And don’t discount a nap 160.
The 180 is said to be a throttled 200. Dont know. Never heard either.
But if you are playing 72/hc the next obvious answer is 140. A great bang for your buck. ( and it can power your 72 until you source a hc)
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Hello, I have my heart set on the olive series and I believe all 160s are chrome trim units, and I did used to have a 140 changed to a 180 and enjoyed the audible benefits until I foolishly got rid of it all, both of which were capable of powering the pre amp without a hi cap, regards Neil.
The 180 was effectively a 250 without the regulator boards.
Hi again, I’ve just read that the price of puppies have gone through the roof, the explanation is the pandemic and people having lots of time during lockdown and restrictions, perhaps the ridiculous price been asked for used naim hi fi has a similar explanation, I’m sure if I leave it and have patience I will find what I am after at good price, thank goodness I don’t want a puppy as well.
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It’s the classic Naim kit equivalent of Bitcoin …
I suppose it’s limited supply, some kit has been fiddled with, some just not looked after, so top condition equipment still makes good money.
Patience is the key.
Hello, finally I’ve managed to source a 72 pre amp, no boards inside but description is good condition, it is a later unit with CD input and the later black snaic, i can concentrate on 180 now although I have been looking all the time as you quite rightly say be patient, regards Neil.
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NO Boards - at all…?? Or you mean no Phono Boards…? (hope its this…)
Hello, a bit of a panic after reading your post, but after reading the description it thankfully is just no phono boards, phew, can’t wait to receive it as this is the first step to rebuilding the system I enjoyed so many years ago, not had any sound system for over 25 years I refused to compromise with a cheap crappy hi fi or low fi system. Thanks for reply. Neil.
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I was panicking for you, when you said NO Boards. The 72 is FULL of Boards…!!! (or it should be…)
Would guess that pleanty of 3 series Phono bards are out there… 
Hello, the description clearly says he has upgraded to a 52 or 82 can’t remember but all it says is no phono boards so I’m not panicking as the description clearly states good condition, paid via a well known site and system with a little protection, will keep you all posted on the trail of putting it all together, regards Neil.
Sound legit. Would certainly be Not As Described if any other boards are missing…
There are photos above, for you to study and memorise… 
Thank you, as soon as pre and power are together I intend to get them checked and serviced, that way I can be reasonably sure of having a system that will last, one last quick question what paint can be used to touch up cases, I have been put off several units because they have minor blemishes, if you can touch up I perhaps won’t be as fussy, still be careful just not discount units with minor faults, regards Neil.
I have used Humbrol Gloss Black model paint, where needed - on Olive (or CB ) units. Or - you can try Black Shoe Polish…
Whereas on Black units, its better to try Humbrol Satin Black.
May I ask… What did you pay for your 72…?
I see there are indeed 3 series Phono boards listed (a set of 323’s - not stated which), on a well know auction site, currently…
Hi no problem it was a bit cheaper than some at £415 as mentioned with no phono boards, was it a good price on today’s market and how much do you think the 180 will be, regards Neil.
Not bad… Mine was about £285, in '09 - with TWO sets of Phono boards…!!
No idea on 180’s sorry. Suggest you search Sold Items, on you-know-where…
Hi yes prices seem to have gone through the roof, but if they are still going strong after 25 years than if serviced and looked after they should be ok for years of listening pleasure, so I suppose if you take into account inflation since 09 and the amount of pleasure a good system gives it’s a bargain, in fact it may be an investment. Neil.
Don’t forget to get it serviced. 72s are perhaps less of a priority than HCs or power amps though.
My second 72 is headed north.
Neither had been to Class A or Naim since birth. Both had not been touched.
Hopefully that has reset the clock for another 25 years.
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Hello all, 72 has been delivered and for once I am 100% happy with a purchase from a well known site, if anything then seller understated it’s condition it to me looks mint, so you are all correct it pays to be patient, as mentioned it is a later unit and as soon as I purchase the 180 I shall take both units for a service, I did ask earlier when I find a cdx will than need a service or is it a case of if it works it’s ok, long way to go but I’m on the way, thank you all and kind regards, Neil.
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Good news, Neil. Enjoy your 72.