NAC112x / NAP150 / Flatcap2 / CD5i (italic) - anybody got/had this?

A fairly well balanced set, Peter. I would consider whether the FC2 and NAP150 have been serviced.

There's a matching FM radio too, the NAT05. Completes the look.

The price looks a bit high to me but that's in the UK. Try and get a listen first.

The 112 and 112x are generally considered to be Naim’s worst preamps. The price is more than I’d consider reasonable. I’d also think about the servicing issue that Chris mentioned above, and also whether, as a Core/Nova owner, you really need a CD player. Perhaps more fundamentally, you weren’t thinking about a second system, so why buy it? If you want a real piece of Naim history you’d be better seeking out a Nait 1 or 2. 

I started off with that system except had a CD5x. I have had 202, 282,552 into 250 and 300. I wouldn’t agree that it was Naim’s worst, obviously the others were better but just by the increments. 

I had a loaner CD5i once and that was a disappointment. 

I agree it’s too pricey. 112/150/FC for £750. That would be tempting. 

.sjb

hungryhalibut posted:

The 112 and 112x are generally considered to be Naim’s worst preamps...

I think "worst" implies that they are no good, which is, of course, far from true.  They are good - the NAC112x is very good indeed and a nice step up from the NAC112.  I think Doug Graham said it best regarding the NAC112.  He said it was a good pre-amp, it's just that Naim makes better ones.

A CD5, Flatcap2, NAC112x, NAP150 was a really nice system - very well balanced and with the right speakers at the other end, could be all one ever really needs to enjoy recorded music on CD. 

I would say that for a complete system of that type in mint condition with all cables and boxes that £1300 is about right it isn't cheap and it isn't expensive taking into account that a brand new CD5 si is £1,140 then it isn't a bad buy really.

I owned a 122x/150 and the Nap 150 was a very capable amp indeed,  stepping away from very strange world of the Naim Audio Forum then the above is a very good and moderately expensive system not a 500 series but play a CD on it to someone not infected with the  'bug' and I suspect they'd be very impressed.                                                                                                       

Richard Dane posted:

hungryhalibut posted:

The 112 and 112x are generally considered to be Naim’s worst preamps...

I think "worst" implies that they are no good, which is, of course, far from true.  They are good - the NAC112x is very good indeed and a nice step up from the NAC112.  I think Doug Graham said it best regarding the NAC112.  He said it was a good pre-amp, it's just that Naim makes better ones.

A CD5, Flatcap2, NAC112x, NAP150 was a really nice system - very well balanced and with the right speakers at the other end, could be all one ever really needs to enjoy recorded music on CD. 

I agree, I had a 112x coupled with a 150x for many years and it sounded fine to me.

With it’s resistance ladder volume control the 112x can give fine adjustment and exactly equal left/right balance at low volume levels, which is not always true for a lot of Naim amps.

I found my used 112/150/FX2X so good, so compelling, that I traded it as soon as a used 552/500 turned up.  I never would have gone for the 552/500 had not the 112 “set the hook”, and shown me what Naim is about.

That is the only “problem” I see with that series.

Nick

I had this combination too, plus a CD5.  I agree with the positive comments.  I felt that the 112 was fine - OK, it is not as good as more expensive Naim amps - who would have guessed?  But I remember listening to the combination alongside an Arcam FMJ setup similar in price and the Naim combo was MUCH better.  I did upgrade the power supplies to the 112 from the FC2 to the equivalent of a Hi-Cap when I got my DAC, and I found that sound very pleasing indeed.

I would stay away from 112x/150 at any price. 122x/150x is the only value proposition for a modern entry level combo. The CD5i  on the other end is a very capable CDP. ????

Chag -

I also had the 112x/150x/FC2x/CD5x combo for quite a few years before moving to a SuperNait 2. I always thought that it was an extremely capable entry level system, and agree that the description of "not the best" is much fairer than saying that it is "the worst" pre-amp.

Try and get a listen to it, and you'll be able to make your own mind up though.

Good luck.

I would like to echo what Nigel 66 has said above ,as I also have had the same set up and then moved onto a SN2.Ok so it might not have been the most revealing of amps  but it certainly used to boogie .But as always give it an audition.

Alan

By all accounts I have heard, 122x/150x is a very sweet spot.  Alas, we only bid up the resale price here.  Never heard it, myself.  112/150/FC2X is very good, compared to the rather good Denon AV amp it replaced in my room.

Nick

In response to a query about servicing, the seller has advised that the kit was sold to a local buyer a couple of hours ago. Despite not having been on the lookout for this stuff, I felt quite sad about not getting it ☹️

However your comments/advice have very useful and are gratefully received. I am now thinking an entry level second system for CDs and have a much better idea of what to look for. Many thanks to you all.

The 122x/150x combo has held value for years on the S/H market at the 800 mark on both sides of the sleeve.. You will find one shortly and never wonder. ????

Chag -

I also started with this system.  It’s daft to compare it to the much more expensive Naim amps.  Compared to its peers it is a great set up.  The fact that even second hand it is worth over £1000 tells it’s own story.  At this level I wouldn’t worry too much about servicing if it’s working and sounds good.  Adding a s/h Hicap is very worthwhile.  My set up happily drove a pair of SBLs for years and is still working away in a second system (with Linn Kans) and visitors often comment on how good it sounds.

I started my Naim journery with CD5/112/200/FC2.

I now have Naim based systems in 3 rooms, so it was obviously really dismal!!  I agree with what Richard said, there are many worse ways to spend that kind of money on hi-fi. 

Olly

1300 was too expensive anyway if the power amp needed service, which I assume it did.

Not keen on the entrylevel CD5i either. Its not nice on a revealing amp. It was a true costdown item.

112 series preamp has no real value in the second hand market, even a 42 or 92 might shift owner better. I heard they cannot be serviced too, no idea if this is fake news.

Much better solutions out there for a secondary setup imo.