In time for when I arrived back at my Mum's place for Christmas (where my Hi-Fi is), not only did I have a brand new NAC 72 waiting for me, but also had my dealer deliver my new Hi-Cap

I guess many of you are gasping "Andrew's not got his kit in London". Understandable really if you haven't seen how small my flat is in Ealing (costing me nearly a Hi-Cap a month!)... won't be staying in London for much longer tho (a possibility of a new job elsewhere).

Rest assured - I'll be listening to my new acquisitions for as much as possible. They are absolutely fantastic. Here's a run down on the difference:

Previous System
Mimik II + NAC 42.5/NAP 110 + Kan IIs
New System
Mimik II + NAC 72/Hi-Cap/NAP 110 + Kan IIs

This *IS* Nirvana, with no short-comings - by which I mean the old system had a tendency to sound "jagged" when pushed. Now it is a sound that is exceptionally balance and easy to listen to, while maintaining PRaT. Further upgrades (which will come) will elevate an already happy situation.

So, what did I notice about the addition of the pre-amp and Hi-Cap?

Things that I already knew would happen
1) More communicative... consequently...
2) ... better phrasing
3) The music is able to breathe more - giving a bigger sound.

Things that I didn't anticipate
1) Removal of jagged edges when the musical dynamic picked up
2) A more "even handed" approach to the music - certain musical events that were swamped are now given their own space to groove
3) Lyrics are easier to identify and follow.

I'm happy, I'm very happy. Even, my mum was requesting records at 1.30am this morning... makes a change to "turn it down!"

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Have you tried a Naim CD player within your new combo incidentally?

I think you might just be surprised at how good a CD5 might sound in your set up.

I had a Mimic 72/hi/180/credo setup for a month or so earlier this year and must say that when I (eventually) took delivery of my CD5 the difference was like chalk and cheese.

The Mimic just Mimicked whereas the CD5 was really quite real really.

I don't wish to piss on your bonfire Andrew but I strongly suggest that you listen to a CD5 at least

You might just be surprised.

Good Luck and a Happily Expensive New year

P.

Actually, I'm considering the possibility of getting a Supercapped CD5. Strange combination, but I can re-use the Supercap when getting a CDSII and sell the CD5 in more cost-effectivly way than a CDX.

The other possibility is a Resolution Audio CD55, not well known... yet.

However I'm very happy with the Mimik II, in my experience, it has more get-up-and-go than the more expensive Linns.

Next spending spree is planned for April, all being well. As usual I will make some careful assessments and purchasing decisions.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

I do have my reasons

Can't say I've heard the supercapped 5 or even the flatcapped 5 though I was being sincere in my opinion of the Mimic.

It was good but it sounded a little constrained in comparison to the 5 - maybe the Credos I dunno

Still if it sounds good - IT IS GOOD - yeah?

Best

P.

I took delivery of a new (to me) 72 last Saturday. I had previously had our dealer's demo 72 for almost 3 weeks, and you will find that about 14 days in, after steady improvement and "rounding out", something incredible happens. It's well worth wating for!

You have a sleepless January coming up!

Tuneful New Year;

Best;

Mark

(an imperfect
forum environment is
better than none)

Congrats on the new arrivals--hope you enjoy them for a long time. One word of caution--a Supercap cannot be used with the CDS2--are you thinking of the XPS ? which in turn can't be used with the CD5.

In any event, happy holidays and good listening !

Cheers,

Bob @ Qwest„

Sorry I wasn't as clear as I should have been. Re-reading my earlier posting and I can see where the ambiguity was.

The plan is to shift over the Supercap from a CD5 to the NAC 72 when I eventually get the CDSII (which will use XPS).

Nifty idea eh? I am assuming that a Supercap will successfully drive a 72, can someone confirm?

The Hi-Cap would then be kept for later use on an active crossover.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

[This message was edited by Andrew Randle on FRIDAY 22 December 2000 at 00:50.]

quote:

---

I am assuming that a Supercap will successfully drive a 72, can someone confirm?

---

Yes, it can and very well, too. I think you might be surprised how much better a Supercap makes any Naim preamp perform.

Paul