Upgrade Advice

The 135s are much tighter and more authoritative, with a lower noise floor. In comparison, the 250 is "shouty". This is especially noticeable at higher volumes, although the differences are there at lower volumes too. (i.e. The 250 is more painful at higher volumes, but is still a very capable amp.)

Both are very good, though, so go with what you can afford.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Dear Thanx

New Supercap = £2315
New Nap 250 = £1815
Total = £4130

Given your upgrade plans for next year you could buy these by adding the proceeds from selling your hicap and 140 to your £3500 cash.

If Alex's experience of using the Supercap with the 32.5 is anything to go by it'll work wonders on a 72. I'd expect the 250 to murder the 140. As for the difference between 250/135. Can't help you myself, but there are numerous people here who have moved to and from these amplifiers. I'm sure someone will have a comment or two.

BTW There is a NAP500 for sale on LOOT right now but it is £7500.

Alternatively, you should be able to pick up a striker better than Phillips for £3500. He might even be able to score from 12 yards.

Brian
Howay The Lads

A 72/hicap/140 system is great, but as surmised above, the 250 leaves the 140 in the dust. I did that change myself.

I did have a brief dem of a 72/supercap. It is a major upgrade and good preparation for a 52.

You may find a dealer with a used 250, which would get you both for 3500.

Personally, if I could buy a 52, I would - but I know there's a benefit in delay. No matter what, the 52 isn't live music. Putting off the 52 also puts off the frustration of really confronting the fact that I'll never have the Cleveland Orchestra in my living room.

Regards.

Phil

Thanx for the advice everyone. I understand that Mike Hanson is somewhat of an expert on Naim so I shall take his advice as Gospel.
P.S I believe Mike uses Royd speakers, what are they like and are they available in the U.K

Regards Gary

Royd are made in the UK, in Telford, I do believe.
Unless they have adopted British and American Tobacco's policy with regards Chesterfield and Lucky Strike fags, you should be able to purchase them here!

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve

Gary

And I thought I'd given you pretty sound advice given your budget and what you want to do next year. Can't quite work out whether Mike is advising you to buy the 250 or the 135's though so which are you going to buy?

Anyway, speakers. Don't just check Royd. Based on what people on this forum use you need to check out: Linn, Epos, Rega, Dynaudio, Sonus Faber and B&W too. (Don't forget Naim, of course. SBL's are the best loudspeaker in the world. Every other speaker sounds broke to me. Everybody should have at least 2 pairs)

Anybody....have I missed any?

Brian

Thanx Brian
I will try to listen to the speaker makers you listed. As for the amp upgrade I think Mike seems to have a preference for the 135s and Central Audio has some 135s (£2495) which are only three months old so i may purchase them because it seems that this is what most people seem to aim for eventualey. On the speaker issue once more I did audition SBLs and Ruark Equinoxe last year and liked them both but I would like a touch more Bass. I believe that maybe going active would produce such results?.
I am only a novice Naimee so please forgive me if I seem Thick!!!
Thanx once again to all fellow Naim owners for making this forum such a great place to be.

Regards

Gary

Gary--

With the system you are putting together you really need a better source than the CDX. You'd be better off skipping the 250 or 135s and going to the CDS2.

Cheers,

Bob

Ride the Light !

Gary

You have £3500 to spend NOW which will not buy a CDS2/XPS even with a trade on your CDX. You another £15000 coming next year. I am trying to suggest the best way to get to next years system with the least financial loss to you. If you do decide that you really want the 135's then I would just buy the supercap now. Leave the rest until next year when you have the rest of your money.

However, sticking with the 250 idea for now.

You buy the super/250 now and trade/sell the hi/140 which will probably cost you your £3500. That leaves you £15000 cash and a CDX and 72 to sell next year. The CDX may fetch £1500 (don't know how old so could be more or less) and your 72 (£350) You'll roughly have around £16850 to spend.
You can then buy:
CDS2/XPS = £6080
52 = £3685 (you already have the s/cap)

This will leave you around £7000 for speakers, cables and supports. Easily more than enough.

By doing the dem's now you can plan ahead. Depending upon which loudspeaker you choose will determine whether you NEED to buy the 135's or can be happy with the 250.

I think you should stick with the 250 and still take your wife on that holiday you mention. The 250 will work exceptionally well with loads of loudspeakers. You have a wide choice.

Keep posting.

Brian