Dear all
I have a Naim setup comprising of a Nap150 pre amp Nac112 power cap 2 cd player Nac CD5 driving a Sonus Faber concerto via a Naim cable . I have had this system for over 26 yrs no problems no failures however I’m told that the system should be sent to Naim for servicing total cost about £1500 is this correct?
Servicing old hifi kit as it ages is certainly a good idea and Naim is a company who pride themselves in providing this service, even for their earliest kit. That way you can be sure it will be returned sounding as good as when it was new.
Your dealer can provide an estimate for the cost. There’s also a more affordable alternative to a factory service by going to Class A, who are factory approved and use factory parts. For a 5 series system that might make more financial sense.
Problem is that much of that is worth less than the servicing costs.
Sometimes what something is worth financially is not the same as what it is worth to you personally.
Also how much would it cost to replace. A service when needed is always better than chucking away and buying new.
Over that 26 years you probably have not noticed the sound degrading, when serviced the difference will stick out like a sore thumb.
I would have your kit serviced, Darran at Class A is superb to deal with and a first class service, forgive the pun.
I think the cost vs what your kit is worth has some merit, but the amount of time you have enjoyed your system should outweigh the costs.
We had our 102 serviced and recently part exchanged it for a 282 with TomTom Audio, the part exchange was more than reasonable as it was a fully serviced 1998 model (28 years old) and you could say that the cost of the service at maybe 50% of the value could be questionable.
But no the value is in what it gives back and the longevity of something that has provided you with entertainment over the period of ownership.
Best example I can give you personally, we purchased a 2002 Landrover Freelander for £1200 and over the seven years of ownership we must have spent maybe three time that amount.. but never let us down, passed all MOT etc before going to the great scrap yard in the sky…worth it yes every penny.
Thank you for the advice the truth is that my hearing has probably been degrading at the same rate as the system that’s why it cal ways sounds so great
I’d follow Richard’s advice.
And this is sensible.
I would agree with this - if you think you’ll stick with this for another 3-5 years, do it. Look at it this way - you’ve spent zero on maintenance over the past 26 years. And if you do decide to sell it all, with service you’ll get a good chunk of that £1.5k back
If it were me I’d service the Flatcap and the 150. With the money saved try to find a NAC122x or 152xs. Both are much better than the 112. CD players don’t need servicing and may get damaged in transit and become un repairable.
but you’re pushing him up the ladder. let him be with what he has
I’m sure the OP can make their own assessment of my suggestion.
Personally with the potential 1500 servicing cost I’d buy a Supernait 1 and if I liked it I’d sell the NAC112 and NAP150, keep the FC and CD5 after having the FC serviced by Class A
Years ago I had a 112x/150x and then went to 202/200 and then SN1. The 202/200 was close to the SN1 but was a huge step up over the 112/150 whilst keeping the grittier sound of the pre DR classic stuff, that I prefer.
You clearly love the sound so rather than swap the equipment as some seem to be suggesting, I would have it serviced by Class-A in Sheffield. They can arrange collection and delivery back to you.
Best if you still have the original boxes, otherwise pack it well in a large box (1 box per piece of equipment) with plenty of bubble wrap.
If you are planning to go on holiday for a week or two, why not plan to have it serviced then so you don’t miss it?
If you wish to keep the combo for another decade ? its well worth the outlay, otherwise maybe not.
However, and thats a big however….the early 112 may not be fully serviceable ? and spareparts for CD5 is rare as hens teeth, hence Naim probably don’t fully service them anymore..
In case you like to proceed, I’d consult your dealer or Naim directly, depending on your location.
I asked for service cost for my old TV receiver: Unitiqute, the price was more than it was worth on the second hand market, plus the hassle of sending forth and back..I went for a Atom instead.
It applies to humans too. Naim older gear is more entertaining and more innocent than most.
Leave it as be
I also have the 112/150 combo from new, it’s never that well regarded but I think it’s a great combo…personally I have no plans to have it serviced, we are just growing old and less capable together!
I like that I’m inclined to think the same it’s like an old faithful friend never missed a beat thanks for that
I used to have that exact same system. I have also had pretty much every olive and chrome bumper product, along with a Nait 50, Supernait 3 and Nait XS3. You’re happy with what you have. Get it serviced and stay content.