Hi I have opportunity of a Naim NAC 202 .. I have an older Naim Nap 150 sat in a cupboard. As money is tight and I cannot afford a Nap 200 at present ‘ would the 150 a good starting point ? Thanks opinions appreciated..
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Yes, the 150 will be fine. Make sure you get the two link plugs with the 202.
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As HH says, it’ll be fine driven by the NAP150. Note though that the NAP150 pre-amp supply is very basic (the one in the NAP150x was a fair bit better and the NAP200 better still) so there are good gains to be had by upping the PS ante on the NAC202.
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As the guys have said it will be fine but question, are you intending to use instead of the Nait 2 with your P9 (nice deck)? If so you’ll need a phono stage.
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Yes will be replacing the Nait 2 as my speakers are a little hungry .. Yes I was wondering about getting a naim MM stage? Should do the job ?
I 
think all the plugs are in it output psu -link 1 upgrade 1 and on the left AUX 2 in and power
Depends on cartridge? If it’s a Rega cartridge maybe a Rega stage.
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Richard what is the difference between the standard nap 200 and the DR version? is it the better quality power supplies you were talking about?
The NAP200DR has an improved onboard pre-amp supply using a DR regulator - the amplifier itself though is basically the same.
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If you don’t want to buy a Hicap to power the 202 I would definitely consider a 200DR. As Richard says, it provides DR regulated power to the preamp, but not to the power amp itself. Still not as good as a separate Hicap, but it does work well.
A 200DR will also be newer than the non-DR version, which is more likely to require a service/recap. Always check the service history of any amp before you buy it.
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I have decided on this amplifier the DR version of the NAP200 with the NAC 202..I will sell the nap150. I am driving Harbeth P3SR speakers and want to get the best from them at lower volumes.. The Nait 2 has a lovely sound ‘but I think the Innuos Zenith Mk3 deserve some oommpphh.. its a great music server..
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That’s a good plan. Then, after you have enjoyed that setup for a while, next step, the NAPSC…
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Well got the 202 and the 200 DR .. Very good even from cold… The remote has a few functions to work out. Is the 200 DR sesitive to speaker cables as I using Linn k20 at the moment. 2 times 5 meter lengths. Think will go the full mile and get a Hi Cap.. Thanks for all the advice.. The music server innuos Zenith Mk3 is really singing now.. I Would leave photo if I could understand how to upload photos here. Oh they sent me a Black Snaic apparantly better…. And a Naim lite Power lead?
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Goal you are enjoying the new amp. 5m of LK20 is a great match for any Naim amp as long as it is properly terminated with suitable banana plugs.
A Hicap is a great upgrade, but do consider Richard’s advice about to get a NAPSC too. It’s not an alternative to a Hicap, it’s a separate power supply for the digital control circuit in the 202 that cleans up the sound a bit. It’s relatively cheap and small enough to hide under the rack in most cases.
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Deltron plugs at speaker end and naim terminations at amp end
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Can you run a Hi Cap and a NAPSC at the same time?
Yes.
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Personally I prefer them the other way round because it makes the cables sit better, but either way it’s an ideal cable.
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I’d source a Napsc before HicapDR.
Perhaps enjoy a couple of weeks before any change, then the little Napsc is really a surprising icing on the cake.
Definitely. The Napsc makes the 202 sound more natural. I wouldn’t rush to get a Hicap, which really needs to be a Hicap DR in order to beat powering from the 200DR. I’d get a Napsc and then live with it for six months.
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