Oh I thought he boxed it for sales but couldn’t sell it at the price asked. No regretting then ![]()
As they say better to have had and lost than never to have had at all! ![]()
None at all, this is my second 250DR but I’ve owned several 250s over the years (CB, Olive)
The 250DR must have been assembled by a top notch Naim engineer not some Friday afternoon job as it sounds absolutely superb. Using a Powerline and I managed to find a Witchhat Morgana stereo DIN to XLR for sale (rare as hens teeth) the whole package 552DR, 250DR is so enjoyable I dont miss the 500.
@HiFiman what speakers are you using and did you change them when you changed from 500 to 250?
SL2s throughout
I guess making that sort of change will be dependant on speakers. Glad it’s worked out for you ![]()
I’ve always felt a 52/500 (non DR) is a sweet spot. Even better with a DR. I wouldn’t be in any rush to change the 52.
Likewise, I think the NDS has to be one of the best bang for buck streamers money can buy.
It depends on listening habits as well. I often listen to music loud. I found the 250CB used to cut out. The 135s were brilliant but could have done with a tad more power. The 500DR has effortless power.
I think sometimes with hifi it’s an itch to scratch. Many on here have had big 500 systems and then gone to a 250DR or 300DR.
Early days for me and the 500DR is not warmed in and settled yet. And of course the absence of a 552DR means it’s potential isn’t maximised.
So far I am very much enjoying it!
The 52 is most definitely maximised now tho!
The set up is sounding better than ever. I’m enjoying playing vinyl and streaming.
Hey @HiFiman, could I ask if the full fat powerline on your 250DR made a noticeable difference, or if it was more for your peace of mind? I’m curious as to how much of a benefit they are and thinking of picking a used one up in place of the supplied ‘lite’.
Over the Powerline Lite to my lugs, yes. Since letting the 500 go my goal was to maximise the 250DR, Powerline, Morgana DIN to XLR with full fat Fraim.
My experience with powerlines is best to have on all your Naim gear. Gives more definition, clarity and deeper base. Get them for HiCap 2 and NAPSC if you can.
I started with one on the Supercap 2 and then 135s.
One on the 250DR will improve things. Also if you have one try on HiCap2 and Napsc and see where it sounds best. The other upgrade is to get a Supercap instead. Probably get more for your money that way.
If you do decide to purchase a Powerline make sure the IEC end is fully decoupled as per instructions, nice gap between the black and silver parts makes a difference.
Oh sorry I am confused @HiFiman, what do you mean by having a gap. I push my powerline very hard for fear of not having a good contact. Do you mean it needed to have some gap?
this made me chuckle!hahaha i think we can all relate to this image with our stereos
There should be a gap between the black and silver bits. This is a picture Richard Dane took, I’ve zoomed in, this clearly shows the floating gap.
Appreciated
. Will go read that FAQ NOW!!
Speaker’s really are the main thing that decide if you need a better amp or not, or if the better amp will bring much difference to it all.
Hard to drive Speaker’s or loud volumes.
Dan as for warm up, you will already be way past that point, an amp will only take a few hours to warm right up when being used. I remember you saying you got it nice a warm already. So you are waiting for nothing now, just enjoy.
Plus i wouldn’t be in too much a rush to get a 552dr over the 52. I had a lovely late 52 and the difference between it and the non dr’ed 552 was minimal at best.
Obviously the 552 will look better matched but the 52 was hand built and very special in it’s day. The only problem with the 52 is they very much in sound quality as i found out, and it’s easier to find one thats not as good as it should be in sound quality to one that’s 100% spot on.
That’s a very interesting viewpoint in my favour @Dunc.
The 52 sounded great with the 135s and now fantastic with the 500DR. I had it serviced and it has the POTS 8 upgrade. Lovely olive remote too. I have only had it it since September 2023.
All sounding very nice on sunny sunday afternoon. Time to sit back and enjoy the music.

