Naim Pre-Amps - Characteristics

[NJB]

I am looking to compliment my Naim NAC62 with something that is a bit younger and more suited to the digital age. I have a number of options, including a NAC72 with Avondale boards and a NAC202. Both appear to be decent options for me, and my limited research to date suggests that they are both upgrades. Is anybody brave enough to try and describe how their sound will differ to the NAC62? If it helps, I find the NAC62 very transparent, verging on a little bright at times.

 

[davedotco]

All the models you mention have the same absurdly high input sensitivity, so it is hard to see the sound character changing very much. The difference between the '62 and '72 (standard model) is negligable, both are highly regarded by Naim enthusiasts as sonically comparable to newer models particularly when used with a Hicap.

I have no idea what the Avondale boards bring to the party.

The Nac 202 is more up to date and far more complex but is primarily a features and functionality upgrade. If I was considering spending this sort of money I would be on the lookout for a Nac-N 172. The onboard dac takes away the issue of excessively high gain with digital sources and brings you into the modern world with network capability.

Again this is not cheap and the V1 is a viable option if you do not need analog inputs or networking facilities.

 

[NJB]

All the models you mention have the same absurdly high input sensitivity, so it is hard to see the sound character changing very much. The difference between the '62 and '72 (standard model) is negligable, both are highly regarded by Naim enthusiasts as sonically comparable to newer models particularly when used with a Hicap.

I have no idea what the Avondale boards bring to the party.

The Nac 202 is more up to date and far more complex but is primarily a features and functionality upgrade. If I was considering spending this sort of money I would be on the lookout for a Nac-N 172. The onboard dac takes away the issue of excessively high gain with digital sources and brings you into the modern world with network capability.

Again this is not cheap and the V1 is a viable option if you do not need analog inputs or networking facilities.

My intention is to retain the 62 and to get it serviced. The 202 is a bit of a bargain and should sell on for at least what I am getting it for. Therefore, it is a sensible move for now, even if I move it on in the future.

 

[davedotco]

There is really not much to service in a '62, unless you have issues you have not mentioned. The '202 is a nice pre-amp but not that highly regarded in Naim circles, still at the right price..........

I can't remember what dac/digital source you are using, perhaps we can address the matching issues from the 'other' end?

 

[NJB]

There is really not much to service in a '62, unless you have issues you have not mentioned. The '202 is a nice pre-amp but not that highly regarded in Naim circles, still at the right price..........

I can't remember what dac/digital source you are using, perhaps we can address the matching issues from the 'other' end?

Well, Arcam CD73T or iPod through a Pure i20 dock. Both can go independently to the Pre, or through a Beresford Bushmaster II. There are many similarities, but the Pure DAC sounds a bit muddy, the Arcam sounds thicker and the Beresford sounds very transparent. I have just agreed a price on the 202, it might be similar, but will have some fun with it and decide what to do. The cheapest one on fleabag is considerably more than I am getting it for (from a Naim dealer btw), so not feeling overly worried at this point.

 

[davedotco]

Ok, might be worth contacting Beresford and asking about reducing the output level to suit.

I'm sure this will have come up before, so they may have some suggestions, the Beresford board might be able to help too.

 

[NJB]

Ok, might be worth contacting Beresford and asking about reducing the output level to suit.

I'm sure this will have come up before, so they may have some suggestions, the Beresford board might be able to help too.

Ahead of you there. Beresford also decried the Naim Pre input levels as unbelievably low and a risk to dynamic range. They offered no solution on my DAC, but I notice that the new Cayman II has variable line out levels, which would be one option.

 

[davedotco]

I am surprised they can offer no solution, though the Bushmaster is not particularly high output as standard which probably helps.

The Caiman 11 looks good but it will be effectively a pre-amp into a pre-amp, which kind of offends me. Any other power amp but a Naim and I would have suggested the cayman as dac/pre-amp but in this case not really possible.