250 to 135`s- how much better

Posted by: davidf on 30 November 2001

I need help. I have cdx/82/super/250 (old style but recapped 4 yrs ago). I also have lp12/ekos/rega exact and nat 01. All through linn 5140 speakers with 5150 sub in a very, very large room. I have a chance to get a second hand pair of 135`s to replace my 250. How much would this improve my system? I do plan on doing the demo myself but does anyone have experience with this upgrade? Please give me some input.david. ps, I know an xps would help but this opportunity came up... you know how it is.

Posted on: 30 November 2001 by Mike Hanson

Even though the 135s aren't "rated" as much more powerful than the 250, there really is a huge difference. You'll notice much more control; deeper bass; smoother, more effortless presentation; tighter sound, etc.

If you've got a good deal on the 135s, then I would probably go for them. Then all you need is the CDS2, XPS and 52 to source.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 30 November 2001 by Martin Payne

quote:
Originally posted by davidf:
in a very, very large room

The large room may justify bigger amps, just for their extra watts.

Unusual situations sometimes need the rules to be bent.

Also, I'm a true believer in buying a bargain when one comes along, as long as you're happy to repair the damage to system "balance" (i.e. front-heavy) sometime soon.

My usual rule-of-thumb is that you can break rules (to some extent) where things are already sounding good. Have to be more careful if you're upgrading to resolve a problem. These often lurk in obscure corners of the setup or need to be tackled in a methodical way, trying box upgrades until one fits the bill.

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 01 December 2001 by Mick P

Chaps

Getting the front end of your system right is dead easy. You just aim for a CDS11 /NAC 52 set up. You may get there by different means but the end goal is a no brainer.

I currently have a 250 and the sound is good. I also play my sound at 9 o clock which is fairly moderate.

My dilemma is I do not have a clue where to go from here.

1. Should I stay with the 250 because of the moderate sound levels. Is anything better or more powerful wasted on me.

2. Should I settle for a pair of 135's

3. Should I go active, and again with 250's or 135's.

4. Should I hold out and save up for a NAP 500.

My major concern is the fact that the 250 may be adequate because I rarely play the system beyond the 9pm level.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 01 December 2001 by Derek Wright

OK given that I have a huge minus fep score take my comments as you will

250 to 135
I demoed the 250 for a long weekend ie Friday to Tuesday - they gave detail but did not give strength

Base on the demo I bought a pair of 135s they delivered the detail and the strength and the bass control

I had the opportunity to get a Nap 500 - as soon as they were switched on they blew away the 135s, there was so much more detail and presence etc

The 500s are now a month old and singing very nicely, they are currently driving a pair of Act 2s - it is very nice thank you.

THe 500s do go loud but they are better at all volumes

As always ymmv

I support the backbone first strategy not the source first because I have many sources (not all to the same quality, as other quality sources are not available) but they are all improved by improving the backbone of the system -

Have fun and enjoy

Derek

Posted on: 01 December 2001 by Martin Payne

quote:
Originally posted by Mick Parry:
Chaps
You just aim for a CDS11 /NAC 52 set up.

Hey Mick, you forgot to mention Fraim (sorry, couldn't resist).

quote:
I currently have a 250 and the sound is good. I also play my sound at 9 o clock which is fairly moderate.
My dilemma is I do not have a clue where to go from here.
1. Should I stay with the 250 because of the moderate sound levels. Is anything better or more powerful wasted on me.
2. Should I settle for a pair of 135's
3. Should I go active, and again with 250's or 135's.

4. Should I hold out and save up for a NAP 500.

Mick,

"power is nothing without control".

A better amp will improve your sound, at least as much as your volume ability.

As my system setup improves I can now listen at lower volume levels, although louder also works well for me!!!

I would tend to suggest active or NAP500 for you.

NAP500 if you can afford it, which will then position you for NBLs, which will blow you away at any volume level.

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 01 December 2001 by davidf

I will demo them tommorow and report my findings over the next few days. david.

Posted on: 04 December 2001 by davidf

having lived with the 135`s for 2 days, There is no question that for my system and my room, the 135`s trounce the 250. Remember, my room is 30 by 20 ft with 18ft cathedral ceiling and this room opens up into other large rooms! The room is better filled with music, things are better delineated- you are able to hear into the music better and you start to hear things going on that were not apparent before, with the 250. It looks like I am going to get them. Having fun- david.

Posted on: 04 December 2001 by Mick P

Madam

I actually have a secondary system which is based on a 32.5/140 and jolly good it is.

I have never for one minute regretted my expenditure on Naim equipment because it represents extremely good value for money. The best never comes cheap, my wife is living proof of that.

This year has been a little expensive for me but as I once said to Zob, I am at the peak of my career, my children have flown the nest and I spend more on malts than I do on my mortgage. Also I am a Rachman so its no big deal to me.

Never the less thank you for your concern, it is much appreciated.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 04 December 2001 by Christopher

"The trick with a 250 is that you will not hear how its meant to be heard unless you have a 52"

Ever heard the 250 with an 82? Does this mean that the 82/250 is not a good partnership?

I'm currently running a 180, and thought the 250 was a vast improvement in terms of control, dynamics and sheer realism (although during what was admittedly a fairly short demo).

Is moving to the 250 the right step to take in terms of upgrade? My current system consists of CDX/PSX/82/HC/180/B&W CM4s... I felt that the 180 was the weakest link. Any advice greatly appreciated!

Posted on: 05 December 2001 by Christopher

Thanks Stallion. Looks like I need to take a trip back to the UK to have a listen to both options. Never actually heard the supercapped 82, although I was dissatisfied with the naked 82, so much so that 2 weeks after its purchase I returned to the shop to say so. The addition of the hi-cap solved that problem.

I look forward to hearing what it can do.

Posted on: 05 December 2001 by Christopher

Thanks for the advice. Looks like I need to take a trip back to the UK to have a listen to both options. Never actually heard the supercapped 82, although I was dissatisfied with the naked 82, so much so that 2 weeks after its purchase I returned to the shop to say so. The addition of the hi-cap solved that problem.

I look forward to hearing what it can do...