I have had my trusty Nait 1 for at least 10 years, and even then it wasn't new. I have had it in several student digs, shared houses and two of my own. Once I had my system set up 'just so' and it sounded great, but for the last 6 years room size and domestic harmony has meant that the set up been definitely sub-optimal.

however. I now have had the luxury of extending my cottage and now have a living room that is over 30 foot long and about 12 wide (20 at its widest).

I set everything up and things weren't too good. Changed all the cables to NACA5/Chord Co. and its much sweeter - much more like the system I used to know. My Nait as I said is well over 10 years old, and has probably been powered up for the whole time.

Problem is, in this space it seems woefully under powered. So maybe its time for an upgrade...

The question is, should I upgrade it to a second hand Nait 3 , or an older 42/110? £400 should get me one of either secondhand. I have read great things about the Nait 3 recently, and the 42/110 a while back, but have no idea which will give me the most exitement/power.

the rest of my system consists of Mission 751 stand-mounted and a Marantz 67 SE Cd player. I might get an LP12 soon if I can remember where I left my Records...

Chris B

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Problem is, in this space it seems woefully under powered. So maybe its time for an upgrade...

The question is, should I upgrade it to a second hand Nait 3 , or an older 42/110?

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Well, the 110 will swing more volts than a Nait 3 if you're looking to fill a fairly sizeable room. It also gives you a bit more flexibility in the long term.

But might I suggest that you consider looking for a 32-5 instead of the 42? It won't cost much more and it should sound quite a lot better.

Unlike the 42, the 32-5 is compatible with a Hi-Cap power supply which will work wonders, so if you feel like an upgrade later you have the option. [But it might be better to upgrade your CD player before going beyond 32-5/110.]

Also, the 32-5 is a bit of an oddity in the Naim range since it's based on multiple plug-in boards. There are some very effective tricks you can play with it by removing unused boards, or replacing the boards you do use with the improved versions from the NAC 72.

Replacing the grey SNAIC interconnect you'll doubtless get betwixt pre/power with the current black version is something of a revelation, too. It's £50.

A hundred quid or so and a few hours will go a very long way with a 32-5, and you can spend it in stages.

If you do go for the older gear instead of the Nait 3, the chances are it will be due for a service by now (about once every ten years is a fair rule of thumb). This will definitely be money well spent. Naim will give you an estimate on the phone, and (in)validate any claims the seller might make about recent servicing for a given serial number.

If you manage to find a 32-5/110 within your budget, see if you can squeeze in a 140! [OK, this is pushing it a bit.]

Joel

Born to groove

Hope this helps,
Stefano

not sure where you're going with your system. You mention a specific problem and potential fixes but not where you are ultimately headed. It usual to have this in mind as you want to get there with the fewest moves and lowest cost.

I currently use a 42/110/snaps and an very happy with it. It was back to Naim last year for servicing and the 110 was upgraded by them to a 140. I also added the black Snaics. All in all a major improvement. So there are possibilities with this set-up.

Having said that I'm not sure I'd recommend you go that route. I'd aim for something newer which would offer more possibilities.

Is it not possible to use the Nait as a pre amp only and take the output to a 110/140? I thought you could but I'll defer to those who know more about these things.

Also Joel pointed out that the 42 is not compatible with a Hi-Cap but there is a 42.5 which is and second hand there is next to no price differential.

Good luck,

Calum

think very carefully before getting rid of your NAIT-1.

There is something that this amp does that is quite different to the rest of the range. (My dealer agrees with this - apparently three NAIT-1s used as power amps in an active system is quite a different experience).

I'd get a quote for having your NAIT-1 serviced. If the price is reasonable I'd try this first - it will have quite an effect on the sound, including a bigger more assured feel.

If you do go for a pre / power combo then listen carefully to it first to see if it matches your taste.

cheers, Martin

P.S. my dealer tells me the NAIT-2 & -3 just sound like cut down versions of the bigger amps.

Kevin.

does anybody have any views on the upgrade of a 110 to a 140? - does it become a true 140 or is it something in between?

Original 140's seem to be floating around the 500 pound mark. As soon as it arives I will check out its history and get it serviced if it needs it.

So. What I need now is a pre-amp. The market seems awash with 42, 42.5, the occasional 32 but no 32.5s at present. I would like a 32.5 as it seems that the modular upgrade to 72 boards might be a good way to go - what is the likely cost of this?

remianing budget is about 150 pounds. This might well get me a 42.5 & snaps, or a 32.5 on its own (if I can find one). I guess this is a case of jam tomorrow...

all views gratefully received,

cheers,

Chris B

Of 42/110, you should be able to get a good condition pair for around £200.

Rico - musichead

ricomuzik@hotmail.com

so where can I get a 32.5? I have tried:
central audio
emporium
sound-stage
audio trader
hifi at heatherdale
signals

and exchange&mart (for a laugh)

any other ideas (or any body got one they want to sell?)

cheers,

Chris B

Rico - musichead

ricomuzik@hotmail.com

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so where can I get a 32.5?

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http://www.loot.com/ is mecca for all used hi-fi buyers in Britain.

You could try Grahams in London (020 7226 5500), they had three or four 32-5s when I bought a 62 off them last year. They may be a bit pricier than other dealers (Grahams have been in business for 75 years, there's probably a reason).

Joel

Born to groove

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does anybody have any views on the upgrade of a 110 to a 140? - does it become a true 140 or is it something in between?

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as I said in my original post I had this upgrade done and it's great. The identification on the back panel was altered by Naim to read NAP140 so you should be able to see that.

Jullian also posted on this subject in the old forum, August 1999 stating that -

"later 110's were upgradable with the 140 PS and we have done a few, some need new poweramp boards as well to turn them into a pukka 140"

Calum

Send an email to naimmarket-subscribe@topica.com to join the second-hand Naim gear club - helped me with the 42.5 and the SNAPS. I recall there was a 32.5 advertised only a few days ago (or maybe wanted - can't remember)

If you knew this already, sorry for trying to teach granny to suck eggs.

Cheers,

Ian