Audiolab, Tag and Naim amps

Can anyone explain to me the Audiolab hierarchy. I'm confused by 8000a's lx's and s's. Where does the Tag 60i fit in. What are the differences and which if any have phono stages?
I've found a 60i for £230 is that a good price?
What Naim gear could I get for about £300. Would anyone care to make any comparisoms.
How would they compare to my Linn Intek?

 

there will be others that can add/correct, but this is what I gleaned about AudioLab/Tag, from various sources but including
http://www.artech-electronics.com/us/products/audiolab/

AudioLab 8000a is older (1992 and on), basic but good, and has phono.
AudioLab 8000lx is a pre/power
AudioLab 8000S is more versatile & better (switchable) pre/power but no phono

Tag 60i (2002 and on) is variant of 8000lx, I was advised to go for the 8000S (and have not regretted)

Tag 60iv is variant of 8000S, and won praise

£230 for 60i is prob a good price. that is what my 8000a was advertised at two years ago, and that I bought & sold on for £200. The 8000S I bought was advertised at £350 +p&p

 

300 ukp for naim is something like...
pre's 32, 42, 12, 62, 92.
powers 110, 90, 140 (maybe), 160 (maybe)

probably the 12 / 110 (very old though) is most likely but if you wait it out there are some bargains out there.

if you look at integrateds. then a nait 2, nait 3 and possibly a nait 3r are definite possibilities with a nait 5 an outside chance if you are spectacularly lucky.

to be honest though 300 quid for even older silver edged naim stuff is still a bit low. if it were 500 then you could probably get a 72 / 140 at a push or a 32 / 140 easily.
cheers


julian

 

Audiolab and Naim

I replaced an Audiolab 8000A with a Naim integrated - they present music in a completely different way. One thing to look out for with older Audiolabs is that the phono sockets get brittle after a while and disintegrate at the slightest touch. My 8000A, relegated to the spare room, only has one set of inputs operational now!

Cheers
Mike

 

Found a couple of Nait 3's. Anyone heard or owned one. What are Naims phono boards like?

 

Naim's phono boards are very good. If I were you, I'd look for a s/h 62 or 32 preamp, send it to Les W for some mods, then get either a 140 power amp or an Avondale.

I had an Audiolab 8000A in the late 80s. Not good.

 

If you can get into Naim NAP42/NAP110 upwards within your budget then I think you're up into proper amps, especially if you're into vinyl. Just stay off the upgrade treadmill....

Paul

 

Not sure the 42 is for me, it only has 3 inputs doesn't it, phono, tuner and tape, I need 4 another for CD as well.
So a 62/110 would be better than a Nait 3 then? Whats the thing with Olive and Grey?
I just fancy a dib at Naimdom really, I like the Linn just want more oomph! So lets say I pushed the budget to £400. What should I buy?

 

I've got an end of line 8000LX gathering dust. If you want to try it out of curiosity you are welcome. Note, I have limited time off in summer, and loads from October - but I could maybe combine a trip with some other task?

ps - Mine doesn't have a phono stage

 

What about these amps
They'll be too expensive will they?

 

Also found a 32/110 combo for £400, is this a bit pricey?

 

"Also found a 32/110 combo for £400, is this a bit pricey?"

Sounds pretty good value to me. As long as it works, go for it!

 

Right I'm going to have a go at this Naim lark. I've bought a NAC62 and am going to buy a NAP140 later. So hopefully soon I will have the combo up and running.
Can't wait to see what it sounds like, although it looks as though I won't be able to get the power amp until the week after next boo hiss....
Anyone want to buy a Linn Intek

 

I had a 42.5/110 for a year or so as the bedroom system. Good fun. Very good phono stage. Not the last word in detail retrieval (or anything else for that matter) but far warmer than the rough as a badger's arse later olive gear IMO. Definitely worth experimenting with.

-- Ian

 

I'm interested in trying it out, I like some of my mates stuff, and am wondering whether I can get it to work with my other stuff. It could make for a really interesting listen

 

I would get a seperate power supply on that 62 as soon as possible. Avondale do some easy to build ones which sound cracking. A 110 or 140would really benefit from a trip back to Naim if it hasn't already been serviced.

After that just enjoy and as PaulR wisely says, stay off the upgrade treadmill.

 

Well done on the 62, a lovely preamp. I really regret selling my old one.

Yes, a separate PS is very beneficial, rather than powering it direct from the power amp. Either Avondale, as Paul said, or a s/h Hicap.

The official Naim upgrade treadmill is long & expensive, but you could get the 62 modified if you are that way inclined. Having said that, I never modded mine, it was just fine as it was.

It will take a day or two to warm up from cold, and likes to be left powered up all the time.

 

So, Paul D and Bub, we're you being ironic when you advised getting a power supply and staying off the upgrade path?

Congrats on your purchase, lordsummit - I hope you like it. I recently purchased my first Naim amps and am very pleased with their performance, especially considering their price, and have no intention of ever parting with them.

 

Both units have been recently serviced, will be saving up for a power supply. Did quite well in the end £425 for the pair.
Now will someone buy my other stuff please

 

That is a really good deal,

We weren't being ironic, once a power supply is added you have a superb amp that will give years of pleasure, I meant keep off the Supercap etc routes which drain the bank balance while IMO offering very limited improvements.

Cue to exit as irate Naimies enter thread.