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I've just bought a pair of ex-demo 135s from a dealer, and they've completely transformed my system. It's an overwhelming improvement in every way.
However, they were made in 1989, and I've read several times on this forum that Naim power amps should be returned to Naim to be recapped after about ten years. But as these were ex-demo, they probably haven't had as much use as they would have had if they'd been privately owned. And as I say, they sound staggeringly good. I have no complaints at all. So how would I know if they did need recapping? What kind of sonic characteristics would show it? Would they sound harsh, or dull? Are there any particular albums that people have found show up the need for recapping? Also, how much does it cost (per amp)? And once they're recapped, are they then effectively new? Many thanks, Phil |
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Senior Member |
The capacitors degrade over time, regardless of their use. In fact, some have said that they degrade faster, because they are so rarely charged. Therefore, you probably need to get them recapped. Catch you later!
-=> Mike Hanson <=- Smilies do not a forum make. |
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Member |
My 2p
The ~7yr thing is a little rigid for a recap date. The difference to my ears was that a non recapped hicap sounded less controlled at the extremes---'tissy' treble and fatter bass compared with a new capped one.My 160 also had a similar effect pre v post recap. The tonal balance becomes less 'warm' post recap slightly harder slam.I'm not sure it makes a huge difference to how musical the amps are though. Cheers Richard |
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Member |
Phil
First signs with both my NAP250's was an increasing background hiss at the speakers (with no signal) that began to develop a regular buzzing quality (the caps oscillate as they start to pack up). Naim amps always produce a hiss at the tweeters, but if it sounds at all regular or buzzy and is not just 'white noise' then consider re-capping. You'll also notice a feathery sort of distortion in the treble, like a slightly mis-tuned radio - easily heard on speech. Finally one of my 250's developed slight 'fluffy' distortion with heavy bass notes, sounding vaguely like an overdriven speaker, with some breakup and wooliness of the notes. Incidentally, both amps showed these signs of cap collapse after five and half years. I have them permanently on, and they are used for several hours every day. Hope this helps. Henry |
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Trade Member |
...depends on amount of use and duration of service, as you might expect.
I estimate 5 years for 10 uF/63 V PS (blue PS board Philips) capacitors and about 8-10 years for 15000 uF/63 V (black reservoir SLCE) set, based on test bench comparisons before & after basic service...tantalum capacitor service may also be in order, depending on vintage (some are better than others). Cannot be determined in the field, I'm afraid, without a test generator & an oscilloscope--the scope tells all. Hope this helps, |
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Member |
Interesting thread! What ages the caps faster, leave the power amp always on or power it off when not in use? (I always keep everything on)
BTW, do all Naim power amps make a 'thud' sound on your speaker when switching the power on & off ? Richard. |
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Senior Member |
Richard
I think the answer to your question might hopefully be - Yes Not sure about the word "Thud" though - mine's more of a low fi "Bomp" from each 135 in turn. Happened with my 72/hi/180 also.
Happy New Yeah P. |
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Member |
quote: Pierre, Tnx, Richard. |
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New Member |
Glad this thread is atracting attention - I was just about to start a similar one.
I recently aquired a s/hand 250 approx 12 years old and with a receipt for service / recapping. The only item not replaced was the elderly mains transformer which is my area of concern. Do Naim transformers have a mechanical buzz? This one aseems to buzz along quietly in the background but can be heard in a quiet room. Any advice appreciated - oh by the way its a cracker of an amp - driving PMC LB1 speakers certainly seems to be a synergy with these spaekers. Happy new year to all Regards |
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Member |
This thread made me think, power amps need recapping approx. every 8 - 10 years but how about speakers?
The speakers crossovers have some caps in them too and they'll probably age and deteriorate too. I've never heard about recapping crossovers though... Thoughts, experiences anyone? Richard. |
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Member |
DD wrote: "I estimate 5 years for 10 uF/63 V PS (blue PS board Philips) capacitors and about 8-10 years for 15000 uF/63 V (black reservoir SLCE) set, based on test bench comparisons before & after basic service...tantalum capacitor service may also be in order, depending on vintage (some are better than others)."
Does this apply to (external) power supply caps alone or does it also apply to caps in the preamp itself (and/or the signal caps in the power amp...or CD player)? [This message was edited by stackowax on TUESDAY 02 January 2001 at 22:37.] |
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