1987 nap 250 v,s 1997 nap 180

Matthew,
I don’t have direct experience of a 180 vs. a 250. As when I tried them in my system I had a different pre amp as well.

The consensus is that the 180 is faster and slightly brighter than an Olive style 250. You will find however that older 250’s are softer than newer 250’s and an amp needing a recap will be softer still.

The 250 should be better over all once re-capped but some people have thought 250 are a bit plodding compared to 180’s. Personally I think this may be down to set-up or the extra bass showing up other issues. I have an old 250 and set-up right it’s quick, although the bass is more rhythmic bounce than quick snap.(could be my speakers though as they are ported).

Note that you MUST have a separate power supply for the pre-amp when you use a 250 as there is no pre-amp power feed.

Simon

thanks 4 the advise simon, i will have to try and get a demo

I upgraded from a 180 to an old 250, but had it sent directly to Naim to be recapped and put in a new style box. I was very pleased with the improvement (I had an 82 2xhi and cd2 with es22s). The 250 gave much more control, better bass - simply better. The net cost outlay was modest as the old 250 plus recap was not a lot more than I was able to sell the 180 for. I cannt recall how much, but certainly less than a new 250.

Cheers

Jonathan

ps: anyone heard any more about the VS1 that was promised for xmas?

No news. May be at the Bristol show in February.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

I had my 80's 250 (one of the last of the chrome bumper models) serviced about 18 months ago and my dealer loaned me his demo 250 for the duration (it took about 6 weeks in the end).

The sound of the newer 250 was very familiar, of course, but was not as alluring as my older 250 when recapped, Could have been down to familiarity or just sample variation but, based upon that experience, I would enthusiastically endorse the purchase of an older 250 to anyone looking to upgrade. A recent 180 doesn't really come anywhere close - ask Tom Alves.

Dave

Having used a similar vintage 250 Vs a 1993 180 to power systems in different rooms, I would say the 250 is better even without a recap. Thats no slur against the 180, which I think is an underrated amp. But the 250 is simply better. I had it recapped at the end of last year and it made a huge improvement. Get the 250 if you can afford it, but it does mean you'll need a PSU for your pre-amp.

Old NAP250 and new nAP250 (Olive casing)

Below is the information that Naim Audio provides me recently.

Hi Tuan,
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.

I my current NAP 250 is a year old model and compared to the previous one (1989 model) the new one runs much cooler and the treble seems to be noticeable. Please be noted that the NAP 250 (olive model) built starting from Jan 01, 2001 have the new 007 transistors used in the new product lines.

that 007 must be a killer one.

graphoman

quote:

---

Originally posted by graphoman:
that 007 must be a killer one.

graphoman

---

Hi Graphoman

Actually I did not know this information before making the trade. All I remember was that one time long ago I asked Naim Audio (England) the possibility to upgrade my old NAP250 to the recent specs and the response was ... there were serious upgrades made to the NAP250 and it will be quite expensive to do so. It seems to me that I practically got a brand new NAP250 (for a fraction of the cost) since ALL components were replaced (compared to the 1989 model). The blessing is the 007 transistors (fitted to the power supply board). I can only guess that this is the reason why the new NAP250 (olive case made in late 2001) runs so cool. The volume is at 8:30 to 9 o' clock position playing classical music and the amp is barely warm... The treble (high frequency) seems to be clearer and more noticeable compare to the older NAP250. I guess the new NAP250 (new casing) would be much better.

from my side, it only wanted to be a pun. You’ve seen some James Bond films, have not you.

graphoman

quote:

---

Originally posted by graphoman:
from my side, it only wanted to be a pun. You’ve seen some James Bond films, have not you.

graphoman

---

Well you know in canada (North America) we see all 007 films (laughs -- It doesn't mean that they are all good, especially the lastest one It is a joke). Tuan.

but he’s a killer isn’t he?

Watching films like that have the merits that you can easily find similes for everyday objects. I can’t remember who was writing in the British Hi-Fi press but probably it was about some Naims, that “its Darth Vader’s favourite equipment”.

graphoman

quote:

---

Originally posted by graphoman:
but he’s a killer isn’t he?

Watching films like that have the merits that you can easily find similes for everyday objects. I can’t remember who was writing in the British Hi-Fi press but probably it was about some Naims, that “its Darth Vader’s favourite equipment”.

graphoman

---

Wooow, I love the bad guy toys (laughs).