Naim owners?

[StereoNut]

I have been running Naim electronics for 20+ years and was wondering who else on AN has Naim components.

I currently have a Chrome edged NAP 250, a Chrome edged NAC 42, a Dual railed, Chrome edged SNAPS and custom outboard phono-stage with Naim phono boards in it.  Everything (except the NAP 250) have been modded by Neiljadman.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1271532200&/Naim-NAC72/32.5---drop-in-upgr

My question is "... has anybody on AN tried to mix n' match any Non-Naim Pre-amp with their Naim Amp or vice-versa (any Non-Naim Amp with their Naim Pre-amp) ???"

Of course, the problem of Naim's use of DIN & XLR connectors for their interconnects comes into play here as well.  So, I'd like to know how you worked around that... custom cables, adapters or ???

Thanks!
SN

[Emil]

SN

I've never tried the combo but i know someone, who's ears i trust, who has and the results were dismal. Amps and preamps really need to work together.
moreover, a Naim pre will not work with a non-naim amp unless it has its own powersupply such as a flat or hicap.

Naim CD players are another story. Im using a CD5 with non-Naim components

[StereoNut]

SN

I've never tried the combo but i know someone, who's ears i trust, who has and the results were dismal. Amps and preamps really need to work together.
moreover, a Naim pre will not work with a non-naim amp unless it has its own powersupply such as a flat or hicap.

Naim CD players are another story. Im using a CD5 with non-Naim components

Emil

Thanks for the reply.  I have a modded SNAPS as a power supply, so that would take care of the Pre-amp issue with a non-Naim amp.  (FWIW - I also have a NAC 72 Pre-amp and Hi-Cap here.)  I kind of figured that mixing Naim & Non-Naim amps/pre-amps would result in some questionable sound, but my curiosity led to my post here on AN.

I was hoping a few guys/gals on AN would've tried this already and maybe (?) save me the hassle of even attempting such an odd "marriage" within my system.

SN

[rollo]

Whats you nutsa ? You putta Mayo on da meataball ? Cheesea on a Clam saucea ? Naima goesa witha a Naima.
  Either you sella Naima or sella the speaker. Whata you stoop. . You speakaneeda the tubesa. Madea for tubesa , you needa hear all a tuba. I bringa da AR Classic 60 and a nicea preampa.
Me I sella the Naima, keepa the speaker. You havea so mucha choicea witha tuba or Hybrida. Now don't you getta your ballsa in a uproara causea my posta. Livea learna. 


charles
   

[StereoNut]

Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!   

You are too funny, you crazy Italian!

I just was looking to see if anyone else had tried this.  To be honest, I was kind of looking ahead to the May meeting at my place and trying to get some ideas for an agenda without making myself too crazy.  What I'm worried about is how much of a pain in the @ss it's going to be swapping anything in/out of my system now that my rack is "sleeved" into a piece of furniture to accommodate the good 'ol WAF.  I hate the thought of pulling everything apart for a meeting.   And... don't forget the issue with DIN/XLR connectors with my Naim equipment, just to complicate things further.  

Paul M. and I actually talked a bit about a few ideas.  He said he'd possibly have some speakers to bring over to my place for May.  At least that would eliminate the "connector issue" involved with swapping in/out electronics.

I guess we'll see...

SN

P.S. To administrator:  Since I digress here, please move this reply to a new topic under Audio Syndrome (maybe labeled "Meeting agenda ideas?") if you feel it's better placed there.  Thank you.

[richidoo]

When digressions are forbidden I'll need to be banned. 

[tmazz]

It is amazing how many of these threads just end up taking on a life of there own. I guess that's half the fun.   

[tmazz]

Whats you nutsa ? You putta Mayo on da meataball ? Cheesea on a Clam saucea ? Naima goesa witha a Naima.
  Either you sella Naima or sella the speaker. Whata you stoop. . You speakaneeda the tubesa. Madea for tubesa , you needa hear all a tuba. I bringa da AR Classic 60 and a nicea preampa.
Me I sella the Naima, keepa the speaker. You havea so mucha choicea witha tuba or Hybrida. Now don't you getta your ballsa in a uproara causea my posta. Livea learna. 


charles
   

That's easy for you to say! 

At least you're not talking about food and getting me hungry this time.

[rollo]

It is amazing how many of these threads just end up taking on a life of there own. I guess that's half the fun.   

   Si senor. VEAL MARSALA !


charles

[richidoo]

http://www.naim-audio.com/products/nap250.html

This looks like a sweet amp. I've heard only good things about Naim. The top dog NAP-500 is rather dear. Must be extra mayo on that one.

What speakers you got SN?

Passa da meatballs eh?

[StereoNut]

When digressions are forbidden I'll need to be banned. 

Don't be too hard on yourself, Rich.  Sometimes responses on a thread will re-direct the topic to a certain degree, but as long as there's a "natural progression" to the digression it's not so bad.  What drove me crazy was the Syndrome thread on our January meeting that somehow took a left turn and became a wacky Sci-fi-ish discussion on "vacuum tube baby-making"...?!?

Then again (considering the 3 additional posts after your's, since I started writing this) I may be in the minority here on the digression issue!

SN

[richidoo]

When the juices get flowing, better to stay out of the way. Let the meatballs roll where they will. We can always pick up the scent again later.



Is that a transformer or a nuke?  No wonder these things cost real money.

[StereoNut]

http://www.naim-audio.com/products/nap250.html

This looks like a sweet amp. I've heard only good things about Naim. The top dog NAP-500 is rather dear. Must be extra mayo on that one.

What speakers you got SN?

Passa da meatballs eh?

I guess I'm not typing fast enough!   

My NAP 250 is a way older model of the link you provided, although it's the same power output.  (FWIW - Naim's power ratings have always been very, very conservative.  80 Naim watts are lot closer to 120 or more from most other manufacturers.)

This is more like what my 250 looks like, although this isn't MY amp.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/attachments/audio-processors-power-amps/153738d1261481413-naim-sound-vs-bryston-sound-r0011193e.jpg

Here's the run-down.

• Chrome edged NAP 250 Power amp
• Chrome edged modded NAC 42 Pre-amp
• Custom outboard phono-stage with Naim phono boards in it
• Dual railed, Chrome edged modded SNAPS Power supply for the Pre-amp & Phono-stage
• Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD player
• Linn LP12 / Rega RB 350 / Linn Aktiv
• Creek tuner (model ???)
• Von Schweikert VR4 Gen.III speakers
• QED Silver Spiral Speaker cable.
• Asst. inter-connects due to Naim's DIN/XLR connections (Raymond, Naim & Chord)
• Asst. power cords. (Virtual Dynamics, Raymond, Signal & Morrow Audio)
• PS Audio Quintet power strip

I hope this helps.

SN

[richidoo]

Yes Virginia, that's a power supply.

What does chrome edge mean?

[Carlman]

Well that answers my question, "What's in a Naim?"