Naim Olive

I think that Linn Kan sound very tight
with a Nac 72 .

2 Likes

Your mileage may vary. With the 72-HICAP, I found the Kans unlistenable.

Why’s that Paul?

A generally coarse and uncontrolled sound. Until I heard the Kans on the end of my LP12/Lingo 1/Ekos/Troika/52/250, I thought they were a bad speaker. Then I realized that they were too good for the majority of the systems that their small size and relatively modest cost led them to be used with.

2 Likes

Indeed Kans were made for the best systems,but the Nac 52 was introduced in the end of Linn Kan 2 production…
Many enjoyed them with Nac 32,32,5 and Nac 72 .

1 Like

My first Naim system was Nait 2 CB with Kans. They sounded fantastic but to be fair always in small rooms. Worked my way up from 1 bed flat to 4 bed detached and the Naim upgrades continued. I still have the Nait 2 and Kans so what I am going to say is bound to upset some folk.
I don’t understand the obsession with either. They are limited by today’s standards. My Olive fc/92/90 outperforms the Nait2 (serviced). The Kans are limited by anything other than a 250. They sound absolutely lovely with a 252/250 DR up them. It makes anything less sound flat.
The Nait2 is now feeding a set of easier to drive floor standers. The Kans are in a bedroom with hc/42/250 cb. Both sound the better for it.

1 Like

Thanks Mr T
I will try it myself and see what I think.

Musically, I’m preferring the 729 boards in the NAC 12 and 72.
Sonically, they also work well, cleaning up the sound. The Valhalla/Ittok LP12, bolt down 160, and even Tukans have plenty of warmth so the overall balance is better too - win/win/win :slight_smile:

The 329 boards must have been a very nice upgrade to a 32-5 back in the day. They are mentioned very seldom though. I guess many people at the time chose to upgrade their amps to olive so didn’t just go for the newer input cards. And of course anyone with a 42 or 42-5 was out of luck. I assume the 62 has the circuitry built in - can anyone confirm?

1 Like

I didn’t.

It hasn’t, as the 62 is (apart from improved input switching) almost identical to the 42.5

1 Like

Tried the 72 with and without 324 tape buffer boards and slightly prefer ‘with’ which seemed to make a little more sense of the music at the expense of a tiny bit of clarity.

Not sure we’re allowed to post system clips - system is in garage roof so bass disappears through the floor but it’s fine as an office setup…

9 Likes

Yes I agree,the Tape buffer boards 324 should not be removed from a Nac 72 or Nac 32 or 32.5.

1 Like

I had nac 82, 52 for 20 years I use a 72 of second generation some small differences with the first 72 (including a pair of RCA). My 72 was powered by a Hicap and then by Scap which improves space and smoothness, in relative comparison a Hicap projects the music. Now I use my 72 with Scap DR and 3 nap 250 Olive this suits me wonderfully.
I also use lp12se with Radikal 2 Kandid, cds 2, Isobarik dms in tri passive amplification.
Naim Headline Olive Napsc 2

3 Likes

I prefer the 72 with the tape boards removed.

Couldn’t resist. Olive HeadLine on the way from the bay.

1 Like

What will you power it from?

NAPSC - I really don’t want to add another box. That said I am thinking this is all moving towards a 52 and most of those come with a SC, so I wouldn’t rule that out. I might try it with the HC I have here too, just need a SLIC for that I believe.

Yes, you need a SLIC here. Luckily it’s 2m long so allows you a bit more leeway with positioning the Headline.

Might need to position it out of sight…

NAPSC is as basic power supply as they come. Fine for switching stuff in a 282 no doubt. Ill be intrested what you think of the headphone amp driven by one

I am also interested in that obviously :slight_smile:
I have my sights set on ending up with a 52, adding this as I miss a headphone socket and my other half insists on watching TV etc