Hi lads,

Just wanted so share a funny story with y'all, regarding the 'boomerang effect' of a Nait-2.

About 3 or 4 months ago I did some surfing on the net and by chance stumbled over an ad for a Nait-2.
Now, I already have a lovely Nait-5i and mint, recapped Nait-1, but somehow... I never forgot my first love, and so... within a few days I was the happy owner of a Nait-2. (again )
Eventhough I didn't had/have any purpose for it yet.

It lookes and sounds great, as expected, but when I removed the casework I noticed some 'modifications' were done.

One of 'em being a cork strip around the PSU and the fuse was replaced by an audiophile example from German manufacterer AHP.
Another mod I recognized was that most of the parts on the motherboard were covered with white paraffin wax.
(A 'modification' I knew as the Dutch 'Rinsma mod' from the mid-90's)
The amount of wax that was still there on the boards wouldn't do any harm, but it looked a bit filthy.

Without too much hassle I could undo the mod's and now the amp also looks fine again internally.
(allthough it did cost me a few hours, using tools like a small needle, a small brush, a soft cloth and some Servisol Foam cleaner 30, to remove all the white wax)

This is the reward of patience and 'fingerspitzengefuhl'


The last small detail I just discovered yesterday, (when I looked real close) was that a few mm of the casework left-back corner was cut off.

Then suddenly the jigsaw puzzles fell into place!
A friend of mine who lives in the same town as I do, sold his beloved Nait-2 some years ago, to fellow member daddycool in Rotterdam.

I remember that the Nait-2 daddycool received also contained an AHP fuse, and the paraffin wax modification.
Daddycool sold this Nait-2 later on, to another guy living in his area.

To keep a long story short(er).... the same Nait that was sold (with a little pain in his heart I believe) by a friend of mine, some years ago, is now back to his hometown.
(currently waiting in a closed to be released some day, to get back in duty)

That's all folks,

regards,
Alco

Yes we had a good laugh over it when you gave me the serial number!

The Nait was sold every time for more or less the same price, so it was a safe investment

You did a great job cleaning it up, Alco!

BTW the corner was bumped because the original seller at the time packed it in newspapers and the carton box only...

A travelling Nait 2....The little chap really needs a recap by now, though. It already sounded muffled compared to the also unserviced Nait 2 that followed, and then that newer one was completely transformed by the recap.

Maybe you and Willem can get a package deal from Malcom Latham

quote:

You did a great job cleaning it up, Alco!

Thanx daddycool. I'm also quite pleased with the results.

This is what the amp looked like when I removed the casework, shortly after receiving the amp.


Here's another shot from the same angle, after the thorough cleaning.

quote:

BTW the corner was bumped because the original seller at the time packed it in newspapers and the carton box only...

Hmm, maybe he thought that would be sufficient.
I must say I knew the original owner as always being Very carefull with his HiFi equipment.
Personally I would not call that carefully packed though.

regards,
Alco

quote:

The little chap really needs a recap by now, though. It already sounded muffled compared to the also unserviced Nait 2 that followed, and then that newer one was completely transformed by the recap.

I can't say I find the Nait-2 sounding more muffled than my Nait-1 or Nait-5i, and it seems that the 2 main capacitors have been replaced before at some date. (though probably more than 8 or so years ago)

It could be that the Nait-2 sounds more muffled because of the AHP fuse. These AHP fuses are known to give a slightly smoother/warmer presentation.

Not much longer daddycool.......

Alco,
I think you now need to add a Nait 3 to your collection.
Munch

quote:

Alco,
I think you now need to add a Nait 3 to your collection.
Munch

Nah,...been there, done that
To me, a Nait-3 doesn't have the coool-factor, that the early shoebox Nait's have!
(the Nait-1 will probably be sold, and I'll keep the Nait-2 and 5i)

quote:

Not much longer daddycool.......

Aha, so it's your CB Nait-2 that's gonna make the trip overseas to Rotterdam, Badlyread ?!

My CB Nait2 is long overdue a wee trip south west of London. Thanks for the reminder guys!!

Peter

No way Alco!! Love it too much! Just directed daddycool to a ptistine one that was available....

