

yes i still have my naim leads however i have several black color mains leads from different companies.

i have them all mixed up in  a box.

do you know what chinese brand is the mains lead for naim?

i can do some comparing tests between cables to see which one is more suitable and sounds better?

do I understand you correct, do LoRad put like a filter screen on dynamics softening the clarity on sound making it sound dull and depressing?

thanks for your help

nigelb posted:

When I went to Supra LoRads (I also use stock power leads and a Powerline) it was in a quest to reduce noise and interference in my system. I didn't notice any softening when the LoRads were introduced. I do agree that a mains block (particularly if it has any filtering/conditioning on board) can adversely impact SQ, but I did not find this with the LoRad mains cables.

Anyway, I digress, the OP needs to focus on his pre amp and power supply. Others on here are better placed to advise here as, although I have used a flatcap (olive era) in the past, I do not have experience with the 112 or 122x NACs. As you have no Naim service facility in your country, I would try to get newer models or a flatcap that has been recapped. Yes you will pay a little more but it will be worth it in the end.

I was told it will cost approx £450 - 500 to service one of my units shipped to Naim in UK.

total price will be humungus for all units!

I could buy a very near mint condition unit for 500 pounds.

it's a steep service cost playing with expensive hifi!!

Amazing thread, never once is it mentioned how the current system sounds and what needs improvement. 

And budget, what is your budget?

if you want to buy a flatcap the flatcap 2 is the one to go for and it shound  give a nice lift to 112 and CD5. However it won't change the sound drastically, just refine it. 

IMHO your system isn't worth servicing unless you have someone local who can do it at a better price. Servicing will cost more than your units are worth. 

My advice is to ask on Pink Fish as there are plenty of third party routes you could take which naturally are best not discussed on the Naim forum. They also have a vibrant classifieds section. 

SJB. 

Sloop John B posted:

Amazing thread, never once is it mentioned how the current system sounds and what needs improvement. 

And budget, what is your budget?

if you want to buy a flatcap the flatcap 2 is the one to go for and it shound  give a nice lift to 112 and CD5. However it won't change the sound drastically, just refine it. 

IMHO your system isn't worth servicing unless you have someone local who can do it at a better price. Servicing will cost more than your units are worth. 

My advice is to ask on Pink Fish as there are plenty of third party routes you could take which naturally are best not discussed on the Naim forum. They also have a vibrant classifieds section. 

SJB. 

It's cool you like Phil Lynott, he was great. RIP Mr. Phil Lynott.

The sound of my system is not that great anymore. Maybe it's because of the age of the system needing re-cap or maybe that I have used Supra Lorad mains lead and their mains block degrading my sound?

Or

Maybe it's Naim sound got lost coz I shut down my HiFi permanently for 5-6 years from 2009 to 2015 coz I bought a computer getting internet at home. Then I was only streaming music from internet radio channels, becoz of this I didn't want to have my HiFi running on idle wasting electricity, electric bills are not cheap!!

Maybe because that I have shut down my HiFi, capacitors got damaged or got old and lazy not sounding very well anymore????????????? I do use my HiFi more frequently now, it has been on for approximately a year, it takes time from hibernating to warm up to sound perfect.

Honestly I don't know why I don't get the famous Naim sound anymore? Sound isn't very dynamic when I play my best cd's, sound is a bit depressed and dull.

I have a budget to buy a used FlatCap2 or the 2x model. Just need to find one.

Thanks

kowalski posted:

Sloop John B posted:

 

Honestly I don't know why I don't get the famous Naim sound anymore? Sound isn't very dynamic when I play my best cd's, sound is a bit depressed and dull.

I have a budget to buy a used FlatCap2 or the 2x model. Just need to find one.

Thanks

 

 

If you read my post that is exactly what I am saying about my stuff, lack of imagery etc etc. difference is mine has been in use pretty much daily and I never turn it off. In addition CD5 had a full service last year by Witch Hat so I am hoping someone will have experienced this before and have some suggestions/ideas as to the problem

Chris

Lar posted:

kowalski posted:

Sloop John B posted:

 

Honestly I don't know why I don't get the famous Naim sound anymore? Sound isn't very dynamic when I play my best cd's, sound is a bit depressed and dull.

I have a budget to buy a used FlatCap2 or the 2x model. Just need to find one.

