Choosing a preamp

I am looking for a preamp to drive a Avondale NCC200/260z amp.

As the budget option, my initial thought was to go for a 32.5/42.5/62. I'm not afraid of wielding a soldering iron, as I'll need to supply the preamp with some power. For this I'll be looking at the APX boards or ALW's super reg.

I also like the looks and convenience of the 112/ Nait 5, since the secondhand price isn't too different.

Am I right in thinking the Nait 5 can be used as a preamp ? This will also give me a point of reference of when I deploy a NCC200 and something to listen to when I'm building it. Or for the sake of sound quality will I be better off going for the 112 ?

Any thoughts on a tweaked 32.5-62 compared with a Nait 5 or 112 doing preamp duties ?

Are there similar tricks that can be applied to the Nait 5 / 112 ?

Are there other pramps out there I should be considering ?
(2nd hand)

budget is dependent on vfm - I may decide to spend 100gbp on an old 32.5, 10gbp on R and C, 50gbp on a dedicated diy supply or I might go for a 112 or Nait 5 if it is at least as good as the 32.5-62, especially if it can be tweaked without too much effort / cost.

Should I be considering other preamps ? (Linn Kairn?)

Cheers

 

firestorm,
yes the nait 5 can be used as a preamp (i'm doing this currently) however the din connectors and naims earthing topologyu make it a bit of a pain to use with non naim, rca equipped amps so if i were you i'd look at pre's from ldf, dynavector, densen, dnm, and a few others or maybe try a valve amp for a different kind of sound.
at the end of the day it's down to you to decide what you like.
cheers

julian

 

Julian,
Some of the reasons I'm looking at Naim preamps :

1) they seem to be highly regarded - I want to hear what the fuss is about !
2) theres loads of them 2nd hand
3) I do like the look of them
4) theres lots of info and people with experience improving these things

The only Naim gear I've heard is a Nait 5, with a CD5 and with and without a FC2. It sounded flat to me ! The FC2 lifted the presentation and made it much more enjoyable.

What I really want to hear is a Primare 30.1, Densen Beat 100 and Moon I3 at the same place. But thats going to be very difficult. I've listened to the Moon I3 and I think its brilliant, got all the pace of the Nait 5, but also projects space and atmosphere.

 

firestorm,
naim gear is a love it or hate it thing so if you don;t like it then don;t worry however be aware that the olive naim gear sounds different to the new 'tryptich' stuff so take a listen. if you are near st albans then james at tom-tom audio is a decent bloke, has a good stock of 2nd hand naim gear and will let you listen to different kit. he's a bit more expensive than the norm but the gear comes with a full refund 12 month warranty, can;t say fairer than that for the service.
the moon is indeed a capable amp, have a talk to merlin as he may have some insight into how to source one a bit cheaper than normal.
i've not heard the densen stuff but primare is reputed to be good but in a more traditional hi-fi, air and soundstage way but then i've not heard primare stuff either.
cheers

julian

 

Hi

Ive recently purchased a DIY kit valve pre... but as you say you're not looking for that.

Another option I was considering is the Finestra pre. As Ive been told, this is a Tom Evans design and a precursor to the groove.

Theres one at PJ hifi in guildford for just £350 - you normally see them used about £500. Ive heard one (at Julians actually) and found it very clear detailed and full of life. At that price a bargain.

Audio Finestra pre used £1,100 £350

Here's a link
http://www.pjhifi.co.uk/pj/special_offers.html

Chris

 

I've put in a bid for a Naim 62, but I'll probably get sniped, 2 seconds before the auction ends.

Ever since my Cyrus II blew up I have been through months of indecisions, going to dealers trying out their kit. Not much has really hit the spot, except the Moon.

I've also be revisited by the diy bug, which I had abandoned almost 20 years ago. When I had succesful built a maplin mosfet amplifier which had done me proud for a number of years.

If I end up with the 62, then I'll be building myself an Avondale ncc200 power amp. The other options I considered were R Slone's optimos, Nelson Pass Aleph * and JHL Class A amp. The avondale because it is reputed to be as good or better than 135/250, the parts and pcbs are readily available. The last three pcbs are not so easily come by, plus heatsinking / hardware issues are more critical.

I can always take the easy option and buy myself a ready built amp, but I'll miss out on the solder fumes !

A new Moon at 1550 gbp is out of my budget, I'll need to find something in the 500 - 800 gbp range that sounds the same or better.

Thanks for all your view, comments and advice -

More gratefully received !

 

I'd echo the 62 option, it's a great pre in its own right, give it to Les at Avondale to play with, and it's excellent.

Pog has a modded 62, nuff said.

 

The 62 is a fine preamp. However, if you ever find a Densen B200 pre, it'll worry an 82/Hi for a lot less money in all areas. You should pick one up s/h for 500 GBP or less if you are lucky enough to find one at all.

 

Got the 62, so I'll be going that route. See what the naim flat earthers have been going on about.

Next on the to do list is to make a psu for the thing, as I shan't be using a Naim amp. I've ordered an avondale amp.

I'll do a small write up when I have it sorted.

Cheers