Yep it’s needing some TLC alright. You’ve only got a hint of what it can do so prepare to be surprised when it comes back, though it will need a while to lose the initial brightness after the recap. With mine I’ve learnt that if it doesn’t sound superb then there’s probably something else in the system that’s working against it. It’s an iconic amp for good reason!
2 Likes
Found an interesting article/review from naim news back in ‘00 which sheds some light on the history of the nap250. Could post it here with the permission of @Richard.Dane
No problem Mr.Tibbs, so long as there’s nothing in it that breaches forum rules, go for it.
Picked up Snaps today, serviced by Class A in 2017, and compared to my CB Hicap, also serviced by Class A in 2017. Have to say I prefer 32/Snaps/250 to 32/Hicap/250. The Snaps doesn’t have the control and deep bass but the music just seems to gel better as a whole. Still want to compare to a Naps but they are not easy to find. In the meantime, definitely sending the 32/250 off for service now.
2 Likes
It’s amazing how good the CB and olive gear sounds after being serviced.
Interesting insights about the SNAPS
1 Like
The 32/250 are back from service and been running in for several days.
The 250 is a great sounding amp in terms of control, definition and refinement - hard to believe how old the design is. I can understand the ‘rubber band bass’ criticism but can’t say it bothers me much. Maybe it would over time.
However, today I compared 32/SNAPS/250 to 32/110 and annoyingly I enjoy the 32/110 more, despite the 110 having even less hours on it since service. Prior to the 32 being serviced, I found the 110 too relentless and the music was kind of speeded up. It’s still got a bit of that character but it has lessened. What the 110 has instead is the engagement of the 12/160 and Nait 1 / 2. The SNAPS/250 is slightly uninteresting by comparison, despite the superior HiFi and grunt.
I just can’t seem to get on with the external PSU architecture. As mentioned previously, I find my serviced Hicap even worse than the Snaps so improving the PSU doesn’t seem to help matters.
I assume I’m in the vast minority but does anyone have the same, or similar, preference?
1 Like
I get what you’re saying about how engaging the 110 is - I’d still be using mine if I hadn’t made changes elsewhere that meant the 250 is now the preferred option for me.
However, I’m wondering what din-xlr cable you’re using between the psu and the 250. The standard lead consists of some 3 core mains flex, which to my ears just squeezes the life and vitality out of 250. My solution was to make up a din-xlr (female to male) adaptor for use at the amp end, so that I could use a standard 4 pin snaic lead between the psu and 250. It was a kind of lightbulb moment when the 250 suddenly upped its game and began properly involving me in music.
Thanks for the tip Mr T.
Just using the standard cable, so I’ll see what I can find on the tinterweb as I’m not able to do that myself.
I’ve committed to using Kans and the 250 is much preferred sonically, over 110 or 160, so I’d like to make it work if possible.
2 Likes
@Mr.Tibbs have you tried the Witchhat DIN-XLR cable out of interest?
I used a chord tuned aray and it was SO much better than the standard cable
But so it should be at the price!!
I used a 42, Snaps and 250 with a Linn and Kans for many years and absolutely loved it. I’d suggest just using it for a few months and seeing how it goes. Use the black rather than grey Snaic and Din to XLR, as they are better.
No, I use a standard black 4-4 pin snaic, which means it’s really easy to swap back to the 110 if I feel the need (though that’s unlikely now as at last I’m getting exactly the sound I need). As HH says, the black snaics are better than the old grey ones and represent a nice cost effective upgrade. Just to be clear though, the standard Naim IC for the 250 is not a ‘snaic’ type screened cable, which is odd given that a decent screened cable is way better for all sorts of reasons - not least it sounds better!
Anyway, very satisfied with the sound I’m getting now so no urge to experiment further.
Aa Ha! I see the adapter servers two purposes
a) SNAIC for better SQ
b) ability to easily swap back to the 110
I may try the Witch Hat as they do offer a money back option should I not like it. 
1 Like
250 DR. all the way. enjoy it!
Following Mr Tibbs’ recommendation, I’ve sourced a brand new 4-pin latching DIN - to - 3-pin XLR cable from a well known source, albeit not Naim. I don’t know if these cables need running in but the music seems to flow slightly better with the original cable, although it’s not quite as clear.
Overall, the same situation exists (with either cable) although it doesn’t seem as pronounced as before - i.e. 32/SNAPS/250 makes less sense of the music than the 32/110. Not sure why the gap has closed - could be one of a few reasons, such as slightly tidier cabling this time. Certainly 32/110 seems more plug and play than the 250 combo.
As on previous occasions, I very much like the control and clarity provided by the 250 combo - the Kans seem to really need this level of amp to get the best out of them. So, I think I’ll just live with it a few weeks and see how the dust settles before swapping back to 32/110. My suspicion is that some threshold has been passed where it’s now emphasising the music rather than impressive HiFi. I’ll report back in a few weeks.
1 Like
Been playing LPs for a couple of hours and its definitely much better than last time - really enjoying it in fact - nicely balanced with late Kan 1s and high spec LP12. Strange though. Maybe the 250 or SNAPS just needed more hours, or didn’t like me leaving the 110 on the same rack (powered by separate spur just to keep warm between comparisons), or perhaps cos the cabling wasn’t particularly tidy.
1 Like
Very interesting! I think you’re almost there with the 250 but I know how tricky it is to replace a good 110 with something supposedly better. Years ago I went to my local dealer wanting to try a 180 and 250 with my 42.5 / HiCap, but he just said Nah … neither are as musical as the 110. Having said that, a lot depends on the speaker load, and clearly with Gale 401s the 110 can’t shift air and do scale like a 250 can, and that’s hard to do without when you get used to it.
In the midst of typing this my son has dropped off my (now his) 42.5 and spare 110 for a check over while he moves house. I’ll have the amps for a month, so will no doubt try them in my rig to give them a thorough testing 
Will of course come back with a full and frank report.
In the meantime a little teaser pic. There’s no doubt, it is one of the coolest looking pieces of hifi ever made IMHO…
8 Likes
Couldn’t resist just slotting in the 42.5 with no other changes. Three records in and it’s opening up nicely. Almost too nicely 
Sorry, I’m kinda hijacking your thread Murmur but hoping it’s of some interest to you.
5 Likes
Suits me. It’s closely related and I’m interested to see how you get on.
1 Like