I have a fully Olive Series system, consisting of;
NAC 82
HiCap
NAP 180
My source component is an old NDX - running off a hard-wired Synology NAS.
My speakers are ProAc Response 1As.
I’m currently at a bit of a crossroads though. The NAP 180 has stopped working - so likely now requires a service. Whilst I organise this from California, it has me wondering whether I should make a wholesale change to my longstanding setup, and maybe go another way. With a functioning NAP 180 back in the fold though, I would mostly be satisfied with my setup.
But it has me wondering whether I should maybe sell off; all my Olive Series amps, NDX, and try another route? Has the technology improved to the extent that I could replace my current setup with a more flexible all-in-one solution? This might sound sacrilegious, and I might end up spending more to replace something, and find myself with a lesser system. It would allow me to implement the streaming of my Qobuz account - in addition to using the NAS, and the various Sonos speakers I have around the home?
Since we moved here, I’ve found myself doing far more critical listening on headphones - with a Cayin N7 DAP, Oriolus Triallii, and Audeze MM500s. So I could just invest in a good headphone amp, and stick with my current setup. Maybe I’m missing a trick here, and with all my Naim equipment properly serviced, I already have a solid system - albeit without the functionality of modern bells and whistles.
But part of me is wondering if selling up and jumping on a more modern Atom Uniti setup might be the way to go? I would genuinely appreciate any insights from anyone who has faced a similar dilemma, and how they resolved it.
Dan, first left me say that your NAP180 is most worthy of a service, and once done you may be surprised at how well it performs. And let’s not beat around the bush here, when at their best, an NDX, NAC82, HICAP and NAP180 is a great system by any standard. However, before you do that I reckon your best bet is to take a listen to something like the Naim Nova. That will give you an idea of what a great quality all-in-one will give you. You’ll also be able to take advantage of more up to date streaming facilities (if that’s important) and there’s a good quality headphone amp onboard too. Alternatively you may also want to see what Supernait 3 and an NDX2 can give you - it’s an amazing two box system and would likely be my choice here. There may well be some good run-out deals right now, so do seriously consider that , and again, the SN3 has a great headphone amp onboard too. From there you’ll be in a better position to make a judgement as to what direction to take.
If you like what your current system does and don’t yearn for the latest tech get the 180 repaired. But I would also endorse Richard’s recommendation for a NDX2, had mine for 12 months quite stunning player.
@Richard.Dane i can second your suggestion of a SN3 and NDX2 combination. If the OP eventually wants to add boxes then the SQ will only improve. The NDX2 should offer a higher SQ of streaming, then us even possible with the 222.
Thanks to all, for the above responses - very much appreciated. It genuinely has given me food for thought. Baring in mind I’m in California, does anyone have any suggestions on servicing the NAP 180? I’ve reached out to a couple of local retailers here - with no luck so far. But will I ultimately need to box the amp up and send it back to Salisbury? I’m ashamed to admit, I’ve never serviced any of my components.
@thedanadamsusa it would go to the US distributor or AV options which is a Naim authorized service center. Not sure if it needs to be done by your dealer.
Apologies, I misread that. Sadly the original dealer I purchased all my Naim separates from, was The Cornflake Shop - in London. My wife and I moved to California almost 8 years ago, so I’m attempting to find a retailer here who can assist.
AVOptions does good work. The only downfall is they will charge you 4x what someone else will charge you for the same work. Their rebuild service on a lot of products is more than the product would cost to repurchase on the secondary market. Their rebuild service on a NAP180 is $1,595. A fully functioning NAP180 is $600-700 on the secondary market. You can buy a 250DR for around $2k now. Just weigh your options before taking a leap.
@thedanadamsusa i would rethink your options. @Richard.Dane idea of a SN3 and NDX2 seems quite viable. Another option might be an Atom HE plus a NC250 or a Nova. You might want to consider purchasing new or demo from an authorized dealer who can support you.
Living in the US, if your “old” NDX happens to have the FM option, which cannot be added as an afterthought, it is a rare and useful thing not available on NDX2 etc.
There is no other way to select actual FM stations via the Naim app than through the NDX-FM (other than through lesser, same generation Uniti models with the FM option onboard). And that NDX-FM program can go out to a DAC. Rare indeed.
Do whatever makes sense with your amp. The NDX decision deserves care.
Listening to AIFF NAS files through mine now. Brilliant.
That is what you’d pay for it in the UK from Class A…
I shudder to think about servicing my 8-box Naim system in the US when it starts needing it in a couple of years. It will have to be with Focal Naim as it is unlikely I’ll be paying AV Options’ prices.
It’s a lovely set up you have I’d think long and hard before selling the Olive components in fact you could sell the NDX and the Hicap and buy a Supercap which would supercharge that 82 and you’d have one of the best Naim amps out there.
There are so many non Naim streamer dacs out there that would compliment that system something like the Eversolo dmp-a6 .
Given that you are in California, I think you need to re-think your options. Naim are distributed and serviced in North America by Focal/Naim in Montreal, so you could contact them to see how to ship the unit to Canada. Also, keep in mind that Naim charge much more than the exchange rate would suggest, for their products in NA compared to the UK. You may even get dinged with tariffs, depending on where the equipment comes from (I’m not sure how any of this gets calculated). I am something of a believer in buying equipment that is easy to service and replace locally. Naim makes a lot more sense in London, than it does in California. The good news is that you have a large number of manufacturers making excellent amps, streamers, etc. all local. You just need to do some research.
