Upgrade Path from 12/160/CD3/LP12/IBLs - I need you Help Guys ;-)

Can only answer the first question (no CD player myself and only MC cartridge). To activate the IBLs you need a crossover and another NAP 160. A Snaxo24 with a hicap would work fine. Plenty of both about on the second hand market. A cheaper alternative would be an IXO which has it's own built in power supply but there aren't very many of them about.  

If you're looking to spend a bit more money then the newer Snaxo242 is a big improvement over the Snaxo24. They tend to be rarer second hand but are available new from Naim.

I would really encourage you to activate the IBLs. It transforms them. 

Regards,

Willy.

Likewise the SNAXO 2-4 was a real improvement over the preceding NAXO 2-4.  You'll need a Power supply such as a Hicap as well as another amp as close to identical to the one you currently have.  If you go for a SNAXO 242 then the amp doesn't need to be so closely matched, you can even use different models.

I'm a huge fan of the CD3, and if you like what it does then the CDX and CDX2 may come as a shock as they're more neutral and perhaps a little less "fun". If you want a CD3 with more then traditionally you would be looking at a CDI or CDS.  However, all use mechs that are long past replacement now.  Try to get to hear a CDX2 - the later the better.

Which version of the MM boards do you have in your NAC12?  I assume it has had the knife edge connectors replaced by pins, in which case you could fit the last version NA322/4 boards. 

Thank You Willi, Richard.

1. I will activate IBL! I I've read a lot that the activation is very good for the speakers in terms of sound quality (Naxa/Snaxo + Hicap + NAP 160)

2. Richard I look at home what are those exactly for the boards

12/160/cd3/lp12 have a magic analog sound!!!

Richard Dane posted:

Likewise the SNAXO 2-4 was a real improvement over the preceding NAXO 2-4.  You'll need a Power supply such as a Hicap as well as another amp as close to identical to the one you currently have.  If you go for a SNAXO 242 then the amp doesn't need to be so closely matched, you can even use different models.

I'm a huge fan of the CD3, and if you like what it does then the CDX and CDX2 may come as a shock as they're more neutral and perhaps a little less "fun". If you want a CD3 with more then traditionally you would be looking at a CDI or CDS.  However, all use mechs that are long past replacement now.  Try to get to hear a CDX2 - the later the better.

Which version of the MM boards do you have in your NAC12?  I assume it has had the knife edge connectors replaced by pins, in which case you could fit the last version NA322/4 boards. 

Hello Richard

What do you think about an Olive 250 with a 300DR for active operation

Tony.

1. You will need to get a similar Nap 160 and get Naim to match both, perhaps not that simple

2. CDS2/psu, Rega Isis

3. Lejonklou amo

Efraim Roots is another hardcore IBL owner here (is there any other kind? ). His Sondek is maxxed. I hope he won't mind if I say his Naim amps appear to be fairly prosaic compared with those you are considering. A different pesrpective, that's all.

You should be able to find his set in Systempics.

Lejonklou +1 with the Adikt by the way, on the recommendation of a NaimMate™, a seasoned Linn/ 500 Naimer with SL2s.

Tony, hard to say for sure.  I guess you'd have to try it to find out.  Definitely only with a SNAXO 242.

Richard, I have a SNAXO 242 with Hi Cap DR and the 250 has been serviced in 2016. I assume the 300 would drive the High frequency units?

Tony, I would assume the same.

Thank you. Lejonklou cost 590€. Its ok for me.  

someone has already Trichord Dino 3 vs. Lejonklou GAIO compared?  Trichord Dino 3 would be a recommendation from german Naim/Linn community

Novichok-1977 posted:

Hello from Germany, Sorry for my English. I can English a little bit.

My setup is Naim NAC12/NAP160BD/CD3/LINN LP12/Akito2/Adikt/Valhalla/Naim IBL. I used nac12 with int. Phono MM boards. I want to update my system in the next 2-3 years.

I'm satisfied with the sound, only man wants a bit more. I've been thinking about what the sound was going to improve a lot if IBL were to be activated. I find the IBLs  sound ideal for my 13m2 room.
my first question:
1. What do I need for this? NAXO2-4 + Hicap + NAP160? Right?

