Naim NAP180

Current equivalent NAP200DR retail price - £2299

Serial Number 110*** - 1995 model

With latest Naim SNAIC 4 Black cable worth £180

About this NAP180

This is a fine example of the appreciating Naim NAP180. Operationally it’s in full working order with a quiet transformer and no buzzing or distortion. It’s original and unmodified. The power switch is nice and crisp and the illuminated logo works correctly.

Cosmetically it’s in very good condition for its age with a very clean facia, rear panel and casing showing only a couple minor defects. There is a small dent at the top left front corner and a mark on the lid about 1cm long (only shows in direct light). Please see the photos for a personal appraisal.

Also included is the latest version of the Naim SNAIC 4 interconnect. Originally these amps would have come with a Grey SNAIC lead but the newer Black version sounds much better. Bought new these cost £180.

About the NAP180

The NAP180 ran from 1992 to 2002 and was replaced by the NAP200, making this particular model a mid-term version. 

Based on the legendary NAP250, but without the regulated power supply, this is a very impressive power amplifier. Some even prefer the sound to the NAP250, citing the mid-range as more ‘open’.  What makes the NAP180 special is that, although it’s very modestly rated at 60 watts per channel, it will drive pretty much any speaker - no matter how inefficient they are. The sound has punch and energy like few others at its price.

Unlike the NAP250 it comes fitted with a built-in pre-amp power supply. This means you can connect up to a suitable Naim pre-amp (see below) using the supplied SNAIC cable, without the need for a separate power supply (HiCap/FlatCap etc).

The beauty of buying secondhand NAP180s is that they are both incredibly reliable and also widely serviced all over the world. The Class-B design runs cool which prolongs the life of the amp; there’s also no fan on the NAP180 which can cause issues with other designs. 

For the perfect match, use the NAP180 with a matching ‘Olive’ NAC82 pre-amp. Because it has a built-in power supply, though, it also works well with the NAC92/92R, NAC62, NAC72 or even the newer ‘Classic’ NAC112/112X/122X/152XS or NAC202

Reviews

Highly regarded both in its time and to this day, the NAP180 has always been well reviewed in the Hi-Fi press. This is a typical quote below;

“Capable of delivering a PILEDRIVER PUNCH, yet also revealing and effortless” - ‘What Hi-Fi’ magazine. Tested November 1994 at £1122.

Spec

Power output: 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms

Transient: 300VA

Voltage gain: +29dB

Input impedance 18 kilohms

Frequency response: -3dB 3Hz - 50kHz

Case size (mm): 430 wide x 300 deep x 76 high

Supplied

Naim NAP 180

Genuine Naim SNAIC 4 Black cable

Power lead with UK plug

Postage

Dedicated Hi-Fi box filled with large-bubble bubble wrap

Box sealed with parcel tape at all openings

Leads wrapped in bubblewrap and carefully placed within the box

Box black shrink-wrapped for added protection and security

Tracked and signed for courier

Item may be collected in person at no extra charge

Payment

PayPal (when posting only)

Cleared cheque (posting or collection)

Cleared bank transfer (posting or collection)

Cash (collection only)