What’s the question here? Has a SN3, but wants a Naim power amp to match the power amp stage of the SN3, whilst not using the SN3 as a pre-amp only? Very confusing. Maybe bi-amping with a NAP200 or 250 is the answer, who would know.
For the above load, not a general question in any way: Which Naim power amps at least equal the power amp stage in Supernait 3?
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It’s not a general question because the main amp in this system does not reproduce the lowest 2.5 octaves. Further, the speaker’s EPDR is moderate or easier than moderate and true sensitivity is either 90 or 94 dB depending on the model.
A full-range audiophile speaker with nominal EPDR and sensitivity specs would require multiples more current and voltage than the subject speakers in my case.
I prolly gave too much info but I thought that’s better than too little.
I know about the current $9k USD SRP NAP-250 and it indeed looks fantastic. I’m a big fan of Martin Colloms who bought his NAP-250 review sample. I’d rather spend less and very much appreciate the NAP200 recommendation!
In my application am I right to predict all or most would prefer a proper serviced NAP200 over any discontinued Naim power amps below the NAP-250?
Did any NAP200 include balanced inputs, or all unbalanced only? All DIN inputs only? Many thanks.
Yes! Very much so! Price range?
I’m in the US. Re. a used NAP-250 is it possible to internally swap mains voltage from GB or EU to the USA (115-120Vac/60 Hz?) I’m sure there’s a lot more Naim amps for sale outside than inside the US.
I’m pretty sure I already have a step-up/step-down PS for this purpose.
I am just done with tubes. At 2024 South West Audio Fest I absolutely loved the overall presentation in the Audio Note room: $52k/pr dual push-pull 300B > AN corner-loaded 2-way about $13k/pr IIRC. But I actually thought I heard tube noise modulating with the music signal. I’m used to dead silence between and during the notes. But definitely, except for that noise issue, that was a great demo and those speakers are infinitely better than they have any right to be.
Yes, the Infigo Method 4 is a DAC with an ultra-refined balanced differential output, ultra-high current (about 30-ohms IIRC, can drive headphones.)
Don’t ask me why but I still prefer the Slagleformer than DAC-direct to amp.
I am crystal clear how tuning can make or break a component. If one closely examined the objective build of a Kinki EX integrated, I presume it appears more exotic and refined than an SN3 and yet the latter smokes the former in my application, not even close. I’m pretty sure the EX also passes much higher current and voltage than the SN3 too. It really ticks me off that Kinki’s stereo power amp prohibits rolling op-amps.
I’m totally sold on the NAP-250DR. Thanks very much for your kind help. Is the current NAP-250 the same or different?
If I happen to find a nice sample in GB or an EU country: can I swap the mains voltage internally for the USA?
The PS transformer looks huge and awesome. What’s the price for a USA mains transformer?
See other threads. It seems best to get a UK amp converted, but that probably needs doing by Naim or a proper Naim specialist.
I have UK Naim boxes in Tasmania. I simply got a UK dealer (Grahams) to make a star-earthed Hydra power supply for the Naim kit, with a high quality Australia-friendly plug. I am not sure that adapting for the USA is quite so straightforward - there’ll be a step-up transformer needed somewhere I assume.
There can certainly be complications moving hifi between different electricity formats, however you do it. OTOH, although you see some Naim stuff for sale in US (and Canada), I absolutely appreciate that there is a lot more of it for sale here, and cheaper, so buying a second hand box here is worth considering.
You can buy a 250 power amp for perhaps £1000 here, but you’d need to find out about conversion costs to add on top. If it has not been serviced for 10+ years, then that will need doing but the amp will be cheaper.
Perhaps getting an unserviced one in the UK and sending it off to have everything done at once would be a realistic way forwards if you can’t find a 250 (or 300DR or 500, or whichever power amp you choose) closer to home.
Good luck!
Your version makes a bit more sense. However, the ‘system’ is so far-from-usual that I feel unable to comment or help.
Unusual.
From the OP:
For the above load, not a general question in any way: Which Naim power amps at least equal the power amp stage in Supernait 3?
@1125fps why not simply name the speakers and say you’re only interested in using them above 100Hz? And give a maximum budget figure. Doing this would make it much easier for people to understand and respond appropriately to your query.
All Naim power amps use unbalanced inputs: the only exception to this is the current New Classic 250 and 350.
(The older versions of the 250, as well as the 300 and 500, use XLR sockets, but they are still unbalanced inputs.)
Don’t forget the NAP S1 monoblocks - the OP hasn’t mentioned budget and may have deep pockets
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