Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Can I use my Naim amps with my 502?

Afternoon all,

As I'm waiting for a 557/559 to become available (patience, patience), does anyone know if I'll be able to use my Naim monoblocks (NAP135s/Hicap) with my 502? I assume I'll need a new lead from the Hicap to the 502 - if it's possible?

A 502 is a standard pre-amp, and will drive both balanced outputs (like Meridian active speakers) as well as more traditional unbalanced outputs (most any power amp).

I'm not sure what input the Naim power amps have but finding the right cables is probably the biggest thing.

The Hicap is a power supply and won't be needed with a 502 as it has it's own PSU built in unlike Naim preamps.

Ah, good point JohnnyM. Sounds like it might be a bit of a pain as the 135s link to the Hicap which itself links to the Naim pre (in a full Naim pre/power setup). I'm not sure if the 135s can work without the Hicap. Hmm.

I'm pretty sure you should be able to get the 502 and 135's working without the Hicap you just need the right cables. Not sure what the input connection is on the 135 (I only ever had a NAP110) but looking at some of the pictures of them on google they may (!) be balanced XLR input which would mean you'd just need 2 x XLR leads. Have a look in the manual if you still have one or call flashback sales how seem to know plenty about Naim cables. The 502 can output balanced XLR or unbalanced phono.

Do you drive the H2's with your 135's currently? Those Impulse speakers (and I'd love a pair myself) are usually driven by low powered valve or class A solid state amps from what I remember.

Yes, the 135s have been feeding the H2s for a number of years now but I know the speakers are capable of more. The NAC102 is probably the fly in the ointment currently.

Will dig out the manual and have a look.

Thanks again

From memory of when I had a Naim setup, yes I think they can work without the hicap (iirc, the hicap powers the preamp, and the power amp just connects through it due to Naim's grounding strategies)?

However, Flashback Sales specialise in making up cables for combinations like that (and for old Quad amps to newer equipment, etc.) so I highly recommend a quick phone call to them to check what will work and suitable leads/adapters so you don't do any damage and get the best possible signal.

Thanks 3dit0r. I've just managed to source a 557 which will be with me this Thursday all being well, so it'll be all 'M system go!' then

I'm certainly looking forward to hearing how the M system compares to my current N system.

Thanks again

Cool!

I think you'll find it smoother and more natural, without losing anything in terms of dynamics or timing, but do let us know how you get on!

That's certainly what I'm hoping to find! And I will indeed report back

Thanks!

3edit0r - you were spot on with your description! The timing aspect is a interesting one - it now feels/sounds like everything is being played in real time rather than the next note trying to climb over the one currently being played, such is the urgency/nature of the Naim sound. I've had the M system hooked up since about 2.30 this afternoon and it's improving still further. So smooth, but not boring in the slightest - iron fist in velvet glove springs to mind.

I'm sure this 500 stuff is old hat to most on here, but I'm certainly very happy with it. I think it'll be staying

Ah that's great, really glad you're digging the system!

Yes, I now find Naim a little false sounding, after living with Meridian gear for a while, it's much closer to live music to me, and considerably more three dimensional, without losing any of the real propulsion and emotion in the music.

The very first Naim amp I ever heard was a Nait 3 back in the day, and I still remember being blown away by the 'slam' through some Ruarks (it was a demo in a London dealership and I was listening to Buena Vista Social Club, the year that was the demo album . However, playing a few different genres, it quickly became clear that's all the Naim could do, at the expense of other aspects of musical reproduction, so I didn't buy it. I later had a more expensive setup which was a lot more refined than the Nait 3, and I never used a Naim power amp, but an Avondale one which is, again, more refined. But fundamentally even the dear Naim gear still has a hint of that house sound, I think. Plus the idiosyncratic connections, the con of constantly upgrading PSUs instead of just putting a proper one in the equipment to start with, etc., etc. I do still love the slightly 'military' look of the older olive gear around that era though. I do think if you do Naim it really does work well in an all Naim setup, including wires, but Meridian is much more versatile in partnering.

I'm a huge, huge fan of Meridian's older gear in analogue setups, I love the 500 series and my 502 - it's beautifully designed, I really think Alan Boothroyd was on fire with every design up to the G-series, and it's insanely versatile the more you dig and need to do - seemingly little things like adjustable per-input sensitivity, etc., it's just so good, totally Meridian of that era. I'm considering getting a 557 soon, having heard an amazing one Chris M had serviced recently - amazing power amp.

Enjoy!