A question for those more knowledgeable them myself: I’m currently running a passive system in the form of NAC62/NAP135s/Allaes and I’m looking to go Active. With regards to the Power Amp side of things, I still have the NAP250 that the 135s replaced. The way I see it, I currently have two options: Go active with a 3 box set up I.E 135s on treble and the 250 on bass/mid (or the other way round perhaps?), OR trade in the 135s for another 250 and go for a two box solution..has anyone got any relevant experience or opinions they could share? Thank you!
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Before thinking of active I’d get the best source and preamp that you can. The 52 is the preamp you need, and a source of that level. The 62 is a weak link that will become weaker in an active system.
You don’t say what your source is, which would help here.
Do you really want a Naim active system with all the boxes it entails. Might a pair of modern active speakers and a good source and preamp be a better way?
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Welcome!
Much as I am an enthusiastic owner of a classic Naim active system I think HH makes good points.
I would really try to get your source (?let us know what that is) and especially the preamp ‘up the chain’ first. Then you will need a SNAXO plus the best PS for that you can afford, plus a second set of speaker cables. I am not sure that picking 250 and 2x 135s vs 250 x2 is the biggest issue.
Going active is not where I would invest in your system at this time unless you had a clear vision of something like 52/PS, SNAXO/HiCap or better still SCap, suitable power amps and maybe SBL as a target.
Bruce
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Start with the Nap 250 for the woofers and Nap 135’s for the tweeters,it will be an fantastic upgrade over passive Allaes.
The Nac 62 is good enough for a active system
and can be upgraded later on.
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Can Allaes be run in an active config?
What PSU do you have on the 62?
As others have said going active at this point i feel isn’t where i would be heading.
Thanks for your helpful responses. With regards to sources, I have a few. A Linn LP12 into the NAC 62 and a Meridian CD200 plus a Raspberry Pi based streamer both feeding into a Naim Dac V1.
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It will work very well in an Naim active system 
Hi-Cap
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Do you have a SNAXO and PS?
Bruce
No. Not as yet. Potentially purchased with the proceeds from selling the 135s…
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As is so often the case, for me all the views so far expressed in response to this thread are valid even though they differ.
I went active some years back and that’s typically how my system stays but from time to time it will be passive for a while with different amplification options.
What I would say is:
I had my SBL passive crossovers serviced before going active. That service made a noticeable difference. Returning to a passive use of the speakers is a reminder just how good they are in that mode.
I was determined to go active since in my mind that is what my SBLs were designed for. It does sound better/different but in terms of the cost, boxes, cables, rack space and dusting I do feel like I’m a long way along that ever flattening curve of diminishing returns. (A loooong way as my daughter would say!)
I already had 2x135s so I decided to go with 4. I’ve never compared it to a 2x250 set-up but I wouldn’t mind betting the 250 and especially the later, even beefier 250s would be more than up to the job, given I never need the volume higher than about 9 o’clock on my 82, maybe 10 for the built-in MM phono boards.
In terms of bang for buck, other things have probably made more logical sense, like sources, cables, power supplies, a sub etc and I’ve probably done things in the wrong order at times.
I’m very happy with how the system is overall, today, but I have one eye on the ‘what ifs’ of downsizing and for sheer musicality I found that my nait 1 plus sub or an atom plus sub with the speakers passive provided an excellent solution with great sound quality, soundstage and enjoyment. Of course the active system sounds better but the simpler set ups were very engaging.
Ultimately it is going to be up to you and what sounds good. Since I was buying olive kit used (and so much of it is so well cared for) I took the plunge and liked the results but it’s not the be all and end all for me.
Best of luck. I think you’ll enjoy the journey whatever you choose.
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When Naim were actively ‘active’ (excuse the pun) the party line was that passive 135’s will always be better than active 250’s.
Having had a large active system in the past and now using a passive 500 I’d tend to agree. Going ‘active’ is for the hardcore Hifi enthusiast who likes a bit of pain!
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In the real world active Nap 250’s outperform passive Nap 135’s with Naim speakers,when I have tried.
Also remember that Naim promoted Nac 92/Flatcap/Ixo active crossovers ..
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You also may want to try custom crossovers.
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Active is great fun , and a rite of passage for me and many others.You learn so much , you learn what’s important to you when listening to music . Pick up that snaxo and hicap and let rip .The 62 if performing optimally will be fine . And 135s and a 250 will also work brill ( once you get the cables correct ( take care))
David
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Another ‘option’ is to simplify. It’s worth at-least hearing a 222, with or without 300, and a good active loudspeaker. This could give you a benchmark of where up-to-date tech is.
You might dislike it of course, but that in itself would give you a starting point.
Good luck!
Graeme
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I found adding a better more gusty amp better than keep adding amp’s that aren’t, plus all the extra gear you need to do it, i feel its more for the 80’s and 90’s rather than these days. Amps have moved on as far as having control and grip on a speaker, and this is what you are after.
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I’ve nothing against active systems, when they’re sounding good they are at the very edge of a great audio performance. However, with mine I found it quite demanding to run. I compare running an active system to owning a normally aspirated Ferrari from the 1970’s with three twin down-draft carburettors. Sneeze and add a little bit of moisture to the air and they’d instantly run out of tune, get the mixture right and it was glorious what they could do!
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