Hope all are well, I’m after some advice if possible.
My dad is giving me his Naim system (circa. 2004) , as he is looking to downsize considerably.
The system is in good overall condition but has been in storage and not used in at least 2 years.
The system consists of the following;
NAC 202
NAP 200
CD5
NAPSC
FLATCAP 2
STAGELINE S
The system was used in conjunction with an Linn LP12 (Tonearm - Ittok LVII, Cartridge - Ortofon MC25FL, Lingo 2 ) and Linn Keilidh speakers.
My current system consists of a an Linn LP12 (the one mentioned above) with a Nait 50 (using a Audio Technica SUT) and Q Acoustics 3020i’s (which I hope change as some point).
Would my dad’s 20 year old system offer a considerably better listening experience to my current one?
Given the age of the system, would Naim even still support it in servicing etc?
Ideally I would like to take on my dad’s system for sentimental reasons, but would any cost to bring it up and running to its best worth it or even possible?
Naim would certainly be able to service all the items in your father’s old system. However, it will cost, and ultimately only you will be able to decide whether it is better in all ways compared to your NAIT50.
If it were me, I would investigate what the cost would be with my Naim dealer, and also with someone like Class A, who are authorised Naim servicers. Then, once serviced, you can properly compare with your NAIT50 and make your choice.
That’s a lovely system but, as Richard said, it’s only up to you to decide whether it’s worth or not.
I’ve listened to the Nait 50 and it’s a great amp but I do prefer the 202 / 200 with an external PSU (FlatCap or HiCap, the latter is better of course). You can’t go wrong either way IMO, but your father’s kit need to be serviced for it to deliver its true performance.
Out of curiosity, is the FlatCap 2 used for the pre or the CD player? If I’m not mistaken, it can power both.
Your speakers are £180 budget items and are nowhere near good enough to show what a Linn and the excellent Nait 50 are capable of.
Do you really want all those boxes? You shouldn’t feel that you owe it to your dad to keep them, especially as you’ll be spending north of £500 for the servicing and, has been said above, the 202 really needs a Hicap, which is even more money.
You are clearly happy with your Nait 50, so I’d have a chat with your dad and suggest selling the lot and getting a nice pair of speakers. Then you’ll have a great system that’s nice and neat, rather than a load of boxes that need shelves and cables, and which you sound as though you don’t really want anyway.
Really appreciate the sound advice. In all honesty I do prefer a minimal system.
Defiantly right about the speakers, I’ve have them since I had a Cambridge system and Rega Planar 2, but I’m unsure of what to go with as an upgrade since I got the Nait 50 and LP12, I’m thinking of some Kan’s to keep in with the vintage aesthetics. Possibly a pair of Harbeth p3esr’s if I could kind a pair for a reasonable price.
Nothing wrong with any of the advice you have received but I would suggest that if you can, just put the 200/202 flat cap2 up against Nait 50 as is,without any servicing, and see what you think – I realise servicing can make a difference but if you don’t like what you hear you probably won’t necessarily prefer the serviced ones or as I actually think there’s a good chance that the 200/202 FC2 might out perform your Nait 50 even unserviced.
Nothing to be lose by trying this and it might be that the Nait 50 is sold on to provide you better with better speakers and pay for the service.
I had more or less this system as my first Naim system in 2005 it was a very enjoyable system.
As part of my exploration of downsizing but maintaining quality I spoke to a dealer about where the Nait 50 sat in relation to my 202/200/HCDR and NAPSC. Their take was that the 50 was a sideways move. In some systems it could improve on my setup and in others less so. Nevertheless I then arranged to hear one. For all the good things I’d heard, I found it initially impressive but ultimately lacking in long term engagement. it fell in line with my personal perception that current Naim sources are impressive but not as engaging as things like the CDS2, CDX2 or CDS3.
On that basis my first reaction reading the OP was that my system but with a Flatcap had also left me cold. It comes to life when the HC DR is added. However, if you like the 50 and prefer a small system then I’d follow the route suggested by others snd absolutely trade up to better speakers.
I would be inclined to keep the 202/200, but only your ears can tell you if that’s the right decision for you. In addition to the cost of a service, you need a decent rack with a separate shelf for each component if you want to optimise the performance of separates, which may have some influence on your decision.
nice system as mentioned service and then enjoy, I had a 202/200 for a few years, certainly agree HCDR would add to the 202, and keep that NAPSC as far away from source as possible
enjoy the music, I also had Stageline S with my LP12 worked nicely
Speaker choice will be partly dependent on the size of your room. If you want a speaker that’s small and goes against the wall I’d take a look at the ProAc Tablette 10 Signature. They look good, sound excellent and will probably be a better fit with the Nait than the Kan. Kans are 40 years old, many are knackered, and they can sound a bit relentless, really coming to life with something like a 72/250. The smaller Russell K speakers also have a good reputation.
If you like a classic look and look for bookshelf speakers then Spendor Classic 4/5 may work well with the Nait 50. They do a wonderful job with my Nait 1. But in these matters the best advice is to trust your ears and go for what you like most.
You seem to be a small systems guy (possibly no accident?) who is wondering if a fabled Naim pre-power is right for you. There is sentiment too, since the pre-power is your Dad’s.
The NAC202, NAP200 doesn’t get much love on the forum but it’s a fantastic amplifier which audiophiles the world over could be very happy with. I always preferred 202, NAPSC, 200 without a FC2.
I endorse @Sloop_John_B 's advice of putting your Nait 50 up against the unserviced items in the first instance and deciding whether you like what you hear from the 202, NAPSC, 200.
What condition is your cartridge in? From memory, it was an early nineties model. Likewise, does your Lingo 2 need a service.
Are your Q Acoustics 3020is optimally placed with bungs in them if <30cm to back wall? The right stands (3000i) make a substantial improvement and are part of Karl-Heinz Fink’s design. Nonetheless, I would add Neat Acoustics ‘Petite’ model to your short list of possible future speakers. But I would sort out the electronics first.
Best, Chris
(Q Acoustics 3010i owner now, and LS3/5a owner for about fifteen years)
As you state it’s a small/medium size living room, I assume you are limited with possibility in positioning the speakers. Then it would be an advantage if the speakers are flexible where it comes to performance regardless of positioning.