Thanks

 

 

If you read my post that is exactly what I am saying about my stuff, lack of imagery etc etc. difference is mine has been in use pretty much daily and I never turn it off. In addition CD5 had a full service last year by Witch Hat so I am hoping someone will have experienced this before and have some suggestions/ideas as to the problem

Chris

   

Previously when I turned off my HiFi it was only when lightning striked or if I go on vacation for a long time. The other long time permanent shut off lasted for approx 6 years when I bought myself a computer to have internet at home back in 2009. Other than that I never shut off my Naim it was ON as I used to listen to cd's very often in the past.

kowalski posted:

Sloop John B posted:

Amazing thread, never once is it mentioned how the current system sounds and what needs improvement. 

And budget, what is your budget?

if you want to buy a flatcap the flatcap 2 is the one to go for and it shound  give a nice lift to 112 and CD5. However it won't change the sound drastically, just refine it. 

IMHO your system isn't worth servicing unless you have someone local who can do it at a better price. Servicing will cost more than your units are worth. 

My advice is to ask on Pink Fish as there are plenty of third party routes you could take which naturally are best not discussed on the Naim forum. They also have a vibrant classifieds section. 

SJB. 

It's cool you like Phil Lynott, he was great. RIP Mr. Phil Lynott.

The sound of my system is not that great anymore. Maybe it's because of the age of the system needing re-cap or maybe that I have used Supra Lorad mains lead and their mains block degrading my sound?

Or

Maybe it's Naim sound got lost coz I shut down my HiFi permanently for 5-6 years from 2009 to 2015 coz I bought a computer getting internet at home. Then I was only streaming music from internet radio channels, becoz of this I didn't want to have my HiFi running on idle wasting electricity, electric bills are not cheap!!

Maybe because that I have shut down my HiFi, capacitors got damaged or got old and lazy not sounding very well anymore????????????? I do use my HiFi more frequently now, it has been on for approximately a year, it takes time from hibernating to warm up to sound perfect.

Honestly I don't know why I don't get the famous Naim sound anymore? Sound isn't very dynamic when I play my best cd's, sound is a bit depressed and dull.

I have a budget to buy a used FlatCap2 or the 2x model. Just need to find one.

Thanks

 

 

If your system sounds that bad a flatcap will not sort out the problem. 

Perhaps borrow an integrated amplifier from this friend of yours with a shop and see what your CD5 sounds like then. 

If something is radically underperforming a better power supply will not help. 

SJB

maybe my ears got used to crappy Mp3 internet radio channels therefore I maybe have lost my magic hearing?

I have been listening to german radio station Munichs hardest hits for many years, they play 80's heavy metal and AOR music.

This is one helluva radio station if you like AOR.

Did anyone test reducing interference by using ferrite cores clamped on mains leads and interconnects to reduce RFI and EMI? I tried ferrite cores clamped on my interconnect cables, Naim sound became even more dull and dark with clamped ferrite cores. I had to remove them. It sounded better without ferrite cores. Cores work from 30MHz - 600MHz.

Lesson learned ferrite cores degrades audio quality

Saw Lintone hifi selling a Flatcap 2x on ebay

serial number begins with 30xxxxx

what year was this PSU manufactured?

from what year did they make these FC2x and what year did they stop making them?

Sloop John B posted:

Amazing thread, never once is it mentioned how the current system sounds and what needs improvement. 

And budget, what is your budget?

if you want to buy a flatcap the flatcap 2 is the one to go for and it shound  give a nice lift to 112 and CD5. However it won't change the sound drastically, just refine it. 

IMHO your system isn't worth servicing unless you have someone local who can do it at a better price. Servicing will cost more than your units are worth. 

My advice is to ask on Pink Fish as there are plenty of third party routes you could take which naturally are best not discussed on the Naim forum. They also have a vibrant classifieds section. 

SJB. 

I registered on Pink Fish Media yesterday.

I'm still waiting to receive my confirmation email to activate my account on PFM, still nothing, no email in spam basket no nothing!

I tried to contact Administrator Tony L, there is no information available how to contact this person.

I browsed PFM FAQ's and there is no contact info anywhere

Why is it so difficult to activate my registered account on PFM? This is really disturbing for me.

Sloop John B, can you please help me out getting in touch with Tony L?

I have seen you are a registered member on PFM.

