Geoff101
16-04-2016, 16:45
This lovely pre-amp has what is regarded to be one of the best built in phono stages out there.
This is quite a rare example being a proper UK market (240v) Mk2 version. Much better built than the Mk1, it features extruded aluminium outer casing (rather than the pressed steel of the mk1), switchable tone controls and substantially updated internals.
It's a really nice piece of engineering. It has a copper inner chassis, shielded toroidal transformer, superb quality components throughout. All the pots (including the balance and tone controls) are ALPS blue rather than just the volume pot as you find in most amps, Elna Cerafine capacitors and so on.
The phono stage is however why most people buy these. Superb quality, it is configurable to adjust either the capacitive loading for MM cartridges or the gain for MC. I think from memory, the instructions also detail how you can meddle with the resistive loading internally should you feel the need. It will easily complete with standalone stages that cost the same as this whole pre-amp.
In full working order, it sounds lovely. Basically just neutral as you would expect. It's properly engineered with relay outputs so no horrible thumps when you switch on / off or change source.
Cosmetically it is very good. There are a few tiny marks as you'd expect with age but nothing significant.
There is one minor piece of repaired damage. The part of the RCA input block for the tuner where you screw it into the back plate had broken off prior to my ownership. It was still secure as they are attached in blocks of three but I felt it wasn't very robust so I have effected a repair to secure it to the screw with hot melt glue. You wouldn't notice from the outside or in normal use but it might be a good idea to avoid very tight interconnects on the tuner input only. All other input and output RCA are fine. Mentioned therefore only in the interests of being completely honest.
I'm only selling as I've gone all patriotic and bought a Sugden to match my CD player. I need some cash to buy a phono stage as my new one is line only and it would be waste just to use the Nak for that.
Supplied with original box, packaging and instructions. I would very much prefer collection but will consider insured postage to established members at buyers cost if absolutely necessary.
Demo most welcome with free tea (and possibly even a biscuit!). We're just outside Bicester (M40, J9).
Price: £375. I'd like to see if it will go at or about that price before considering lower offers. Also on other forums.
Pictures:
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_1.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_2.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_3.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_4.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_5.JPG
This is quite a rare example being a proper UK market (240v) Mk2 version. Much better built than the Mk1, it features extruded aluminium outer casing (rather than the pressed steel of the mk1), switchable tone controls and substantially updated internals.
It's a really nice piece of engineering. It has a copper inner chassis, shielded toroidal transformer, superb quality components throughout. All the pots (including the balance and tone controls) are ALPS blue rather than just the volume pot as you find in most amps, Elna Cerafine capacitors and so on.
The phono stage is however why most people buy these. Superb quality, it is configurable to adjust either the capacitive loading for MM cartridges or the gain for MC. I think from memory, the instructions also detail how you can meddle with the resistive loading internally should you feel the need. It will easily complete with standalone stages that cost the same as this whole pre-amp.
In full working order, it sounds lovely. Basically just neutral as you would expect. It's properly engineered with relay outputs so no horrible thumps when you switch on / off or change source.
Cosmetically it is very good. There are a few tiny marks as you'd expect with age but nothing significant.
There is one minor piece of repaired damage. The part of the RCA input block for the tuner where you screw it into the back plate had broken off prior to my ownership. It was still secure as they are attached in blocks of three but I felt it wasn't very robust so I have effected a repair to secure it to the screw with hot melt glue. You wouldn't notice from the outside or in normal use but it might be a good idea to avoid very tight interconnects on the tuner input only. All other input and output RCA are fine. Mentioned therefore only in the interests of being completely honest.
I'm only selling as I've gone all patriotic and bought a Sugden to match my CD player. I need some cash to buy a phono stage as my new one is line only and it would be waste just to use the Nak for that.
Supplied with original box, packaging and instructions. I would very much prefer collection but will consider insured postage to established members at buyers cost if absolutely necessary.
Demo most welcome with free tea (and possibly even a biscuit!). We're just outside Bicester (M40, J9).
Price: £375. I'd like to see if it will go at or about that price before considering lower offers. Also on other forums.
Pictures:
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_1.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_2.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_3.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_4.JPG
http://www.g32.co.uk/images/CA5_5.JPG