Cambridge MXN10 easily beats Wiim and Bluesound if we’re speaking about own analog outputs, still just 350
The 250DR is such a significant advance over the 250.2 I’d stretch to get one IIWY…
Yes, that’s what I mean. I got the numbers switched 
No HDMI, which is important to me.
1 Like
Update: I’ve been able to lay my hands on a recapped NAP250 for a nice deal. The seller let me audition it with a NAC282. Soon enough we were just playing records and enjoying the music - this confirmed to me that it’s exactly the sound I’m looking for. The NAP250 is now safely stored at home.
It also made me doubt my decision on the N-272, the 282+250 combo sounded so good. And when I learned that the N-272 has limited interoperability with other Naim gear, like the Stageline phono preamp, I changed my mind and I’m now going for a NAC282. Unfortunately I can’t afford one until I’ve sold my tube amp. Ah well, patience…
6 Likes
Maybe the older Nac 82 can be sourced cheaper ?
Quite similar performance, will take internal phono cards - Not the same looks though.
4 Likes
I’ve not seen any olive boxes on our country’s s/h market site for a long time, let alone the NAC82.
But I’ve added it to my seach agent. Thanks!
I have a 282 and 250Dr ( with HiCap Dr) and it’s a lovely combination. I’d highly recommend it to you.
2 Likes
It certainly is.
However I did sell my 282 last month, the 250 long ago - several reasons, don’t ask.
I do have a very nice 72 sitting in my rack now along with my olive 250.
A combo I often ran decades ago - I can easy still live with these. 
4 Likes
I think you have made a good choice in the 282. Hopefully you haven’t missed that you will need a Hicap to power it, otherwise it won’t work. The same applies to the 82 should you happen to find one.
Remember that as you move to a better amp it will be more revealing, and to get an enjoyable, well balanced sound you need a source that is of a similar calibre to the amp. In the Naim range that would typically be something like NDX2/XPSDR which isn’t cheap.
1 Like
I had 82 Hicap then 2 HiCaps, then Supercap 2, 250CB then 2 x 135s.
An 82/282 HiCap 250 is one to go for. You can upgrade source later. You have a decent turntable.
It will sound wonderful. Had 82 for around 4 or 5 years and loved it. 250CB was very good amp. The newer 250s will be better again especially 250DR. But all 250s are great amps.
3 Likes
Don’t you mean a napsc? The ones I see on offer, all have that included. It can’t be powered by a NAP250, or a flatcap? Of course hicap is ideal, but budget 
You need HiCap with 250 as well as napsc that comes with 82 or 282. With 200 you don’t need HiCap. It’s power supply needed to power with 250 and 300 or 135s.
1 Like
No, you need a Hicap too. A Flatcap would also work and is cheaper, but it was really intended to be used with lower spec Naim preamps than the 282. A Hicap is the ideal match.
1 Like
Alright, cool
Edit: A seller has a 282 incl napsc and hicap for a good price, so I’ve put that on my list.
I can only hope to make someone else very happy with my tube amp so I have the money to get that set.
Nac 282 need to be powered up from a separate PSU if used with any Nap 250, Hicap, Supercap or Flatcap.
Napsc is mandatory for the functions only.
So actually a 4-box system ex source.
1 Like
I never came on with 250.2
However 250DR was very good.
Happy with CB or Olive editions 250.
Nearly 50 years amplication still head and shoulders above many other brands.
JV was onto something by then.
4 Likes
Today I went and picked up a N-272. It was a very good deal, and as it turns out, I just barely have enough space in my audio/TV cabinet to place the nap250, the N-272, the TT stuff and TV set top box. Wiring is a mess that I need to clean up properly, but I really need a better space for everything. Now I have some budget left to look for something.
I installed it all, switched it on, and I put on the first record: Baduizm by Erykah Badu. I was immediately shocked by the terrible undefined mud that was the bass. I put on something less bass-y, and that sounded better. I kept playing all kinds of music: vinyl, streaming from the bluesound, streaming Spotify directly, watching a couple of shows on Disney+, streaming direct from my NAS, and then I realized it just sounded better and better by the hour.
I put Erykah back on, and the mud was gone! What was left was a lovely, deep, well-defined bass. Every instrument could be heard, her voice clear above it. Just lovely.
I’m now listening to Aurora, Every Kind Of Human, and she just sounds so beautifully ethereal. I feel like I didn’t lose anything on soundstage, the naim set is a much better marriage with the speakers. I lost a bit of 3d I guess… the tube amp put instruments behind and in front of the speakers, like, around them, if that makes sense. Now, the soundstage is behind the speakers. It’s not good or bad, it’s just different. Overall I believe I made the right choice and this is the upgrade I was looking for.
Thank you all for your insights and advice.
5 Likes
To have a proper listening session, you need to plug the gear in at least 30 minutes in advance. It makes a huge difference.
1 Like
If you want to make a huge upgrade in the future then look out for a used XPS or 555PS 
2 Likes