I'm thinking about purchasing a second hand Naim 82 pre amp. Have there been any significant changes since it came out in 1992 and is it worth going for a newer (and I guess more expensive) Naim 82?

I believe the 82 has remained pretty much unchanged. The only advantage in going for a newer one is that it is unlikely to need a service.They are a bargain 2nd hand and probably the best upgrade around.

Front-panel electronics changed duing (I think 1996 or 1997?) which is supposed to make a decent audible difference ( I have never a/b'd one against the other). Later models have an updated control software to allow all of FLASH's features to work correctly.

I think the 82 is constantly updated as better ways of doing things come along; this is evidenced by the number of different revision numbers of the board assemblies seen over the years.

While not a flagship at the pinnical of development a-la NAC52, the 82 is a pretty good box of tricks. A later one should certainly improve over a very early example - YMMV.

Rico - musichead

My understanding is that response of the volume control (when being used via the remote) has been improved since the 82 was first introduced. So it is easier to adjust the volume in small increments.

I believe I have a '93 82, and it's easy to adjust volume and balance in small increments. I do not believe it's been updated. 10-4.

My 1994 82 pre went back to naim about a year ago along with the hi-cap and 250, the 82 didn't need any work at all, it tested fine. Some 82's have a small adjustable preset inside which makes the volume and balance controls respond better to the remote control- basically, it slows down the motors, making it easier for late night listening. Now when I tap the volume up button, the level doesn't jump as much. Ask naim about this, I'm sure it has been suggested in the past. I went from 72 to 82 and the difference was staggering. A few months later I checked out a Supercap which raised the performance so much it had to be mine! I'm too scared to audition the 52 for fear of living off pot noodles for the next year while I pay for it!

In my experience, newer (used) Naim components always sound better than older (used) ones. Something to do with parts getting tired, Naim updates, whatever. If you can find a relatively recent used piece, I'm sure it would be worth the extra expense. Also, make sure you get a Black SNAIC. It's quite a bit better than the old grey SNAIC, and even if your used 82 doesn't come with one, you can get one from a dealer. They're not very expensive ($110 here in the U.S.).

I had copied the following from the old forum. It's Dave Dever's answer to Ron Toolsie if I recall correctly:

My records show that the newer PIC-style front panels started shipping on NAC 52 &
82 units roughly about s/n #138000--check with Naim on specific details.

The FLASH compatibility issue deals only with listen & record source select
(increment/decrement), which is a non-RC5 protocol command. This may be enabled
by replacing the front panel PIC with a newer software version. (NANA has these on
hand for those customers who have upgraded their 52 panels prior to this update--we will provide this for FLASH remote owners at no charge.)

As Dave points out, the only Flash feature which doesn't work with older preamps is the source up/down button. You can still change sources though, so even if you have a Flash, it's no reason not to buy an older NAC 82 in perfect condition.

Ciao!

Willem

A secondhand 82 represents an opportunity to aquire a first class amp at atonishingly good value.In my experience they are bullit proof.To increase its performance a supercap is the way to go.

Unfortunately kit of this execellence really has to be racked to get the best out of it.

Another option you may well wish to consider is that an 82 as well as a supercap lends itself to unofficial upgrading.The cost of having and doing both may well turn out to be the more cost effective than buying new.

Check with Naim the serial numbers.Always listen to it first,the very last thing to do is hand over cash.Any Naim kit sold with original carton is generally indistinqushable from new but check.

Enjoy and best of luck hooch

Hooch--

How, exactly, does one "unofficially upgrade" a Supercap ? As the one power supply built to a cost no object price, I'd be curious.

Cheers,

Bob

"Redbug",

of course, you wouldn't be able to sell the kit at anything like it's true value.

Martin

Hi Bob.Not my place to correct you but everything somewhere down the line is built to a budget,even a Rolls Royce car.Building to a budget in no way infurs that it is cheap,but it has been built within a defined financial structure so that a profit can be generated.Your view would seem to come from a glossy advert in some magazine?

The Supercap in hi-fi terms could not really be described as cheap but it does depend on ones disposable income.

My Supercap represents not so much as better or more costly components used but rather a re-design of the circuitry.The design as also implemented in my hi-cap(a second supply for my modified CDS1)have patents pending and are considered for the moment as confidential.

A Ferrari off the showroom floor can be further engineered to provide a higher standard of execellence so is the case for Naim.

I have always recommended SOME of the Naim products and in my own personal choice and pushing the bounderies of excellence I have Naim equiptment.My Naim equiptment now that its been modified brings a sense of personal enjoyment that standard it never could.

I am so happy with my system now that words could not describe the pleasure and joy that I have in listening.My system now exceeds all my expectations and I thank Naim for making it possible.

I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to your system as I do mine.hooch

I,m not sure about your post but this might help.I spent 18 months looking for a secondhand super-cap and eventually got one from Audio-T in Reading.Its not that I couldn,t afford a new one but was an exercise in trying to find out how cheap can you get one for.

I saved roundabout a £1000 pounds.

Why would I want to sell it?

What makes you think that I,m unaware of its resale value?Do you think I really care?

I spend 99% of my time on music listening and the rest on tweaks and forums

I hope you enjoy listening to music as much as I do......

hooch