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The NAC 252 is still one of the finest preamplifiers ever made. Capable of exceptional clarity, its power supply components reside in a separate enclosure, namely the SuperCap DR power supply. This ensures optimum isolation from electromagnetic interference and provides each of the ten audio circuits with an independent, fully regulated supply voltage. Additionally, separate power supplies for the digital control and switching circuitry further isolate the audio circuitry from noise. It’s this attention to detail that makes the NAC 252 and SuperCap pairing so special.
The SuperCap was upgraded to DR specification in 2015
Both units are in excellent condition and come with the necessary cables to connect the 252 to the Supercap, as well as the original boxes and packaging.
The used Naim Audio SuperCap-DR market in NZ remains niche but steady, with recent comparable listings centering around a median of NZ$10,251—25th percentile at NZ$8,382 and 75th at NZ$12,121. At NZ$13,990 for an unknown-condition unit, this asking price feels ambitious, sitting well above the upper quartile and likely pricing out all but the most determined collectors unless it's pristine with full provenance.
Before biting, verify the unit's age and service history—SuperCaps from the DR era can suffer capacitor degradation after 10-15 years, so insist on recent Naim servicing records. Also check for the original DC lead and any included fuses; missing these often signals incomplete kits prone to noise issues down the line. Test for hum or instability under load if possible.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Naim Audio, a cornerstone of British hi-fi excellence, traces its origins to 1973 when Julian Vereker, a self-taught engineer, racing driver, and music enthusiast, formally incorporated the company in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Vereker's journey began earlier, in 1969, experimenting with tape recording and sound-to-light boxes before designing his first power amplifier in 1971. Amid the British hi-fi industry's recession, he secured a pivotal contract with Capital Radio, blending entrepreneurial grit with a passion for authentic sound reproduction that challenged conventional wisdom.
The brand specializes in premium integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, digital streamers, DACs, and compact music systems, often featuring built-in amplification for streamlined setups. While not delving into speakers—beyond a historical foray—or headphones and turntables, Naim emphasizes modular, upgradable components that prioritize pace, rhythm, and timing (PRaT), a signature sonic philosophy rooted in the "source first" approach alongside contemporaries like Linn.
Naim holds a commanding position in the high-end market, revered by discerning audiophiles for its handmade, innovative systems that deliver emotional musical engagement over mere specifications. Now part of VerVent Audio Group following a 2011 merger with Focal, it exports to over 45 countries, sustaining a cult following for resilient, influential designs that transcend economic cycles.
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