Naim Preamp Upgrade Cards for NAC 12/32/32.5/72 - NJ321 + NJ729

Description

In order to maximize the performance of the 32/32.5/72 I have implemented several substitutions and circuit upgradesas follows
Incorporate additional power rail decoupling to keep power railnoise out of the signal path
Upgrade all component values to theNAC52 circuit
Substitute modern components that improve on the originals
Low noise film caps in place of the old tantalum signal couplingcapacitors
Replace the old ROE electrolytic
capacitors with modern caps thatshare similar voicing
Use of modern faster signal switching transistors
The result is a set of cards that have beenvariously described as faster, more transparent, more resolving, more natural,less fatiguing, more musical…all words of some of the happy owners.
“Why can’t Naim produce a set of approved upgrades like this?
Everybody with a 32.5 should be running thesecards, and I think these are a better upgrade than hicap and at half theprice"
“... wow, very nice. Everything is just... much better. My SNAPS returned tonight and a quick audition of CD & LPand a big jump again.I don't really analyse why it sounds better, but if I'mlistening to more music it obviously is. The big thing was much better detailof everything, particularly bass, which my Quad ESL57s aren't strong on. ThePRaT thing was also evident, as far as my understanding goes. Many thanks forthe brilliant upgrade”
“Every musician, every instrument has his own space, even thesmallest tonal details are excerted. Some motion of the violin arch, a smallpush from the accordion, and you’re in. But never analytic. But the best thingis how everything gets unified with a controlled matter of course to amazingmusic full of dynamic. Or dramatic art, or just simple beauty. The clear voiceof Magda Kozena or the sound of Willy deVille. You won’t miss anything. Itstiming is perfect, its rhythm is unimaginable in any other way, its arrangementis stunning, its bass not too present, fine.Great art, great work! Respect,Neil! “
“...the first couple of tracks had me nervous as they sounded abit edgy and displayed an overall lack of body.......this improved with eachsubsequent track and by Track 8 I had a huge smile on my face.
Subsequently chose the new Shawn Colvin Live andwas amazed at the improved overall clarity as I was able to understand everyword and there was also much more realistic layering of her voice and theguitar. I come to realize that with the old boards I was only able to recognizeevery 2nd or 3rd word and the brain appears to go about filling in thegaps!
This was most impressive...theredefinitely seemed to be a number of positive characteristics with the newcards...much quieter as music seems to come from a black background, muchbetter dynamic range as there were times when an instrument or voice came outof the mix that was startling even though I was completely familiar with themusic, improved clarity w/o being edgy or bright...”
“I've not identified any apparent downside to the changing of the cards.
Thisreally is a great product and easily ranks as one of the most cost effectiveupgrades I've witnessed in my time in this hobby.
And as Naim upgrades go this is "almost"a freebie and as much as I hate spending other people’s money this really is ano-brainer for anyone with a NAC72.”
"The cards arrived today andstraight in the 72 they went. Been playing them for a few hours now - what alovely evening this turned out to be. My girlfriend came home as I waslistening to a familiar song, straight from the door she comments about howpresent the voices from the listening room sounds like. She never make commentsabout the sound. To me the most striking improvement ias the realness andemotion coming from the vocals. More presence. Listening to Johnny Cash'sversion of Bridge Over Trouble Water, and the neckhair rise as Cash's voicefills the room with a breathtaking force to it. Quite amazing! Needless to say,I'm very impressed with your cards! Probably the best and most cost effectiveupgrade you can make to your Naim, NAC32/32.5/72.”
I've owned Naim gear for years and become increasinglydisenchanted with spiraling costs for the new generation of equipment, yet Ilove the Naim sound, so the obvious answer was to tweak to the Naim circuits tosee how far I could get at minimal cost, and I think I have it just about asfar developed as I can now. As one owner put it:
“These cards make music more enjoyable, period...”