Nap250 upgrade/evolution

Posted by: dwdm on 15 November 2000

My Nap250 is now a little bit old (serial # = 85XXX). Although I am quite satisfied with it, some operations have been suggested to me (friends, dealers...) including :

1) new filtering (big) capacitors
2) new amplifying and power stages (4 cards)
(sorry for the vocabulary !)
3) buying a NAP500...

It is difficult for me to have an idea on the "sonic" improvement involved by the first two operations. Or in other terms, are there big differences between an old and a new 250 ?
If yes, in which terms ?
If no, I will...consider option 3)

Many thanks for your help

Bruno.

Posted on: 15 November 2000 by Martin Payne

Dear Mr Dwdm,

your 8-year-old 250 is just coming up to the time (8-10 years) when it is recommended to have it serviced.

A mate of mine who did this to a 7x,xxx NAP250 (and 72/HiCap) found a huge improvement, as did I when servicing my more up-market kit.

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 15 November 2000 by Former member

dwdm (whatever that means)

quote:
buying a NAP500...

I'm given to understand the NAP500 is a huge jump sonically from a 250. But so is the money. There is no doubt that refreshing a 250 will bring it back to full performance, but you may also wish to consider the 135s.

I have recently replaced just such a refreshed 250 with a pair of 135s and got improvements in every aspect of musical performance. Articulation, clarity, finesse and absolute control in the bass. I thought the 250 is a great amp, but the 135s blows it away. If you can afford a 500, I'm sure you won't be disappointed, but you should have at primo front end gear first e.g. CDS2 and NAC52.

James