Bang for the buck?

This is a no-brainer as far as I am concerned. the 1996 model is the way to go. Assuming the recap was done with naim suggested caps (preferably at NANA), the price is a down right steal.

even if the cap job was botched, $ NANA will do another one for $400, and you are still ahead of the game.

I don't think there were any important changes between 1996 and 2001.

If you don't want it, there will be plenty of people here who will.

Judd

Thanx for the reply, Justin.

I'm waiting for someone from Naim (NANA) to confirm the re-capping (via e-mail) and then I'll "go from there".

If anybody has any other suggestions, please let me know right away! You know how deals usually come and go rather quickly, especially if it's as good a deal as Justin seems to think.

Thanx,
TNJB

Thanx for your feedback, Mark.

How bout you guys across the pond... nuthin' to say on this comparison? Can the difference between these two amps justify spending 60% more for the 2001 model?

Whatd'ya say out there?

TNJB

Thanx, Alex!
(and to all others who've responded.)

The seller has e-mailed me a copy of his service invoice from NANA, so I suppose the re-cap has been done properly. I e-mailed NANA to conform, but haven't heard back yet.

You guys are certainly making this seem like there's nothin' to think about here!

Keep those "cards and letters" comin!

TNJB

TNJB

Don't think too long about it. The older model recapped is a steal at the price. The 2001 model will lose value over the next few years while the 1996 will hold it's value or could be sold for more, when the time comes to upgrade.

As the 1996 is just recently recapped it may well have the edge over the newer one. Just buy it you lucky stiff.

Yours in Music

Syd

Hi Guys!

NANA just replied to my inquiry on the date of manufacture and service records for this alleged 1996 NAP250. The serial# comes up as a 1984 model!



Now, regardless of whether the deal for an amp that's 12 years older than advertised is still worthwhile, I'm not sure that I want to deal with someone that has been so misleading.

I know that I've said this before on the forum, "if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!"

The thing that makes things tough is the time it sometimes takes for Naim to respond to an inquiry on used equipment. (Especially since the selling/buying of such items is usually so time critical.) I keep suggesting to Naim (NANA) to list a serial number database that gives general info. on equipment, posted to the NANA website. If the date of manufacture and any factory service records were available on used equipment, it would save the guys at Naim from answering a lot of e-mails and phone calls. Most importantly, this would allow any audiophile in the market for used Naim equipment to get info. in a timely fashion before making a purchase.

Comments?
TNJB

I have a 1984 250 recapped by nana ( it will say on the end of a cap if you look) in 12/99. Sounds wonderfull and I paid more than you will.

That's quite a big difference--1984 vs. 1996. The distinction is an obvious one. The 1996 model will have an olive face with backlit logo and the 1984 model will have a black face with a silver rim.

Some changes took place between 1984 and 1996 (a new transformer, among others). For the record, you can check seriel numbers right on the naim website.

At 1075, the 1984 model is only "overpriced" to "fair" valued. Don't get me wrong--with the 2002 recap, it's a spanking good amplifier, but the fact remains that it is worth less.

Who made such an agregious missrepresentation?

Judd

Hi TNJB

What a nuisance. Your right to reject it though even if it still seems like a fair deal. Lying about the age makes me think that there are other problems. Best avoid it.

Yours in Music

Syd

Hi TNJB,

Don't do business with liars.Wait for an other 250 coming up or buy the newer one for 1725.Then you're sure of it's age and It'll do fine for ten years or so.

regards,
Rob.

Thanx for all the suggestions.

Ironically, when I questioned the seller about this (via e-mail) he responded back with a link to that very same serial number chart that Naim (UK) has available. (I never knew this existed, Duh!... matter of fact, I've been clamouring for this kind of info. from NANA's website! Unfortunately, it has so far fallen upon deaf ears.)

Anyway, all the damned fool did was prove his own guilt with that chart! He was reading the wrong line, therefore the wrong year!

It may have been an honest mistake (?) but, I'm very hesitant to deal with him now. At least this has been a learning experience for me. I guess that I should be somewhat happy about it... now I have the chart to qualify any future potential used purchases.

>>> May the force be with you, Luke!

That's all for now, keep you insight and knowledgable posts coming!

Thanx,
TNJB

Since I am on my continued hunt for a reasonably priced used NAP250... can you guys tell me in what years were the most significant changes made to the 250?

Whether it be cosmetic - "Old" style (Black w/silver rim) or "New" style (Olive green) differences...

- vs. -

Internal design changes - Transformers, caps whatever... etc. (Obviously, I'm not very technically well versed inside the box!)

What really makes a difference? There's gotta be a somewhat definitive timeline as to what's worth what year to year???

Thanx,
TNJB

TNJB,
I am not sure youre going to get a definative answer on this as I believe Naim have made quite a few small tweeks to the 250 over the years - I don't think these are all made public.

I think the biggest internal change that was made was to the transformer. In 1986 (going off memory here) they changed from a Hodden and Fisher design. This is considered to be why the older 250's sound warmer and not as tight low down as the new versions.

Newer is not always better though as I for one prefer my 1984 250 to a new 180 and it was a lot cheaper as well.

Try a search I think this has been covered before.

Simon

quote:

---

Originally posted by Simon B:
TNJB,
I am not sure youre going to get a definative answer on this as I believe Naim have made quite a few small tweeks to the 250 over the years - I don't think these are all made public.

I think the biggest internal change that was made was to the transformer. In 1986 (going off memory here) they changed from a Hodden and Fisher design. This is considered to be why the older 250's sound warmer and not as tight low down as the new versions.

Newer is not always better though as I for one prefer my 1984 250 to a new 180 and it was a lot cheaper as well.

Try a search I think this has been covered before.

Simon

---

here are the mods for the NAP250:

....the Nap 250 has had many modifications,the list is as follows:

(1) Nov 90 new earth bush.
(2) Jan 91 new P/S board.
(3) Feb 92 TX wired to give reduced field strength.
(4) Oct 92 Nuvotech transformer (replacement for Holden & Fisher type)
(5) Nov 97 new layout to amp boards (x2)
(6) Jan 99 new signal I/P wires
(7) Jan 01 007's fitted to P/S.

Ok I will shut up.

Simon

Hey Tuan,

Do you have your degree from Naim University?

I can't believe how much info. you have come up with! I'm sure that each change/upgrade was done with Naim's intent of making a better amp, but I now need your humble opinion on what change(s) created the biggest difference?

Thanx!
TNJB