That’s lovely to hear Murmur, and thank you. You do seem to have put a great classic system together with one of my all time favourite amps, the bolt down 160!!
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Thanks.
That’s high praise indeed for the BD160 coming from yourself and I certainly won’t argue against, having owned most of the CB amps now.
As someone who values the original pre/power partnerships, I still can’t get over how well it combines with this unserviced 72. Didn’t think the 12S would ever get dislodged.
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Funny you have hit upon that combo. Around 23 years ago i had a lovely 72/140 with an LP12/Ittok/Karma and B&W Nautilus 805S. A friend brought round his battered unserviced NAP 160 bolt down. After plugging it in and playing one of my favourite tracks, i don’t think i’ve ever had such a wow moment in hifi as that. It completely crushed the 140 and sent me on a search for my own. I had 160 CB extruded case 160s before and after, but the bolt down was something else entirely, as close to good valve from a transistor as i’ve heard. Never sell your 72/160😎
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That’s a nice story and good to hear.
I certainly won’t ever sell them, or the 12 just in case. They still have their original boxes too which is rare for these old amps.
The only stone I’d still like to turn is the bolt down 12/NAPS/250 combo but they are super rare now. Don’t suppose you ever heard them?
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Only other BD i’ve heard was a bolt down 250 with a fresh factory service. I think at the time i had a 282, and the combo sounded soft and slow in comparison to whatever i was using at the time. I was really surprised as i fully expected to be wowed, but in fairness it likely needed the 12 to go with it…
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Gary, how would you compare 50 to Nait5(or XS3) and SN3?
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The Nait 50 retains some of the original Nait 1 traits, albeit not quite as engaging in terms of timing, but better in detail, layering and composure. Anyone who has spent time with early chrome bumper stuff will understand where i’m coming from. As regards to the other Naits, the 50 holds up well, and surpasses them in most aspects. I’d say the overriding attribute is neutrality with the 50, having less of a character than the others. It responds extremely well to quality source material which suggests a very transparent quality design.
What it does less well i think, is fill larger spaces at lower volume, or work as effortlessly with more demanding speakers, like a SuperNait might do. In those aspects, much like the original Nait1, even though at low volume i think the original was actually better.
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I really liked the N50. I had mine for about a year and agree with all your comments. The reason I didn’t keep it was that I couldn’t make it sound well balanced in a vintage LP12 system. It likes a more neutral (i.e., modern) front end, which makes sense really. Even my daughters Planer 2 sounded better balanced. I nearly bought a new P3 50th to partner it but decided to stick with the old girl instead 
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yes you can cut sheet glass with that LED! Had to tame mine with a panel mount led cover a small bit of tinfoil in it and two blobs of white tack ….
other than that an utter stonker of an amp! Well done Naim.
Gaz
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There’s simpler methods to cut down that glare that many of us have used and you can’t even tell.
Look back at earlier discussions on this thread to see info.
yes I read about a few but wants a green halo similar to the nd5xs2 below. I know we all get creative when needs be!
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I figure i must be one of the few who likes the bright light, saves electricity.
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Like you Jamie I’ve got no issue with the bright light , I can read from it 
Obviously there for a reason
Initially, yes, the LED seemed bright, but I no longer notice it.
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mee too, I no longer notice it
I’ve got used to it, but the neighbours are still complaining
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Yes and that’s from someone who was using a serviced Nait 2 CB to drive his SBLs! I really love the 50.
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Sounds interesting. Looks like I’ll have to look for one in the next 12-24 months
Only one thousand nine hundred seventy three made, don’t hesitate.
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