As per the title if it were you what would you choose 72/hicap/140 well looked after and serviced or a supernait 2?
72 Hi 140
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Depends really, what’s the other kit used in the chain ?
They are both good choice albeit very different.
The service is a big plus.
Maybe buy both amps if budget allow, you don’t mention prices.
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Source is ndx 1, 1200G vinyl player, choice of two phono stages cyrus classic or a all valve stage, innuos hard disk player, prices equal for both.
Choice for me is old school olive, which I love or newer school snait.
The SN is a fine amplifier. Just one box, nice and neat. Add a HCDR and you get a little more music.
The NAC72 - HC - NAP140 is a different listen. No less interesting, maybe less analytical, but more soulful, more boogie. If you like a lot of vinyl, I think this would be my first choice.
Good luck
R
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Holding all equal the olive boxes are going to sound better sonically. Not sure how the 140 holds up dynamically to the SN but the sonics will be better to my ears. But the olive boxes are old. If they are recently serviced and you can be assured you have at least 5+ years of life in them they could be worthwhile. If you really like the olive boxes I’d look for a recently serviced 250 if such a thing exists now. 72/HC/250 was pretty great.
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If recently serviced (the OP mentioned they are serviced) then they will be great for 10 years. Then service them again for another 10 years !!
Now pushing 70, I am hoping my 72 Hi 180 will outlive me. And I aim to have a very long life !!
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Excellent source all in.
I’d probably go for Olive if you like the phono cards in Nac 72 and Nap 140 is enough for speakers (not mentioned)
SN2 is more powerfull but doesn’t have the Olive signature nor serviced.
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Olive is special, and 72/HC/140 is one of the formidable olive setups. Take some run-in time and soon you will hear the soul of Naim.
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I got the 62 / hicap /140 some 40 years ago, and have never thought I needed to change (upgrade?) since…
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In my experience olive amp performance is fading before 10 years. Though get more time with the PS and even more withe pre-amps. The decline is slow and not always noticeable but you sure notice when you get the amp back from service. Big difference.
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Whenever the conditions are flawless, i think the latter. These CB or olive combo are so engaging and full of character, they look great too
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42.5/110/HiCap replaced an XS3 here. Not a very difficult choice, even when turned on from cold. It’s a different choice than the OP asks though.
I like the look of the separate amps, but you do need more space to accommodate them.
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