Upgrade to active speakers

Hi-Fi Corner
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Hi, I havs recently added the Sonus Faber Sonnetto 3 speakers to my system which is my trusty but reconditioned 180 and hicap with a 82 pre-amp.

I have read in the forum that bi-amping will not necessarily enhance the sound dramatically but bi-wiring is worth investigating.

Has anyone done this with the above set-up or similar and is needed and what was the result?

Thanks,

Michael

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Don’t bother biwiring either, it’s really not recommended with Naim amps.
This has nothing to do with “active” which can either be:
Active speakers which have the amps inside them eg pmc active range
Active crossovers which require separate snaxo plus hicaps in the Naim ecosystem, and compatible speakers with internal crossovers removed.
Neither of these apply to your sf speakers.

If you want “more”, upgrade 180 to 250.

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There is a potential significant upgrade available there.

Almost ‘any’ 250 would do… From CB or Olive onwards… :open_mouth:

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As others suggest, the NAP 250 is the way to go
Keep it all Olive :wink:

Good luck
R

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Thanks Robert, thats great advice

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Will look into the 250 upgrade

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:+1:

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Are you sure that’s what you meant to say?
Biwiring is not a good idea with a Naim amp.
Active biamping is a great idea if you don’t mind the extra boxes and expense, but I don’t think that’s what you are considering.
Passive biamping can be a good idea if your speakers are hard to drive and benefit from the extra power, so it certainly has it’s place, although generally it’s better to buy just one better amp rather than two lesser amps.

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The thread title suggests you want to run active. Biwuring certainly is not (and has questionable value), neither is passive bi-amping (something that in my opinion is only worth considering trying if you happen to have a spare amp of suitable quality lying around). Active means having an active crossover before two (for a 2-way speaker) or 3 (for 3-way) power amps. Strictly speaking active speakers have the power amps physically attached.

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No shortage of pre-loved ones. Maybe be look for one to match your other units…?

Do, however check its service history. 250’s are best when serviced on time - so ever 8 to 10 years. Otherwise they can go a bit… odd… :crazy_face:

How often should I service my Naim product? This is a question often asked, and the Service Department recommendations are as follows: for the Chrome Bumper (circa 1975 - 1989) and Olive (circa 1989 - 2000) range products, we recommend every 8 - 10 years and for the newer Black products (2000 - present), every 12 - 15 years.

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Hi Ian,

I have the hifi in a small room now, would a 250 make a difference if the volume cannot be too high?

thanks,

Michael

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Yes. The 250 is just a better amp. Nothing to do with volume.

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Hi Chris,

I went down this cul-de-sac after a friend dropped by and strongly suggested I look into this, on reflection he did not know enough about Naim or my speakers. Thankfully you and the others have put me straight. An upgrade on my Amp will a better path.

thanks again.

Michael

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:+1:

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thanks for clarifying, I will look at upgrading my amp.

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Hi Ian,

I see you have the 82 and LP12/Ittok in your set up.

A slightly off topic question, would you still recommend upgrading to the 250 or changing the phono board in the 82 to MC from MM for biggest impact on vinyl.

Vinyl is my preferred listening medium but having just replaced my CD1, which was beyond repair, with the CD5si, it will also get good use. I also have a ND5 XS2 which I mainly used when I am working and not 100% engaged.

Thanks,

Michael

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Changing to a 250 changes ‘everything’ - so is a Good Value swap, IMO. I have had mine since 1985…! (originally with a 42 and a SNAPS)

From your profile, your present cart is an Ortofon Red MM…? That is probably a bit below par. Maybe look at a better MM or a high output MC (such as a DV10X…*) - rather that changing to a low output MC. Best bet is to go to discuss and listen to cart options, at a good dealers.

Low output MC’s can get very expensive… :expressionless: But the 5xx series phono boards which the 82 uses are very good and will cope with anything.

You would need 523 boards for any low output MC.

(* - I use 523 E boards with my 10X)

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Thanks Ian,

I’ll look into both the MM and MC upgrade options and see what is available locally.

Thanks again for your help.

Michael

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Been there, (sort of) done that.

The short answer is NAP250! Then you can play around with the front end. The 250 really is “that good”.

I can also suggest (subsequent to the 250!) a second Hicap for the 82. Or even a Supercap. I found the transition from 1xHC to 2xHC to be well worthwhile. 2xHC to SC?...well the jury is still out on that……

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Like IanRoberM I started my Naim journey in 1985 with a 42/110. Then straight to a 250 (with a HiCap, 102 ((v unimpressive)), 82 - brilliant along the way). I always felt the 250 should be the entry level to Naim power amps. Chrome bumper, Olive, OC, NC, any colour - all great. Delighted that Naim now agrees with me haha.
contrary to Suzywong I would suggest don’t bother with two HiCaps. Get a supercap, sell your HiCap then wait for a 52 to come up. Big step up from an 82. I still use mine with a 500DR power amp.

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