Does anyone know the maximum power consumption (in watts) of the NAP 250DR and Hicap DR? It’s not indicated in the specification.
Just asked grok, maybe Naim could explain or confirm?
Here are the maximum power consumption figures for the Naim NAP 250 DR power amplifier and the Naim HiCap DR power supply (based on official Naim specifications and reliable user-reported rear-panel labels):Naim NAP 250 DR
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Quiescent / Idle consumption: 25 VA (this is the “always-on” draw with no signal)
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Transient (dynamic/maximum) power: 400 VA
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Mains supply: 100 V / 115 V / 230 V, 50/60 Hz
The 400 VA transient figure represents the maximum short-term power the internal transformer can deliver under heavy dynamic demand (e.g., music peaks). For continuous high-power output, the draw stays well below this in normal use, but the 400 VA rating is what Naim publishes as the effective maximum capability. Naim HiCap DR
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Maximum power consumption: 40 VA (as shown on the rear-panel label of DR versions)
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Earlier non-DR HiCap versions were often labelled 25 W / 25 VA
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Real-world idle draw (no load or light preamp load) is typically much lower — often measured around 5–8 W by users
The HiCap DR is a very low-draw component because it only supplies regulated 24 V DC to preamps, phono stages, or active crossovers.Quick Comparison (Idle vs Max)
| Component | Idle / Quiescent | Maximum / Transient |
|---|---|---|
| NAP 250 DR | 25 VA | 400 VA |
| HiCap DR | ~5–8 W (measured) | 40 VA |
Notes:
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These are VA (volt-amperes) figures, which for Naim’s linear power supplies are close to real watts but account for the transformer’s characteristics.
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Standby consumption on both is very low (< 0.5 W when applicable, though the NAP 250 DR is usually left powered on).
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In a typical system (NAP 250 DR + HiCap DR powering a preamp), total idle draw is roughly 30–35 VA.
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For electrical planning (e.g., dedicated mains circuit or balanced power), use the transient/max figures as a safe upper limit.
If you’re measuring your own units with a wattmeter or need figures for a specific voltage/mains setup, let me know — real-world readings can vary slightly with mains voltage and temperature.
Thanks. Yes, I got an almost similar response when asking ChatGPT.
There is no official spec for the max wattage draw with Naim components. I’m not sure if VA can be regarded as a conservative equivalent to W.
NAP 250DR = 400 VA
Hicap DR = 40 VA
400 + 40 = 440VA
Can we assume 450W to be the maximum power consumption for both NAP250 DR and Hicap DR as a conservative estimate? Perhaps Naim or any electrical engineers could elucidate?
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FWIW the maximum power consumption of these amps (which I own) is specified by the manufacturer.
Luxman L-590AXII = 330W
Gryphon Diablo 300 = 1900W 
What are you trying to determine though really? The maximum transient consumption is listed on the rear of the unit. It’s only ever going to approach that for split seconds at a time.
If this is a energy conservation exercise. maybe get a wattmeter and monitor your actual usage? A good one will tell you the cost over 24hrs, total consumption, peak consumption and average.
Hint; it’s not very high.
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I may be considering a power conditioner where the spec is based on the max power draw.
Ahhh. “conditioner” or just balanced power supply? If the latter, a primary consideration more than consumption would be to not affect the low resistance path to the power amp which is separate from total power. Sizing to the circuit would be my preference rather than the consumption.
Bear in mind that one of the reasons Naim advocate 10mm2 mains cable to the CU is although that is rated far higher than the circuit and certainly several time over the draw of the power amp, the low resistance does affect the recharge rates of the caps which happens is measured in milliseconds or less.
I won’t repeat the mantra to not use a conditioner. You can decide that for yourself and the whole system doesn’t necessarily need to be on it.
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These power supplies, like a Plixir, are actually calculated in VA. I asked Plixir this before and for what it is worth, chatGPT also confirms this. So calculate all your equipment’s VA and choose the matching PS based on that number. You can also covert W to VA.
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Thanks for all responses. It’s just a plan, the Plixir. I"m not sure if I will still have the Naim amps 10 or 20 years from now, and the Gryphon Diablo’s power draw is just ridiculous so it will likely just go to the wall. I’ll need to think carefully.
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Have you diagnosed a specific problem that a conditioner is targeted at addressing?
Otherwise it’s a bit like taking prescription medication without a diagnosis in case you are ill with “something”.
I’m not anti conditioner but I do think they are solution to a specific problem and they are not cure everything magic beans.
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I don’t completely agree with this. I didn’t have any mains issues before I bought the Plixir. I just wanted to make sure I had a good block and from trying different blocks I also ended up trying the Plixir after hearing a demo at a show. The Plixir was just better on all fronts. Quieter than my mainline, which is a separate audio group, better focus, more dynamic better stop and start of notes and just more of everything. Sometimes there doesn’t need to be a problem to improve power supply. When I now change back to plugging things directly to the wall I immediately want to switch back to the Plixir.
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Agree, just like I didn’t have any network issues before trying my StackAudio Smoothlan Regenerator, I just wanted to see if it was capable of improving the sound, and it certainly did, just like my ISOL-8 power conditioners.
I don’t think there is a specific problem other than a lack of wall outlets for additional components and the current use of a cheap APS surge protector for the Naim components which might have severely impacted the performance of the system.
The Naim amps sound fine with the APS surge protector and I could have lived with it, but knowing that the performance could be improved with something better I am now looking at alternatives that could improve not only the Naim but other components as well. I am currently using an ancient BPT PPC conditioner as a temporary solution to connect some costly mains power cables to the Naim amps. The PPC is not regarded as a stellar product and is probably 20 years old now but the combined set up sounds appreciably better than the APS surge protector + standard Naim cables.
I am in no hurry to decide which route to go. If I am using an integrated amp such as the Luxman L590AXII or Gryphon Diablo 300, there isn’t any need for additional power sockets or a power conditioner. I only require additional sockets if the Naim amps are used since it’s a 3 component (HicapDR , 250DR and NAPSC), hence the plan for a ‘good’ power conditioner or balanced power supply or whatever that sounds good.
What is it that makes you want a surge protector, and why for Naim amps but not others?
The surge protector is used with the Naim amps since there are insufficient sockets to power the components. It’s a 3 component with the Naim amps so there is an issue with the lack of sockets. Other amps which I own are all integrated amps so there is no issue.
I am currently using an ‘audiophile’ power conditioner with the Naim amps and it’s an upgraded performance.
I am not following what exactly you are using?Further up the thread you show a picture of a surge protector, now you say you are using an audiophile power conditioner.
Why not get a power distributor with no conditioning or surge protection? Like the Shunyata Venom that I use, comes with power cord built in.
Edit, must of been another thread you had the photo of a surge protector.
Yes, I was using an APC surge protector when I first installed the Naim amps. I switched to an audiophile power conditioner several days later when someone suggested the APC is no good.
I’m currently investigating on the options but am in no hurry. Plixir Elite BAC, Puritan PSM, and now Shunyata Venom.
Isn’t the Wiremold L10320 what Naim recommends if you simply need more outlets?
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