5-20 received yesterday and revived toady

[Nakman]

Thanks Greg

I shall check the nail varnish selection out then!

A trip to .... probably a shop that sells heat paints --- engine paints perhaps

Yes the covers - maybe something of a saga - but we shall see.

Im still acquainting myself with where the 'modern valve movement' has been able to go to - assuming the WAD story since 93 is indicative.
I was almost stunned at the 300 b pp's Richard is selling - mind you I know no one who is into hifi very much -so dont get to see or listen to good kit when visiting anywhere and we live very very remotely so I am easily impressed.

I am devouring the relevant postings here and wish I understood more. Im writing to the original owner enquire about the accompanying pre amp tonite.

Does anyone reading this have any knowledge of the june 93 pre in HiFi World based around 2 ECC88's. Originally it didnt have a phono input ... or tape monitor switch which is important to me as a very keen Nak user.

I am SO happy to have valves again and I am glad to be able to share some of that joy here. I have been enjoying the outer reaches of hell known as digital music thru this new arrival - that should expand my musical opions from vinyl and tape somewhat.
Ian

amdg

[Mark Wood]

If memory serves me correctly, the first preamplifier article was really a prototype for the rather short-lived kit which came before KLPP-1 (I think that's the right designation), the preamplifier kit with built in phono stage.

It was a simple cathode follower circuit (no gain) and I think the final kit version (with the proper case) had a tape monitor switch.

I have all of the articles (somewhere!) although I think they're now available as a complete set from WD.

[Nakman]

Thanks for that Mark - I think the original builder is going to hang onto it for a while yet - so I shall try and locate a cheapo alternative to a SNAPs power supply to let me use an early bolt up Naim pre 12 or 42 or 32 as I have all to try.

It may sound like heresy but its whats here at present.

[Nakman]

In the absence of a valve pre I sorted thru the redundant naim pre's tonite and settled on the old Naim 12 pre and a 42 as experiments,

The change over the Denon was rather a surprise as it almost seemed too revealing to have that Naim 'drive' pushing thru the power amps. The 12 is actually older the monobloks - maybe 10-12 years older. In my happy browsing thru the WD postings I saw the 12 was suggested as a possible contender.

Tried the 42 next, but it was even more forward and ... maybe brash is the right word. It was more revealing but not so pleasant as the 12 so the recomending of the 12 seems right so far

I shall try the 32.5 tomorrow, I hope it will be subtler than the 12.

This experiment tonite hasnt had the desired outcome ie finding what I have in house to feed the 5-20 that provides more of the harmony the mullard is producing. I dont think the Naims are right for anything longterm. But I see their prices are good on ebuygum at present. The Denon is no where near as revealing as the naims but gave plenty of singalong joy in the last week.Which is a true measure for this household.

Still not plugged n the 'bariks yet.

[Ali Tait]

Perhaps sell all the Naims and buy the pre3? All who have it say it's excellent.

[pre65]

Good advice !!

The Pre3 (and PSU3 power supply) is exceedingly good.

(don't know if Mr Kipling has one ?)

[Nakman]

Eek! Thanks for the input. What you say is correct and my wife will thank you for it but I have had the Naims since 1981 ish so its a long period of self programming to unpick. Also the situation is a tad complicated in that various close friends want me to sell them Naim kit as they have enjoyed mine over the years ... hmmm.

Thinking back to my Radford and Leak pre's they were not the strong points of those set up's. If the designs are broadly the same - is it down to better specced components or for instance - the advent of for instance CAD etc that makes modern valve pre's so tickety boo?

The original builder has contacted me and kindly offerred notes and spare Sovte ks.... I suspect he has a hint of depression and thats why he gave the bloks away - so I dont want to add to his woes - BUT - I might ask if I could borrow his pre for an audition.

The word shameless comes to mind.

[pre65]

Although many old valve amps have achieved "classic" status (and prices !) the accompanying pre amps don't seem to have done the same.

The Pre 3 is a well designed (and good looking) pre amp and the use of transformers to drive the power amp (s) and the ability to drive long cables is to me,its strong point.

It's a pity you are not near anyone who has one so you could hear it for yourself.

[Nakman]

Im some 40 miles from Glasgow and some 55 from edinburgh

But I expect you are right ..... hi fi used to be such a common interest ... and now.

Ho hum

Nice thought though pre - a listen and music sharing session is a rare rare treat these last years

[Ali Tait]

Yes,as Philip says,the pre3 uses output transformers,so avoids impedance mismatches,and will drive long lengths of interconnects if you so desire.Don't lump it in with classic pres,it's a completely different kettle of fish.I daresay if you heard one you would be gobsmacked.