Naim NAC 42

The Naim NAC 42 preamp is one of the earlier preamp's manufactured by Naim Audio. It was built from the late 1970's until the mid 1980's when it was replaced by the NAC 42.5.

Although it was designed to be used with a Naim SNAPS power supply (which had a single 24 volt rail) the NAC 42 can be used with later dual 24 volt rail Naim power supplies, such as the Hi-Cap.

However, the NAC 42 will only utilize one of the 24 volt rails in the Hi-Cap, while the later .5 preamps (Naim 42.5. 32.5 as well as the NAC 62 and NAC 72 preamp's) will run both of the 24 volt rails in the Hi-Cap.

In this author's opinion, the upgrading from a SNAPS with the NAC 42 to a Hi-Cap, makes more difference than upgrading the NAC 42 to a 42.5, since the Hi-Cap itself is a far superior power supply than the SNAPS.

Of course, upgrading the 42 to 42.5 specification will also offer subtle yet noticeable improvements in soundstaging and overall dynamics; especially when using the phono stage of this preamp.

Once again, the differences will be subtle.

The NAC 42 usually sells for under $250, depending on condition.

As previously stated, these preamp's are at least 25 to 30 years old now, being manufactured from the late 1970's to the mid 1980's. This also makes it tougher to find one that's in nice cosmetic shape.

And if you see an NAC 42 with the Naim logo in what appears to be gold coloring, that preamp has been used by a smoker. It's the smoke which discolored it. Some Naim enthusiasts have inquired as to why some of Naim's older chrome bumper equipment had the gold color lettering, thinking that this equipment may have been slightly different than the Naim gear with the silver lettering.

Moreover, if a Naim NAC 42 has a pair of phono boards, that can add $50 - $100 to its price. Unnecessary if you are only interested in using the 42 as a preamp, in which you may get a great deal on one which doesn't have the phono boards.

Jimmyblues

Thanks, Nuck...