As a new member of the forum I would like to ask this learned community for some advice regarding my future upgrade path.
My current system consists of, LP12/cirkus/Ittok Mk11/D17d3 (serviced by Peter at Cymbiosis many thanks) NAC42/nap110 with scratch built power supply feeding the NAC42. Speakers are stand mounted Monitor Audio GS10. So using this as a platform I'm wondering how to move forward.

I've considered the NAC122x/NAP150x/Stageline or the NAC202/NAP200/Stageline path but due to costs I don't want to make a wrong decision. I've even thought about the olive NAC72/NAP180 . I have a number of options so the opinions of the membership would be appreciated

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Adam Meredith,

Welcome to the forum Kevcon.
Most bang per buck you will get from 282/180, which will cost you like 202/200, but much better.
As you already have a decent source, the next thing you should look for is better preamp as possible and 282 is just about that.
122X and 202 with any cap is nowhere near 282.

Good luck,
Oz

Hi Kev
Many roads to go from your setup. 72/180 good and reasonably priced. 72/140 is a classic setup too. A Hi-Cap will helps things along nicely too.Remember 10+ years for service(especially the power amps and supplies) so that must be factored in. The newer stuff has a different sound so will need some sort of audition to confirm if it is still what you want.
Howard

Hi! Welcome to the madness.

Great source. Get the best amplification you can (a) to make the biggest step up possible from what you currently have; and (b) to keep you satisfied for as long as possible!

I think the 202/200 option would be best, hhands down (better than either both 112x/150x and 72/180). It is also the most flexible, should you choose to upgrade further in the future.

If you are buying new, it is worth being aware that any damage caused by non-standard power supplies are liable to invalidate a warranty.

That's my 2p worth. Best advice, speak to your dealer. You have a good one!

James

edit. Having now seen his post, I agree with Ozren that a 282 is a much better pre-amp. But (and I'm speaking of s/h) 282/180 will still be about 20% more expensive than 202/200.

I would still take a 202 option over a 72 option.

Hi Kev and welcome to this mad house.
What Howard Ozren and James have said makes good sense.
I have gone down or up the road and for me the Nac 282 would be my choice even with a Nap 150.
I ran a 122x/150x then a 202/150 then a 202/200.
But things got so much better when the 282 came into play with the 200.
Yes you will need a Hicap or two down the road.
But and this is only IMO .
The 282 would be my choice with your Nap.
Also have a word with Peter as he knows your system.
The man knows his stuff.
You wont get hold of him on Thursday though.
He is having a very nice day out.
Munch

I hope no one minds me tacking my own question on to this thread, but I'm looking at a similar upgrade, I'm going from olive CDX, Hi Cap, 72 and 140,driving Linn kabers, my plan was to replace the 72/140 with olive 82 and 250. Now the question is, firstly is it possible to use a 282 with olive Hi Cap and 250, and if I did so what would I gain over the olive 82. I ask this as not everyone seems to be convinced by the 82 and don't want the system to become too bright, rather I would like better bass response. thanks for any advice.....Robert.

Depending on budget, I'd look at olive 82 or 52, with a 250. It's wonderful amp at a good price, and has a good built in phono stage. If you want the new black stuff, 122x/150x upwards depending on budget and how demanding you are. For Robert, you can definitely use a 282 with hicap and 250.

Nige

Kevcon,

Welcome to the mad house.

Your question raises quite a few issues. Firstly you say the current pre is a 42, if this is so and not a 42.5 then it is likely that the current "scratch built power supply" will not drive a newer pre-amp (single/dual rail issues). Secondly you do not mention if the 110 has been serviced recently. Thirdly are you happy with the current speakers and does the 110 drive them adequately?

I am now going to make some assumptions, so forgive me if I sound foolish (again). If you are happy with the current speakers and the 110 has not been serviced then a possible (relatively cheap) upgrade would be to have Naim upgrade the 110 to a 140 which would include a full service and set you up for many more years. Remember that a used power amp may require a service soon that might cost as much as the 110 to 140 upgrade on top of the purchase price. This would then allow you to get a better preamp and I agree that the 282 or 82 (even powered directly from a power amp) would give a considerable improvement. The way is then open to further upgrade with power supplies etc. as funds permit.

Pete L.

quote:

Best advice, speak to your dealer. You have a good one!

You should also ask him whether amplification should be the first part of your system to upgrade. If the LP12 is your only source, you may find that a better power supply is the best bang/buck. You don't mention it, so I'm assuming you've got a Valhalla at present?

quote:

Originally posted by dn1:
You don't mention it, so I'm assuming you've got a Valhalla at present?

If so - the options are legion.