New Caps for Nait 3


Hi,

I've had (and used alot!) my Naim Nait3 for about 9 years. Recapping costs about $300. What are the signs if any that it needs to be done? Still sounds fine, but gradual degradation can be very hard to notice, and I don't often listen to other gear, so am not in a good position to tell. Should I recap?

I've been considering selling and trying a whole new approach for variety's sake (low powered tubes, high efficiency single driver speakers). Is that crazy? Should I recap before I sell, or not bother?

Thanks!!!
rnm4
1. If you're considering selling it and it operates correctly, DON'T TOUCH IT until you decide NOT to sell it.

2. $300 sounds like a LOT of money to replace capacitors in a poweramp (?), but it's British, isn't it!?!? Does it operate correctly? If so, don't touch it. Caps don't wear out, altho inexpensive electrolytics can start leaking after 30 - 60 years.

3. If you can do it yourself, you could quite-affordably add some PS-cap bypass caps, etc., to improve its sound. If you can't do it yourself, probably it would cost hundred$ to have it done. What's the amp (?) worth?

4. Even with rather-insensitive Quad 989s (which could be argued to be 'single-driver' speakers), I went to a pair of SET amps this spring, ASL 805 DTs, with 50 Watts max. power. NEVER has my system sounded more like music. See http://www.stereophile.com/amplificationreviews/304antique/index.html for Art Dudley's review of it.
.
While it may be true that electrolytic caps may still function after 30-60 years it does not mean that they will function as new. Check this for a discussion of why.

http://powerelectronics.com/mag/power_internal_construction_boosts/

Since Naim recommends replacing their caps after a period of time either:

A. some parameter of the caps changes over time that will degrade the sound of the unit or

B. Naim is running a big scam to generate extra revenue.

If you go to Naim's website they have a very active user's forum where you can find tons of info.

If you are going to sell I doubt you would recover the cost of recapping.