Upgrade Pathway NAC 122x / NAP 150x & Streaming Advice Please

Hi-Fi Corner
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Hello Naim Community.
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted in here.

This is my Naim / Rega System: -Rega P3-24 TT, Naim CD5x, Naim NAC 122x, Naim NAP 150x, StageLine, Rega R7 Speakers.
Regretaly, it’s been in a storage unit for over 10 years :frowning:

Currently I use a MacBook Pro / Apple Music into Topping Amp / DAC stack and some pretty decent Headphones…it’s been a lot of fun in the Headphone world!

My living circumstance are about to change dramatically and the Naim System will be dusted off and set up again :slight_smile:

I have 2 questions for the community: -

  1. Considering my current system, what is the upgrade path in 2025 - Much has changed since I bought my system. Is it best to upgrade Preamp before Power Amp?
    I have a modest LP / CD collection and I can’t wait to get back playing them again. Mainly CD…probably a 70 / 30 split between CD and LP.

  2. I’ve really enjoyed my Apple Music subscription and will continue with it - How do I add a streaming device into my system ie I want to play my Apple Music Library through my floorstanders. Should I be looking to add a Uniti Atom?

Thanks in advance if you’re able to help me out.

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As your Naim kit has been is storage for 10 years plus, it will probably need servicing.

I would speak to your dealer about this, with a view to changing your pre-amp to a streaming amp.

Both Naim and Linn make good versions of these.

Also depends on how my any boxes you want. Options are one box (Linn DSM / Naim Uniti), two boxes (Linn DSM / Naim Uniti with power amp) or as many as you want (Linn / Naim streamer with pre and power amps, etc.)

There are many threads on here where members have done the same, so some light reading, plus a good chat with your dealer.

Have fun along the way whatever you decide to do.

DG…

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I quite like the 122/150. I’d be tempted to hunt out a second hand ND5xs2 streamer and a FlatCap or HiCap for the 122 and continue with it until funds allow for a big bang upgrade of everything.

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Other than using Airplay, playback of Apple Music will be problematic with Naim streamers.

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Morning, I would add a serviced Flatcap 2X. This would power your CD5x and your NAC122x. I would buy NACA5 speaker cables if you haven’t already.

Sorry, cannot advise on streaming boxes but Naim make them.

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Other threads talk about different routes to streaming. You will probably find Tidal or Qobuz sounds a good deal better than Apple Music for streaming.

I wil leave it to others who use this rote, but a Wiim Pro Plus might be a good starting point for you while you decide about other things.

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Not just Naim streamers, either.

My streaming journey started with iTunes but once I had a streamer that supported it, I moved to Qobuz. I’d certainly recommend a subscription to that or Tidal.

Roger

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Hi @JackRabbitSlims, one of the things this forum is extremely good at is spending other people’s money. Without some idea of budget, any recommendations could be well wide of the mark, so I’d start by deciding how much you’re prepared to spend. And making changes which you subsequently upgrade again is likely to prove more expensive than making the jump in one go.

So I would suggest a visit to a dealer to get some sense of what’s available, how it sounds to you and form an idea of what setup you’re aiming for that’s realistically within budget.

Roger

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Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, the Dealer who sold me my kit is no longer in business and I have since moved to small town NZ. There are no options here and the closest reputable Dealer is a 4-5 hour drive away (for servicing needs).

I’ll send some emails for some advice and pricing etc along with your suggestion of reading through historic posts on the Forum.

Thanks again,
Cheers.

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Thanks for the reply @NickofWimbledon .
Yes after quite a bit of reading and watching YT Vids yesterday…Apple Music could be a headache.
I’ll keep doing my research and perhaps consider a shift over to Tidal to make life a little easier.

Cheers!

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Thanks @PeakMan - I appreciate your reply and suggestions - some good advice there!

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Thanks @Christopher_M - I appreciate your input and suggestions!

Cheers.

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I would start with the source. Qobuz is better sounding than Apple to me, so I would get an ND5 XS2. If it’s too hard to leave Apple because you have many playlists, I would get an inexpensive standalone streamer ( I think Blusound supports Apple?) and a Chord Qutest.
The Qutest has prat, is compact, and you need to spend a lot to better it. I thought the Qutest was better than the DAC in the NDX2, for example.

If you must upgrade your amps, I wouldn’t bother with anything but a Supernait 3. Having had a 112/150, and then adding a Flatcap 2 to it…yes the Flatcap improves performance, but it’s a bit of a halfway measure compared with the big leap offered by the SN3.

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I’d get it all set up, live with it for a few weeks, then consider where you want to go.
An ND5XS2 would be an option

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Thanks for the reply @snarfy I have no problem leaving Apple for another provider…I’ve just been using Apple for a number if years, like the Hi Res Lossless option and the UI.

Yes, I’ve been doing a whole bunch of reading over the last few days and the Supernait 3 could be a great upgrade path :slight_smile:

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Thanks @Svetty.
Totally agree…I can’t wait to have it all set up again and playing music. I’ll definitely be living with it for a few months before making any major decisions.

Cheers.

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Using Qobuz, you can import your Apple Playlists using Soundiiz, so you won’t need an extra streamer.

Works well, done it with old Apple playlists.

DG…

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@DiggyGun Good to know - Thank you :slight_smile:

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Someone might have said it, but a Flatcap 2 will power up both CD and preamp.
A hicap on preamp will of course be better.
I do like those speakers, they’d love a 250 or 135’s

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Eversolo A6, A6ME,A8. These devices will solve your problem with Apple Music. They support all streaming services, as well as Internet radio and roon.

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