FS: Nakamichi CA-5 Control Amp(Pre-Amp)

[dorokusai]

Nakamichi CA-5 Control Amp(Pre-Amp) - 9/10 - Black - *SOLD* to MillerLiteScott

This is arguably one of the best, vintage SS pre-amps available on the market. I know tubes are the rage but get intimate with this circuit design and topology. If you find something that doesn't make sense, let me know.

Nakamichi, in the 80's, was super high end and this pre-amp was designed for the music lover, not the bells and whistles type. I popped the top on her...just take a look. The components are high end and the signal path is clean. For example...check out the DC rails....no PCB, real rails.

It's a DUAL MONO, short signal path design with a stellar AND adjustable MC/MM phono input. It's an underappreciated pre-amp with a solid heritage.

I'm including a rare, factory issue, Nakamichi SPC-1 power strip. The power strip allows the control amp, via DIN connection, to turn on the other components in series. This is really an exclusive Nak goody but is applicable to other gear.

Includes: Original power cord(IEC), original NAK sales literature, original NAK owners manual and Nakamichi power strip.

NCA5250

[dorokusai]

MilletLiteScott expressed some interest first, so if your motivated, let's talk.

[RuSsMaN]

How about a picture of the facia, sheesh?

[capecodder]

Based on Mark's description I think you are supposed to know what the front looks like by tracing back from the internals. I think I see the potential for a volume control and an input selector.:rolleyes: I see the rails he mentions but can't find the train.:D Actually probably a VERY nice pre.

[heiney9]

This is the true definition of a "sleeper" I've had one for over 20 years and I am as impressed today as much as I was 20 years ago. During our recent local Polk gathering it was apparent what a nice purist pre this was as the differences between it and a Parasound were night and day, so much so that a_mattison went out and bought one the next week to start his 2 channel rig. This has a very tube like sound, no grit or grain and very open and effortless. It very good bass definition as well.

I recently took mine out of the system to clean the terminals, etc. and popped the top again and was amazed at the clean layout and the Elna Cerafine (twin) caps are 2nd only to Black Gates in their sound charateristics. A true "dry" electrolytic. They use fine ceramic particles vs. graphite particles in the Black Gates. The copper power rail is the highlight (for me anyways) no PCB traces 3 solid copper bars for (+) (-) and gnd which run right down the center of unit. The phono section as well as the power section and output section are all marked (L) and (R) in a true dual mono design. Heavy duty sealed Alps pots for vol and balance. I am constantly amazed at how good and open and detailed this thing sounds. A true giant killer on the used market. This is a serious audiophile pre for not anywhere near the money it would cost today to build the exact same thing. The phono section is to die for if you are into that kind of thing.

No I'm not getting a commission just trying to let prospective buyers know what a great unit this is. :)

H9

[PolknPepsi]

How about a picture of the front?...:D

[dorokusai]

Sorry for the late post comedians :)

The specs are just dust, no marks exist on the faceplate.

Thanks H9 for the comments, its a great piece of gear. The SS pre-amp idea shouldn't be forgotten by tube lovers as there are alot of great pre-amps available.

[dorokusai]

Thanks for the comments Polkies but Scott is motivated to get this Nak in his rig. Thanks Scott and I have an extra goody for you.

[heiney9]

Thanks for the comments Polkies but Scott is motivated to get this Nak in his rig. Thanks Scott and I have an extra goody for you.

Scott you will be VERY happy with that pre. I'm assuming you are running the ASL's with it and the Doro-modded 5b's.

[dorokusai]

It's a smoking pre-amp but wait to you see what's in the wings Brock.....mmmmm good :)

[MillerLiteScott]

Nak in the house.

Thanks Mark.

Yes H9, that's the system. I am also working on an old school Girrard(sp) TT from my fathers basement. Next I will need a good CD player and then I will work on making the mods that HTrookie made to his ASL's.

[dorokusai]

Scott - This "budget" 2CH rig is turning out to be an ass kicker. I know the gear so far intimately and I'm starting to get jealous.

[MillerLiteScott]

I have you to thank and I am still below that 1k mile marker. I just have to find a proper space to set it up and get a real listen.

I have been thinking about this.

[dorokusai]

Break out your woodworking skills and get ready to treat some reflections, but otherwise looks like a great idea.

[Lowell_M]

MLS, make sure you post your impressions of this Pre. As H9 said above, the CA5 blew my mind compared to similar used-price-level gear. I just got mine today and am going to temporarily hook it up in my HT tomorrow for a good listen.

[MillerLiteScott]

The wood working skills is not the problem. Time is the problem. I also have to make some stands for the Monitor 5's. I get more motivated when the weather is better.

I will certainly give my review. I would like to hear yours as well. I made the decision to buy this Pre based on the reviews you guys made from your get together. Those Epos speakers also are of some interest to me from your review. I think I saw a pair for sail on the gon for $200.

Scott.

[Lowell_M]

I made the decision to buy this Pre based on the reviews you guys made from your get together.
Scott.

H9 should get commission on this one or something. That was an excellent close in this thread. ;)

[dorokusai]

The Epos bookies are outstanding.

[Lowell_M]

The Epos bookies are outstanding.

I agree. Nearly comparable to LSI7 sound for less than comparable $$$$.

[dkg999]

Yep the EPOS bookies are truley outstanding. We're going to see how they sound with the Dodd ELP and an older CJ Sonata series power amp!

[dorokusai]

I can't imagine them sounding bad on anything, a real sleeper in bargain bookends.

[Lowell_M]

Yep the EPOS bookies are truley outstanding. We're going to see how they sound with the Dodd ELP and an older CJ Sonata series power amp!

Can't wait to hear a Dodd ELP vs. Dodd modded Audcom shootout!!!

[heiney9]

The Epos bookies are outstanding.

Is that my commission ? :cool: You have my addy Mark!!! Yes, the Epos really blew me away for their size and price relative to their sound. Sounding so much better than they should. Impressive by any standard!

H9

[dorokusai]

Is that my commission ? :cool: You have my addy Mark!!! Yes, the Epos really blew me away for their size and price relative to their sound. Sounding so much better than they should. Impressive by any standard!

H9

No, something else silly.

[heiney9]

Can't wait to hear a Dodd ELP vs. Dodd modded Audcom shootout!!!

I'm thinking maybe the Dodd ELP (w/proper tubes) will do a better job. I've had the Audcom (on loan from dkg999) for a week now and I can't get used to the sound with the Lsi 9's. Perhaps I'm so used to the Nak, but the sparkle is missing and the bass is very fat & heavy compared to what I'm used to. But what do I know.......these are the first tubes I've heard in a very long time not to mention on this system. It's just different and I can't seem to get used to it. I'm sure I'm going to need some kind of learning curve, but I do have an open mind. :)

H9

[dkg999]

H9 - it's the monkey coffins! Once you go flat you don't come back ;)

[dorokusai]

Amen.