Hi, This is my first post. I’ve heard great things about Naim, but I’ve never had one. I have the opportunity to buy the following set.
Hi Cap power supply, NAC 202 Preamplifier, NAP 200 Amplifier, CDx2 CD Player
They look in great shape, but I don’t know how reliable Naim is given the age of these. I don’t see much Naim where I live (US). Is this a good set up? What is a fair price if everything is functional? Any guidelines on how to test these?
Thanks
Hi Syd - welcome! First thing would be to check the service history. If you can get the S/N of the units, the factory can tell you if/when the last service was done. That would be my first step. Then you can start to think about a fair price. I’d build in the cost of servicing the units depending on age and history when you negotiate.
Those are all great pieces - the hicap, NAC, and NAP should be good for years to come. Many on the forum here have been listening to these for a decade plus and will continue for another.
As for the CDX2, I can’t speak to that as I don’t have a CD player. What I will say is that there have been issues with getting replacement parts for some Naim CD players. May be worth a search of the forum for those conversations, but I’m sure some helpful member will be along shortly to give you the info. 
Enjoy your stay - it’s a great community!
Welcome @sydbarret2001
That’s a great system for sure. However, before you dive in, I’d be asking myself “Do I really want four boxes that enable me to play CDs?” when the cd player itself has an unknown amount of months/years of life left in it? Nothing wrong with CDs or the CD player. The CDX2 is a brilliant CD player - but I am wanting to know more about what you need from a music system.
How do you currently listen to music?
Do you have a large cd collection?
How much time in your week do you spend listening to music?
Have you considered streaming?
I am asking these questions because many people will suggest you could be investing in yesterday’s technology which could fail you tomorrow. (This from someone who wanted to remain CD only and who owns a CDX2 and 1,000 CDs that are all boxed up in the loft/attic.
Not in the US, only Salisbury servicing is recorded.
This thread is good reading as a start
That’s true. Good catch, thanks.
So it’s down to the previous owner seeing a record of any servicing.
I would anticipate servicing is needed and it hasn’t been done. Options for this are limited (av options, anyone else?) and relatively expensive.
I wouldn’t touch the cd player.
If you go for the amps, a napsc is a worthwhile addition to the 202.
Another thing to look out for: dealer support in the US has not been great recently. See below.
You have the making of a very good system if it has been serviced. I would not spend much for the CDX2 as it will be difficult to repair or service. A/V Options is very good for service and there are other options in the US for your amps.
Something no-one has said yet is that Naim amplifiers do have a great reputation for reliability, and in the rare event of problems I believe factory repair possible even on w old models. But, unlike many other hifi amps, it seems that to keep on top formthey do need regular servicing (every 8-15? years depending on model). Separated pre and power amps are generally the route to better sound quality, as is a separate power supply, at least with Naim gear, but of course with extra boxes and cables (and servicing if/when needed).
All CD players, Naim and other makes, suffer from wear and so have a limited life, and whether ir not repairable depends on manufacturer and spares availability - my understanding is that it is purely due to the latter that has caused Naim to have to stop offering repairs on most of its CD players.
Streaming is a whole different subject, and that divides into streaming from your own locally stored files (e.g. ripped CDs or LPs or purchased downloads), or online streaming from one of more of a variety of subscription based service providers. There are pros and cons to each - but most streaming devices can do both. The former is closest to CD in practicality, and once you have set up need not change for many years, whereas the latter requires periodic software updates to keep up with changes online and can render the streaming front end obsolete.
When my last CD players died I switched to streaming, from my own files, and have never regretted, also benefitting from being able to play hi res files, and never a CD skip! If you have a CD collection and the CD player is working and minimal cost, then that would seem worth it for now, but otherwise I would suggest look into streaming (both types).
As a general rule that would only apply to the regulated amplifiers, which the NAP 200 is not.
The price with the CD player is $3325 and $2675 without the CD player. Is that outrageous?
Looks like service is quite pricy.
My main source of music is local files (mostly Flac) on my computer. I have several hundred CDs, and have a Rotel CD player, so I could skip the CD player is it’s too much of a headache. I don’t do online streaming unless when I’m looking to discover new artists.
The price looks fair, depending on condition and service history. The NAC 202, NAP 200 and HiCap would cost you about $4,000 in the used market.
It’s a single owner set, cosmetically in great shape, but no record of any service.
Thank you all, these are all extremely helpful. My other question is improvement in sound. I use ARCAM SA30 and FMJ A39. Sometimes I bi-amp with Arcam PA240. My speakers are Tannoy TD8 and Paradigm Reference Studio 100. Will I notice improvement if I switch to the used NAIM or my speakers are not good enough for this set up?
Welcome to the forum Syd! I live in the Seattle area and purchased my NAIM equipment from a local dealer and have enjoyed the music. I would only buy after having an opportunity to listen to the system.
If you do need the system service their is AVOptions which has a price listing available for service on thier website or you can email them and they will get back to you.
Good luck with your decision.
I moved from Arcam A32 + P35 (earlier versions of your A39) to the Naim Supernaits; initially a SN2 then SN3. The sound stage with Arcam was massive; the speakers just disappeared and the separation of instruments was really impressive. By comparison, the Supernaits - which are similar to the set up you are looking at - sounded more closed in, and more beefy. It took me a while to adjust and appreciate what Naim amps bring. However I spent my time analysing music when I was listening to the Arcam kit. Whereas Naim enabled me to connect with the music and emotion. Arcam engaged my head while Naim engaged my heart to coin a clique.
So I’d say be ready to hear a big difference in the contrast in sound presentation by each manufacturer.
I started with Naim with a NAC202 & NAP200DR about 5 years ago. Both bought second hand. A definite step up from the QUAD setup I was using. I then added NAPSC 2 and Hicap. Both made a positive difference. If they are in good condition I would go for it. They make music come alive and get the foot tapping in away other brands can’t quite manage.
You are most welcome here. Excellent units. If bought from dealer you have their assurance. If no service history, factor in a Naim service to your budget. You will not be disappointed; longevity and support is the Naim of the Gaim!
Bear in mind that if the CDX2 transport dies, you will not be able to get it repaired unless a dealer has some spares. When I bought mine 3 years ago it had been completely overhauled by Naim with completely new internals. I’’m not sure you could do that today, sadly.
Thinking about the current Hi-Fi Racks thread, what support do you use currently? A good rack is important to get the most out of your system.