I am currently building my hifi system from the ground up after 10 years of using a nad m51 and genelc 8030 speakers. I use to have a nail unity qute prior and really loved it and thus want to start buying naim again. Not sure about the uk, but prices here in Australia are crazy so it will be a slow burn process.
There is a nap100 for sale second hand at a dealer and wondering if it would be enough to drive the ls50 metas. They are currently being feed by a Yamaha rxa 2020 receiver but I am thinking of putting the nap100 and use the pre out of the yamaha until I can get a bit more cash and invest in a bigger naim unit.
I also still have the nad m51 but to be honest I really need the arc hdmi for now until my control 4 dealer can come and re program the system which is about 6 weeks away.
Might even get rid of the Yamaha and get a cheap wiim ultra plus the nap 100 until that time.
Thoughts and recommendations? Any potential drwback with older naim Amps? Need servicing?
First off, welcome to the forum!! This is a great place with tons of good advice and helpful people. Enjoy your stay
I’ve driven LS50 Metas with both a UQ1 and an NAP 155XS. In my experience, the UQ just doesn’t have enough muscle to adequately drive the LS50s. The 155 is just fine though.
A NAP100 is going to add more power than a UQ - probably better than your Yamaha, but won’t get the best out of the LS50s. They like good, clean power - and when they get it, they really open up. In particular, the separation and soundstage improve significantly. Not to mention the grip on the bass.
Many people that are disappointed with the KEFs, saying they sound weedy and thin, are those that don’t feed them with quality electronics. Those are the ones that sell them on.
So if it’s a short / medium term solution with the NAP100, would probably be ok. But to get the best out out of the KEFs, you’re going to need to move up the ladder to something with a little more cowbell.
As for servicing - yes, it’s always a good idea to get a unit serviced if it’s in the range where the factory recommends it. I just did with my UQ1 2 years back (purchased in 2011). I’d recommend checking the service history and age on the NAP100 before purchasing and include the service cost into the budget if it hasn’t been done.
Thanks for the reply and feedback. Yes definitely helps.
Is the amplification of the nap100 a lot different than the atom? One of the reviews (Andrew Robinson) mentioned the ls50 meta only really started coming along and open up, which the atom. On paper they are close, but the power supply might be different…
I am considering the atom as well given it is on special at $3500 aud but still a tad too early for me spend that much on an amp right now ( just spend a lot on two new cars and paid the 4 weeks ski trip in USA)..
Funny how naim gear makes you want to come back to it. Prior to the unit I qute I had a Cyrus amp/dac and though it was good, to me the naim was better overall.
The star is all high on the list if it is on special when I can pull the trigger..
It does. I spent 10 years wandering in the non-Naim wilderness before coming back.
On the Atom, I’m not sure as I don’t have one. There are plenty here that could give you their opinion as they’re quite popular. And if you could audition that combo at a dealer, that would be best. You can hear for yourself if it works.
