NAP 250 pr NACA5?
Posted by: Fisbey on 09 February 2017
I've recently put a system together comprising CDI, 82, Hi Cap, 180 and Rega Elas, I also use a hiline between CD player and pre amp. Speaker cable is Van Damme hi fi 4mm.
I know this system pretty well having owned the same many years ago but with a 250 and NACA5.
At present the system is pretty lean. I tried a 250 and it didn't really help which surprised me a little (even after it had warmed up for a few days).
Question is should I get NACA5 or try another 250? Or both? Which first?!!!!
Thoughts?
Assuming all is well with the 250 you tried, and likewise with all your other boxes, i would suggest definitely change your cables to naca5....
In my experience Van Damme speaker cable is like using a coat hanger except worse...
There are few if any other speaker cables other than NACA5 that I would be running with either a NAP180 or a NAP250. Just ensure you go for a decent length - the 3.5m minimum can sound on the lean and forward side, so in this case definitely go longer if you can. And also ensure you have Naim speaker connectors well-soldered at the amp end and maybe some Deltrons or whatever Rega recommend at the speaker end.
If a Naim amp is unhappy with the speaker cable it often translates into warm to hot running and a lean sound balance. For all that, ELAs are a bit on the lean side, whether the original Royd version or later Mk2. But then as you've owned them before you know that already. But if they're originals, make sure the mid/bass drivers are still OK as they can be fragile if over-pushed.
I'm with the other guys. Naca5 is a very good cable and better than van damme wires. I had the 4mm hifi cable in my early system and it was just ok. It was replaced with TB black which is different again, but every time I've heard naca5 in a system, it's impressed. The other cables made the van damme sound flat and lifeless in comparison.
Got to be the speakers isn't it?
Do you have first experience of them Drew?
Having used NACA5 with a 250.2 and 250DR for several years, lean is not how I would describe this combo. Although not familiar with the Van Damme cables, this is what I would investigate first and you should be able to simply borrow a set of NACA5s from a dealer to try out.
Good luck
Drewy posted:Got to be the speakers isn't it?
No but my detective skills steer me towards the speakers. The OP says he's experienced a 250 and naca5 before so that sort of takes that out of the running if I'm understanding his post correctly. I've heard it said in the past that these speakers are a little light in they bass department and Richard has also made mention of it.
Obviously if the op can get hold of some naca5 to demo he would be able to cross that one off the list but I reckon he'll be wanting to try different speakers too
I'd tend to agree with Drewy - having owned all 3 sets of cables mentioned and first gen Ela speakers. Unless the Van Damme cable is upsetting the 250 (unlikely as it's a nothing special in the LCR specs) or the OP is using very short lengths then i doubt NAC-A5 is going to fix things. Are the ELA's in top condition given their age ? You say you used the same combo many years ago but was this in a more sympathetic room - the combination of components you have could be problematic, especially in a lively room.
In addition to possible shortcomings in the speakers and cables, have you just purchased the Naim boxes? If so, are they overdue a recap/service and have they been modified?
Very Interesting. Its the speakers probably, but use as well NACA5 definately. Until recently Regal Elas and NAIT2 was my main system (since 1997). Then last year I bought I NAIM MUSO for the TV and was blown away by the bass. This started a very expensive and enjoyable phase of hifi - itis culminating in a NAP500DR upgrade order. I love my Rega ELAs and will never sell them. They still provide excellent detail and image from a small footprint and represent amazing value. But no bass. So I would a) ask what OP is comparing 'lean' to ? memory ? something else you heard recently ? b) what kind of music do you like. If you like bass do not make the mistake I made as a rock fan and use ELAs as your main speaker for 20 years. Look at ProAc (my choice), Tannoy, Spendor. Philip
Moderated Post: Ron, I have removed your post - please ensure you have read and understood the forum rules. I realise that you are trying to help but the rules are firm. Thanks
Unfortunate that an offer that was probably genuinely kind had to be deleted
pjb_4465 posted:Unfortunate that an offer that was probably genuinely kind had to be deleted
Unfortunate, but also necessary. The rules on this are very clear and there for very good reason. If you are not sure about the rules then please take the time to read through them