Thanks for your help

You cannot start threads in classified with less than 50 post

kowalski posted:

Saw Lintone hifi selling a Flatcap 2x on ebay

serial number begins with 30xxxxx

what year was this PSU manufactured?

from what year did they make these FC2x and what year did they stop making them?

Go to Naim website

Find products history & serialnumber in buttomsite

b_lund posted:

You cannot start threads in classified with less than 50 post

i wasn't trying to start at thread in classifieds on PFM forum.

I want to activate my account, I never received any confirm registration email to my email address.

I can't even start a normal thread on PFM until my account is clear.

Why do they have such difficult activation process?

It's not even possible to contact the Administrator Tony L for him to help me activate my account coz there is no option available to send private message to him through PFM forum.

b_lund posted:

kowalski posted:

Saw Lintone hifi selling a Flatcap 2x on ebay

serial number begins with 30xxxxx

what year was this PSU manufactured?

from what year did they make these FC2x and what year did they stop making them?

Go to Naim website

Find products history & serialnumber in buttomsite

 

Thank you very much.

I found the serial number page, very informative.

My Naim units are from different years.

2000 StageLine

2001 NAC112

2002 CD5

2003 NAP150

kowalski posted:

b_lund posted:

You cannot start threads in classified with less than 50 post

i wasn't trying to start at thread in classifieds on PFM forum.

I want to activate my account, I never received any confirm registration email to my email address.

I can't even start a normal thread on PFM until my account is clear.

Why do they have such difficult activation process?

It's not even possible to contact the Administrator Tony L for him to help me activate my account coz there is no option available to send private message to him through PFM forum.

I think many hifi forums does require a couple of days to final registration, maybe you should try process again ?

I tried to enter wigwam some weeks back, still no success��

Weekend update!

I managed to get my Naim sound back!

As you maybe remember I wasn't very thrilled about my sound quality when I started this thread. My ears were aching and bleeding from ruff sound. I thought my caps were bad and my sound had degraded!? I did some small tweaks improving  my sound quality.

I bought a brand new Naim interconnect for my CD5 cd-player replacing the old interconnect.

I bought 2x brand new mains leads Supra LoRad 3x2.5 MKII for my CD5 cd-player and the amplifier NAP150. My previous LoRad's were approx 15 years old cables 3x1.5. - old Supra LoRad's had thinner copper wires 3x1.5 than the successor LoRad MKII using 3x2.5 thick copper wires.

Would this improve sound quality using thicker copper wire on mains leads?

I also tweaked my speakers stands StanDesign. When I bought these I had my speaker stands filled with sand, on each stand I have also screwed SoundCare spikes, this is a Norwegian product tweak. My speaker stands are placed on plastic linoleum floor giving me some unwanted harsh acoustics which makes my ears ache and bleed, my Naim sounded very hard and unpleasant playing certain discs!! I never heard this noise when I had my NAIM used frequently 6 years ago, after I had shut down my Naim for approximatelly 6 years and fired up again last year the famous Naim sound was gone and dead!! I thought my caps were shot!? Sound was really poor even if I had my Naim warmed up for 3 months of use. So I bought the new above audio parts start tweaking this weekend.

On my plastic linoleum floor where my speaker stands are placed I also put a cut out square foam sound deadening mat. On this mat I then placed a sound deadening  spunge foam, then I placed my speaker stands on each foam tweak positioning my speakers and played music on my CD5. I have succeeded with my tweaks, Naim sound was finally back sounding great.

SoundCare spikes lifiting my speaker stands from the floor and noise insulation foam under the speaker stands made the great sound improvment I was looking for!!

My ears are no longer bleeding or aching from harsh acoustics, music plays much more calm and it's more fun to listen to cd's now. I got my passion back for music

This is a cheap and a good tweak to insert sound deadening foam under your speaker stands removing harsh acoustics from the floor. Plastic linoleum or wooden floors may degrade sound.

I'm very happy I got my Naim sound back. I like my audio a lot better now.

I asked around about the Flatcap XS, information I received from hifi shop selling Naim is that the XS is compatible with my 1st generation 112/150 combo.  I was told there will NOT be any loss of any audio quality using the XS with my set up. What is true, what is BS?

I'm a bit confused now about the XS power supply, should I buy the XS even if it has 2 cores of 24V -0 -24V ???

Thanks