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View Full Version : FS / Swap: Naim System - Nait 3, CD3.5 and Flatcap


Geoff101
11-07-2014, 19:36
My first classified post on this forum but for those who that might concern, I'm an established member over on Wigwam under the same user name.

I bought myself this system a while back to 'scratch a Naim itch' as I'd fancied a set since they used to sit in the window of my local hifi shop back when I hadn't a hope of affording such things.
Curiosity duly satisfied, despite this being a fine sounding system (don't know why people diss the Nait3), I prefer the neutrality of my Tag / Audiolab system so I thought I'd see whether anyone fancied either buying it or swapping me for a nice set of speakers.

For a straight sale, I'm asking £650

In terms of a swap, standmounts seem to work best in my room and nothing too bright please as it's all laminate floor. I had a set of Neat Petites a while back which were too forward in the treble. My room isn't that big and the speakers fire across the short (approx 3.5m) width of it.
I'm currently running a set of Q Acoustic 2020i which despite only being intended to be a cheap temporary measure are actually a fine little speaker. Would need to be significant upgrade on those.
It's a longshot but I quite fancy trying a set of Totem Model Ones or possibly some Spendors.

Due to the lack of boxes, this will need to be a face to face deal so collection only for a sale (Bicester) with free tea and biscuits (if my daughter hasn't eaten them all). In the case of a swap, I would suggest we split fuel cost whoever travels.

Naim system:

Comprises a Nait 3, CD3.5, Flatcap PSU, one Naim interconnect and a Naim power lead to connect the flatcap to the CD. In very good condition and working. There are a couple of light scratches on the amp (pictured) but they don't break the paint. When I bought it, the chap said that the CD occasionally didn't recognise the disk on the first attempt. It seemed OK to me but as a precaution, I purchased a new Naim puck for it. I've always been careful about how I place the CD and puck but it hasn't refused to read for me or skipped during the time I was using it. I also cleaned the lens and drawer as both were quite dirty. Mentioned therefore only to be completely open.
CD remote is included and working but it is missing its battery cover. Uses standard Philips codes.
No boxes but original manuals supplied

System:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/naim1.JPG

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/naim2.JPG

Nait3:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/nait3_1.JPG

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/nait3_2.JPG

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/nait3_3.JPG

CD3.5:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/cd35_1.JPG

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/cd35_2.JPG

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/cd35_3.JPG

Flatcap:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/flatcap1.JPG

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/flatcap2.JPG
Wilbur
13-07-2014, 01:03
How about a pair of Spendor BC2?
Geoff101
13-07-2014, 07:34
Hi Paul,

Thanks for the offer but probably a bit too big for me to get away with!

Geoff
Wilbur
15-07-2014, 03:29
Aww,thats a shame....sound lovely :eyebrows:
Geoff101
15-07-2014, 10:42
I don't doubt it. The closest I've come is a set of B&W DM4 I used to have.

Any other offers out there?

Geoff
synsei
15-07-2014, 11:42
Hmmm, very tempting. I own a pair of ART Skibo's (see below) which can be run either as a floorstander (sitting on top of their bass bins) or the upper section can run without them, this makes them a very flexible speaker system. One other feature which might interest you is that the output of the tweeter can be tailored to suit your room (and equipment) dependant on which binding post the leads are attached to (you will need to make up some jumpers if you intend to use the top section without the bins). Sounds complicated but really, it isn't.

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/Skibofrontbare.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/Skibofrontbare.jpg.html)

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/Skiboside.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/Skiboside.jpg.html)

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/5b86800d-1394-4dff-875f-c5cdaa90c2d8.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/5b86800d-1394-4dff-875f-c5cdaa90c2d8.jpg.html)

Sorry about the 'Leaning Tower Of Pisa' filter in my camera, I don't seem to be able to disable it :) Incidentally, I have the original boxes and packaging for these too.
Geoff101
15-07-2014, 13:18
Again, thanks for the offer Dave. I think the exposed tweeter would make your Arts a no go for me due to the risk of child finger damage! Just having a read up on them, they certain attract some polarised opinions (both love and hate)!