Then I would bring my CD player to the level of LP12.
old olive CDX would better fit the 12/160 but speaks against - no longer future-proof what repairs (laser, etc.). CDX 2.2 is young, well suited for service and certainly does not play worse than CDX. CDS2 is too expensive for me and too old for the service, just like CDX
Second question:
2. Naim CDX olive (old) or CDX2.2 Black classic Series.

Since I only listen to CDs and LPs, I would like to swap my phono preamp which currently consists of the MM boards in NAC12. Only the whole prefix etc. are for MC pickups and I need something better for MM pickups.
Question three
3. Which phono preamp is better for Linn Adikt MM pickup than the NAC12 phono boards?

I have another setup from Naim Unitiqute + Neat Motive 1. That's why I'm not asking about digital content. I have Tidal / Spotify / UPnP and am absolutely satisfied. I want to get more out of CDs and LPs. I use Unitiqute more for background music

So three questions three way system to improve. To get even more out.
Thanks and sorry for my bad English

With respect to your direction, here is my response:

ONE. For IBL activated...

1. Naxo2-4 with Hicap or IXO

2. Hicap for preamp as well  

3. Another nap 160. 

Conditions: use 2 of the same type of hicap. Look for 160 of similar serial number. 

Consider:

1. Nac 32.5/62/72/102 preamp

2. Look for replacement grilles for the IBL  

4. Get the latest generation snaic4 and snaic 5 cable and signal din cables. 

5. I am assuming you know what to do about servicing (and recapping)

TWO. It is not easy to improve on the Cd3.0.  The CD5x is very good and you are likely to find parts. 

THREE. There is a MM prefix. Or get the LATER VERSION of the Stageline 

Vik

Vik, are you sure about a MM Prefix?  I thought they were only MC, in either S. K or E/R form.  The reason I was told it was only Mc was because with MM fitting inside the plinth and removing the tonearm lead didn't give much advantage like it did with MC.

1. I have nap160 tunned bei Audioasterix in Netherland with Black Gate Caps. second same it will not be possible to find. Since snaxo242 would be optimal. Since I can mix my 160 (With BG) + other nap160. Correct?

2.Hicap for preamp as well.  does it make any sense at nac12?

3.  I have IBLs with new Grilles

4. OK, i have black snaics

5. 12+160 both reccaped 2015

6.  MM Prefix??? where is there such a thing?

I can’t help thinking looking for a pair of used SBL’s might be a lot easier and less complicated?!

I think IBLS is ideal for a small room.

Novichok-1977 posted:

1. I have nap160 tunned bei Audioasterix in Netherland with Black Gate Caps. second same it will not be possible to find. Since snaxo242 would be optimal. Since I can mix my 160 (With BG) + other nap160. Correct?

2.Hicap for preamp as well.  does it make any sense at nac12?

3.  I have IBLs with new Grilles

4. OK, i have black snaics

5. 12+160 both reccaped 2015

6.  MM Prefix??? where is there such a thing?

 

 

Re 160: If it’s that different then I wouldn’t recommend that. It will work electrically. However there would be a mismatch in timing that might show itself in your system. Would you consider trying 2 x 140 or 2 x 250 instead?

Re: MM Prefix: Try asking Naim if they will do it for you today... there were custom Prefixes made in the past, owing to cartridges of non standard loading. Essentially these would be 522 cards in an outer shell. Or put another way. The newer stagelines are good... get an MM variant. Easily obtained too. 

Novichok-1977 posted:

2.Hicap for preamp as well.  does it make any sense at nac12? 

Yes, the Hicap works well on a NAC12.  The pre '93 Hicaps also had both a 24V single rail (DIN4) and 2x24V dual-rail (DIN5) supplies, although many had the single rail supply removed in later factory servicing, so don't automatically assume it'll be there.

My own NAC12 was powered from the single rail supply of an old CB Hicap until I sourced a nice matching early shoebox bolt-down SNAPS.

Anyway, if you're going active it's a moot point, as you'll need to have a dedicated supply on the NAC12 - SNAPS or Hicap.

You're going to need some more shelves!

ChrisSU posted:

You're going to need some more shelves!

A very good point Chris.

how much is the used snaxo-242?

Worth asking around a few of the Naim dealers who tend to carry good s/h Naim stock.