Hi, I enjoy my system, but have the feeling boxes could do more if more amplified (86 db). I don’t listen at very high volume as I live in a flat, but enjoy listening well. I was thinking to upgrade power amp, so mostly I am evaluating a nap 300 dr or a new series nap 250. What would you suggest? This is what I have now:
282 + hicap dr
nds + 555 ps (and node2 to enjoy new services and possibilities)
250 dr
PMC twenty5 26
WH morgana + WH phantom
thanks for sharing your experience
Upgrade the power supply to the 282 first.
thanks, I suppose supercap dr
Yes or twin HiCaps, which I ran on my 282/300DR system. Sounded brilliant.
Moving to a New Classic 250DR strikes me as of limited gain, assuming the older box is serviced, and means mixing OC/NC components. Unless you intend switching over fully to the NC boxes I think you can spend better.
You could consider the 300DR instead, but for my money the preamp section is the place to look. SCap first, then you could look for a good 52 or 252 s/h in future.
Bruce
I would certainly upgrade the preamp first. If you’re considering New Classics, a 333 sounds better to me than a 282/Hicap even without the 300 power supply upgrade. One box instead of 3.
A 252 would be another great option (or of course a 552, but that’s a lot more money!)
A non DR Supercap will also be an big upgrade
over HC DR
I listened to the 2526i recently and thought it v bright at low volumes. I had the 282/250dr previously and an NDX, and whilst it was awesome in many ways, having switched to a Luxman I can now see the slightly crude treble that Naim produces, which suspect would be exacerbated by low volume listening with those speakers. If you love the Naim sound then personally I’d look at maybe moving to the Prophecy range, which really impressed me in comparison to the 26i and was much more even in tone at lower volumes.
I think you you will gain more by changing power amp to 300DR first. Then 282 HiCap DR to 2 HiCaps or Supercap DR.
With the 300DR it should sound better at lower volumes. It has more beef to bass and better control.
You’ll get lower noise floor with Supercap DR, greater detail and refinement.
Yes, or 2x HCDR. See my topic How best to power a prefix? 282 or HiCap? For my latest trials and errors!
thanks Dan, you would stay within the old range. I thought new 250 option as on paper is more powerful than 300 dr, but maybe 300 dr is more natural option. Supercap might be next step than
would you mix old and new classic Chris? Just asking
I would stay in the OC range. It’s better value for money. The 300DR will have greater transient power, offering better bass grip and control than the NC250. Although greater in watts per channel and a fantastic amp the NC250 won’t have the same authority as a 300DR. The NC 250 will be faster and lower noise floor. The NC amps verses better with NC gear.
The 300DR is a mini 500DR and a great amp.
Look if are thinking of changing all out and getting NC gear then I understand getting a NC250, 332 and 333.
You have an NDS with 555PS which will work great with a 300DR.
At one point I had 52, Supercap 2 and 500DR and it sounded epic, with NDS and 555PS.
You could get a non DR Supercap and that will sound superb with 282 also. As @Igel says better than one HiCap DR.
Further to this I see that Signals have a 300DR serviced 2021 for under £3k.
Don’t get me wrong NC gear is very strong. Do whatever you feel is best for you.
It’s a very personal decision. I was very clear with what I wanted with upgrade paths and did things my way!
I had a hybrid system with mix of olive, chrome bumper and OC gear. It went very well together. The NC gear is quite different though. You have to listen to it before you decide.
I thought the NC250 was more powerful than the OC300…no? The NC250 is 100w…i thought the OC300 was 90w?
As I said before the 300DR has higher transient capabilities 500VA vs 400VA NC250.
Watts yes you are right. Maybe there’s not much between them power wise as NC250 100 watts and 300DR 90 watts.
If you want more power the 2 x NC350s are the ones to go for! More powerful than Nap 500DR.
For what you can buy a good 300dr for they are real bargain. I used a 282 with a Hi cap in my system when my 552 was away for repair was rather surprised how good this combination ws.
Absolutely @pcd. It’s the best value and I have highlighted a used one.
The NC range are great, but on used market still pricey. 2 x 350s will be ideal but £8500. A 300DR for under £3k is good value kit. An NC 250 £4500 used.
You need to be aware that the previous casework was more expensive to make. The newer kit looks more modern but I think the OC casework for Classic series is better made.
I had 2 x 135s which in power terms weren’t meant to be much over 250, all CB. In real terms massive difference.
This is very much over to the OP. It’s impossible to say what is best for him. He needs to make his own decisions.
Thanks Dan for all your suggestions, I understood 300 might be the best solution, at the end despite watts is more powerful than new 250 and would be more in line with 282 being of the same generation. I will look for some good pre loved in Eu, unfortunately buying from uk is quite difficult
Collective thinking on forums like this is a funny thing. It used to be a common comment here that 282/300 was not a great pairing, reflecting the principle that the preamp is the more important priority when building a system. I mentioned this to my dealer some years ago, and he set up a 282/300DR and then a 252/250DR, said nothing, and let me listen for myself. The 252/250 was so much more enjoyable. That’s despite the fact that the 300DR is, I would say, a strong contender for Naim’s best ever power amp.
Make of this what you will. Listen and decide for yourself if you can before parting with large amounts of cash.