Neil

quote:

One of 'em being a cork strip around the PSU and the fuse was replaced by an audiophile example from German manufacterer AHP.
Another mod I recognized was that most of the parts on the motherboard were covered with white paraffin wax.
(A 'modification' I knew as the Dutch 'Rinsma mod' from the mid-90's)
The amount of wax that was still there on the boards wouldn't do any harm, but it looked a bit filthy

Does it sound different without the cork and wax?

quote:

Does it sound different without the cork and wax?

Well, to be honest I can't really say, as it seems much of the wax layer had already been removed.
Still, there was a thin layer of wax stuck on/in between the small parts on the pcb-board. I decided to carefully remove all of it about 2 days after I got the amp.

I recognized the mods as soon as I checked 'under the hood' of the amp. I first visited Rinsma HiFi some >12 years ago.
(mr. Rinsma is the owner of probably the most flat-earth HiFi store left in Holland, and big fan of Britisch HiFi from brands like Naim, Royd, Sonneteer,etc)
I don't exactly remember what the sonic benefits of the wax-(or cork)mods were about, but I do remember I prefered my Nait-2 clean and original. (also for the thought of possible reselling later on)

regards,
Alco

quote:

Originally posted by daddycool:
Maybe you and Willem can get a package deal from Malcom Latham

Great idea! You did a very nice job wih that Nait Two, Alco! Now have it recapped and enjoy the music.

Willem

I've always wanted an olive Nait2...

I am starting a Nait collection of my own Alco.

The chrome bumper Nait2 has been joined by a Nait5i.

Am still thinking I enjoy the 2 more..

quote:

The chrome bumper Nait2 has been joined by a Nait5i.

Am still thinking I enjoy the 2 more..

When I first auditioned my Nait-5i, in december 2005, I loved it straight away and considered it as a worthy improvement over my Nait-2.

When I now compare my Nait-5i with my Nait-1 or current Nait-2 I'm not that convinced anymore either...

If I could only keep 1 amp, I think I would have a hard time choosing between the Nait-2 and 5i. If a TT was to be my main source I guess I'd keep the Nait-2. The Nait-5i has the advantage of a remote, a volume know which is not as sensitive to handle and the 5i has more power, so more choice in matching speakers.

Although I also love my Nait-1 sonically, it would be the one to flog the easiest, because of the lack of a normal balance control. (which can be quite annoying when listening at lower volumes)

I've seen a Nait-5i offered for only €575,- this week, which imho is a steal!
(a German store offers a Nait-1 for €599,-!)

Is your Nait-5i meant to become the heart of a second system Sandy8 ?
Or as a downgrade from your system with the (wonderful) Proac's.


regards,
Alco

The 5i was bought(2nd hand)to be used in place of the 200/202 which is now gone.
I am now waiting on a CD5i and will try it for awhile with the Nait and decide which direction to go from there.

At this point I could see using the Nait2 and trying an LP12 which I've always been curious about, to go with the Proacs for a nice little classic set-up, and using my Apple TV when I need convenience.

Sandy

quote:

Originally posted by Alco:
I would have a hard time choosing between the Nait-2 and 5i.

If a TT was to be my main source I guess I'd keep the Nait-2.

What if you wanted to use a moving coil cartridge?

A very nice system can be built around a turntable and Nait but, once you improve the cartridge (to mc) the useful input becomes redundant.

quote:

What if you wanted to use a moving coil cartridge?

A very nice system can be built around a turntable and Nait but, once you improve the cartridge (to mc) the useful input becomes redundant.

Hmm, you do have a point there Adam.

It's just that I don't have much experience with TT's.
So I guess in my case I'd go for an affordable TT and not too expensive (€300 to €350,- max, so therefor probably mm) cartridge, and probably stick to that for a while.

I was thinking of possibly using a Dynavector 10x5 high output MC cartridge if I go the TT route.
Sounded good to me thru the Nait2 on a Rega P25 I had a few years back but I too have little experience with Turntables...

Adam is teasing. There are plenty of high output moving coils around and there is the somewhat more expensive option of using a MC-pre on the tuner input. One of the best solutions here is Naim's own Prefix with a HiCap or FlatCap.

Update from Rotterdam:

A nice little CB Nait 2 has made it from the UK to my house.

The owner sent it off to Class A for a service before it was shipped to me. The dealer here installed a nice Bals euro mains plug. The little Nait is now singing along nicely here, looking smashing!

I will post in system pics soon.

Are vintage Nait collections a Dutch thing?

BTW Sandy8 I will try a 10x5 soon as well. How was the gain with the Nait 2?