Hi Richard and all, thanks a lot for approving, I’m new here as well as to Naim
I bought a set of CB 32.5/HiCap/250, but as I fall in love to Naim ‘cause of listened to a set of 32/Snaps/BD250 (a set that full of drive, romance and emotion), I’m always thinking would a BD250 will be better to me.
And then this ancient Nap250 (serial 0298) popped up:
Looks like JV’s hand built version. I’m very interested to get this for choosing whether CB250 or BD250 would be best to my ears.
May I ask for your kind advices:
Does it look original? (The seller claims it’s never serviced and everything is original, and working nicely)
Does it works with 32.5+HiCap? (Afaik it was designed to work with a 12+Naps, but naps is very hard to find)
if so, what’s the connecting cable to a hicap? 4 pin snaic or 4 pin interconnect?
Thanks if it’s worth getting, I’ll share my experience later in the chrome bumper thread.
A couple of things immediately stand out. Firstly the switch isn’t right (or perhaps just the plastic cover) as it should be green. Secondly, there should not be a DIN4 on a NAP250, it should be a fully wired signal-ended Cannon XLR socket. As for the rest of the internals I would have to defer to the experienced expert eyes of @NeilS
No, it means the case is bolted together (note the visible hex head bolts on the lid, literally bolted down).
For the next generation ‘Chrome Bumper’ models this style of case was replaced by a box section aluminium extrusion. At this point the layout of the PCBs was also changed from vertical to horizontal.
That’s a pretty old one! It’s had some work done, possibly in the 90s era. The service work didn’t include the main reservoir caps though.
I also note that it has no current trip adjustment pots, but has a fixed resistor on the back of the PS boards - I’m not sure I’ve ever seen boards that early before.
As for the DIN socket, that’s a bit of a mystery. I have a BD250 myself that has a DIN socket, so I’ve attempted to research it before without much luck. The best theory, is that it started life as an original NAP200 & was updated to 250 spec internally.
Hi Neil, thanks a lot for the very helpful expert insights of this machine! Amazing how it’s earlier than the early version, a 200 made to 250 is even more interesting. If it seems still within Naim’s spec without unwanted modifications I’ll have a try on this machine this week. Seller claims the caps are still fine like those days but I’ll see and report back : -) thank you!
Thanks a lot for the quick reply! I think so, I was skeptical about the red button and the DIN plug, but I saw some other BD on the Internet were with the same red button as well, I’m curious to know if it was part of the very earlier version of a 250. But definitely listen a bit before any investment. Greatly appreciated that’s very helpful!
The exact sized green buttons (and covers) have been impossible to find for some time, but the red ones I think may still be available, so could be a replacement.
As Neil says, the DIN may indicate that it was originally one of the very few NAP200s, then updated to NAP250 spec. If so, it’s a very early unit indeed!
By the way, going back to your earlier question re. the NAC32.5 and HICAP, yes it’ll work fine. You can connect either using a SNAIC4 or a DIN4 active lead. With the later Preh DIN plugs with the locking collars, you just need to wind back the collar fully and the plug will slide in without problems. Only thing too watch out for is that the plug won’t lock or latch with the earlier Deltron DIN socket.
I believe Deltron still make latching DIN plugs, which I guess would match the socket in this case. Perhaps the fashion for unlocked DIN connections makes this an unpopular choice though.
Thanks again Richard! Great information, that’s very helpful
I hope it sounds as good/better than a proper BD250 I heard before (but doubtful with caps straight from the 70s). Will do a shootout this week. Luckily the seller got a SNAIC4 and I’m relieved with about finding one at my side. I will take extra care on the plug things.
You might want to just check those caps still have some acceptable capacitance before hooking up speakers and having unfortunate fireworks. And the fuses for continuity too.
Good day
Dear juliushui
Maybe your NAP250 BD is serviced about 1993-1995y
Blue tant caps is very yang and SLCE caps in power regs
In attachment no serviced NAP250 BD with PH caps in power regs and old tant caps on amps boards
I saw this piece as well, looks very much a original spec without any service. I could actually get it in Japan for half the listing price. Only issues are 110V and no testing, ‘working’ means nothing for a over 40+ years old amp.
Also I think it has to go back to Naim factory for servicing and parts upgrade. But local dealer at my side seems not able to help, it’s very much a bet!
