Replacing an old Naim Power Amplifier

[NJB]

Hi,

I have had some great advice on here and I am in need of more. My old (and I mean circa 1988 ) NAP90 is dying. Its NAC62 partner is OK, but the Power Amplifier does not always work. Nothing is obviously wrong inside, so it looks like it needs specialist help, but is it worth it? My options are:

1. Repair the NAP90, but after 25+ years, many components will be below par and Naim service costs are not cheap. Plus, I should do the PreAmplifier too.

2. Replace the NAP90, with another Naim Power Amplifier, eBay has a choice, but what would I be buying?

3. Buy a new amplifier, but what?

My rest of my system is an Arcam CD73T and Totem Dreamcatchers. The Totems have a tight bass, but it is not overly extended, however, they are so musical that I don't mind. I suspect that a thin sounding amplifier will probably be a poor match.
Also, I have always loved the Naim sound and so am biased towards, perhaps, a Nait 5i. That presumes that modern Naim kit retains the distinctive sound, and partnering the CD73T with an Arcam unit could be a neat alternative. I bet some of you have views or experiences that will help me to fine tune my ideas before I sort out auditions and so advice is most welcome.

I can stretch to the Nait5si, but no more.

Nick

 

[Frank Harvey]

The newer style Naim products do sound a little different to the older stuff. The newer stuff is now more forgiving, and come across as a little warmer (older products had a tendency toward a forward, brighter sound). If you are quite set on the sound of your current Naim, repair/service would be the best option - it might be a little expensive, but they do a proper job, and they'll end up sounding just as good as they did when you bought them. I still like the sound of the old stuff, but see if you can get a demo of the Nait 5i to see what you think. Alternatively, the Primare I22 has just been reduced to £995, which based on what you have said, could be a viable option.

 

[NJB]

Hi David, think you sold me the Dreamcatchers! I had not considered the Primare. Just had a recommendation to pair the Audiolab MDAC and 8200P. Had not considered using the MDAC as a preamp, but there are a few online comments so it must work. Clearly, I need some auditions as a new amplifier is the equivalent of hifi open heart surgery.