You're welcome to make me an offer if you fancy the Naim gear though. More than happy to demo it for you as you're not too far away.

Geoff
synsei
15-07-2014, 13:31
Again, thanks for the offer Dave. I think the exposed tweeter would make your Arts a no go for me due to the risk of child finger damage! Just having a read up on them, they certain attract some polarised opinions (both love and hate)!

You're welcome to make me an offer if you fancy the Naim gear though. More than happy to demo it for you as you're not too far away.

Geoff

No worries Geoff, I will say they sound fabulous hanging off the end of my system though :) They are not exactly child friendly, I grant you. Luckily mine are all old enough to appreciate that they are delicate :whistle:

Actually sir I am more interested in the CD 3.5 than I am the Nait 3 ;)
Geoff101
15-07-2014, 13:47
Sent you a PM Dave.
Geoff101
18-07-2014, 12:50
Pre-weekend bump.
Geoff101
25-07-2014, 08:05
^^^^
Geoff101
28-07-2014, 09:41
Possibly travelling from Bicester to Dartford area on Wednesday if that helps anyone?
DSJR
28-07-2014, 11:29
Just a thought or two from yours truly.

The Nait 3 DOES get bad vibes mainly because it's a bit gutless sounding. HOWEVER!!!!!!! Although Naim down-played this fact, it used to be possible to fit a factory-kit which split the preamp and power amp, as the 5 series did/do, effectively turning the amp into an 'integrated' 92/90 (yes I know that's basically what the Nait 3 is) and this means the preamp section could quite easily gain it's own Flatcap! The difference this makes to the amp is little short of amazing, giving it a whole new lease of life and a bit of 'authority' in the sound. I believe there may be other tiny mods to upgrade the sonics too (look on the Acoustica site), as I'm sure I've read that a resistor change may all that's necessary to 'de-hobble' the preamp section...???...

BC2's (at least mine) are a bit rough in the very upper midrange by modern Spendor and Harbeth standards, but the family resemblance in the vocal midrange and a far better bass than BC1's is still very much there :) I haven't had the confidence to remove the main driver dust-cap as suggested by a Spendor engineer, let alone fit a phase plug as he also suggested, but this may well sort out the crossover region, which isn't quite as smooth as the BC1 can be...
Geoff101
28-07-2014, 12:30
I wouldn't call it gutless (but then I would like to sell it and calling it such isn't really going to help that). In fact for 30wpc, I find it pretty meaty. I haven't tried running huge floorstanders with it but into sensible loads, it holds a very good account of itself. It has a warmer sound with a little more mid-bass than my 8000P (which some criticise for being clinical) and I think sounds pretty fine for what it is. It's certainly the best sounding 30 watts I've heard.
The build quality is superb and it is in very good condition inside.
Geoff101
03-08-2014, 09:49
And up...
Geoff101
09-08-2014, 12:06
Weekly bump...
droom
10-08-2014, 10:07
Naim N-Sats and stands (not Naim)
Geoff101
10-08-2014, 11:08
Hi David,

Those would really need a sub I presume? I've actually just acquired an old set of Mission 752 F which are a lot better than I was expecting and suit my room quite well (although still a little forward with vocals) so I might prefer a straight sale now.
droom
10-08-2014, 11:29
Hi David,

Those would really need a sub I presume? I've actually just acquired an old set of Mission 752 F which are a lot better than I was expecting and suit my room quite well (although still a little forward with vocals) so I might prefer a straight sale now.

Definitely don't need a sub. Best not to spoil them in a stereo set up! Sub if using in a surround sound set up for bass effects. Just need high quality equipment before them as they are very revealing.
Geoff101
11-08-2014, 12:53
Thanks for the offer David but having had a read up, I don't think they're for me. My room (and presumably system) tends to make a lot of speakers sound bright so I think these would be likely to be the same.

Open to offers for a straight sale.
Geoff101
16-08-2014, 12:39
Weekly bump. Offers invited.
Geoff101
26-08-2014, 09:50
Weekly bump.
Geoff101
10-09-2014, 13:52
Now sold. Thanks.