DAC-V1/NAP 100 Upgrade Path

I would think you have the nail firmly centred on your hammer there (with upgrading the power amp) in your situation.  Your alternative might be to look at alternative speakers to the CM8.  I recently replaced a set of CM7NT (a forerunner to your CM8 in many respects) with a pair of PMC 20.23 and found the low end was where the big improvement was in my room.  Its not so much increasing the low end but giving it more control (albeit in my slightly compromised room as the speakers are close to the rear wall).

Replacing the speakers was a bigger improvement than adding a NAP200 to a UnitiQute.  

if budget then nap250dr? futureproof

First, have you done everything you can with room layout, furnishings and speaker positioning? Tricky to get right, but potentially a free upgrade in many situations.

Then, as Eloise says, consider if these are the right speakers for you. It may be that they are, but talk to some dealers, listen to some alternatives, and see where that takes you. 

Regardless of the above, a 200 would be a great upgrade now, and will stand you in good stead if you change source or speakers in future. I've never bothered with passive biamping, and Naim don't recommend it. Not that it won't work, but I can't be bothered with more boxes, and more wires all over the place.

Regarding bass, once I added a sub to my system, there was no going back. It's about quality, not quantity. Just an idea.......

The CM8 are a fairly flabby sound to begin with. The V1/100 combo will sound better with a speaker change. 

I think you are spoiled for choice in the 1-2k speaker market. 

Thanks for the replies, all.  Good to know I'm along the right lines and great to hear some other suggestions.  I'm always very surprised at how little praise the CM8's get, since I spent a significant amount of time in dem rooms and really took a liking to them.  The comment about the room/placement is a great one, and I used to switch positions and all sorts - I think I've got the best out of them that I can.  That said I do definitely think the room is less than optimal, if anything a bit small (5 x 3m) for them.

I'm spending a couple of hours at my local dealer on Saturday, so will take the opportunity (once I've rebased with my current setup in that environment) to listen to some stand mounts as well as the NAP 200/250 in the loop of my current setup.

Many thanks.

I went to Infidelity in Hampton Wick today for some dem time - huge thanks to those guys, what a place.

I spent a couple of hours there seeing what can be done with the CM8's - I was blown away. The NAP 200 really brings these things alive, it is the first time I've heard an amp with so much authority over the speakers - which manifested in a whole new level of rhythm and definition. I demo'd a range of amps when I first went for the v1/100 combo a couple of years back, but never heard the 200 (I probably wasn't shown it as it was out of my budget at the time). 

Will almost certainly be putting an order in for a NAP 200 soon. I also heard through the SN2, and through the SN2 pre into the NAP 200 (we were lacking a 202) - which sounded good and further confirmed I definitely need the NAP 200 power.

I do want to look at speakers again later in the year but for the time being I am extremely excited by the gains from the power amp upgrade.

Thanks all.

Just picked up and installed a pre-owned (but immaculate) 250.2 after a further dem session last weekend.  So now connecting my DAC V1 directly into the 250.2 and have additionally replaced the Chord Rumor 2 cable with NACA5.  The changes are really phenomenal.  I wouldn't be surprised if I even get a comment from my fiance, and I mean other than "How much was that?".  There is new grip on the low end, and more spacious mids and highs - and from the hour or two I've spent listening tonight, music just seems more... organised.  The rhythm is really there, and I've been sat there with a huge grin on my face.  

But...

One minor issue, or at least I think minor.  When I originally turned the NAP 250 on, everything was fine and I played some tunes no problem.  Since then I moved a couple of things around on the rack, and the second time I came to turn it on, it tripped the circuit breaker for that ring in my house.  After resetting it, it tripped again upon powering up the NAP 250.  However, the third time it powered on and seems completely stable.  I obviously checked all connections, everything was as expected.

After doing some digging it seems this isn't totally uncommon - and having checked, I do only have a Class B 16A MCB installed.  Is it safe to say this just needs upgrading to a 32A (by a qualified professional)?

Thanks

My stereo has dedicated mains with its own consumer unit, which has a 45 or 50 amp breaker. Have a chat with a friendly electrician who will know exactly what is allowed under regulations. As you are using the ring main, you need to ensure that whatever you have is safe for everything on the ring. 

hi Trickfi, it is worth talking to your electrician. In the UK 16Amp RCD/MCB are typically used for radials, and 32Amp RCD/MCB used for ring circuits. So depending what else is on your radial / ring you surge current at switch on could be tripping the RCD/MCB. There is also something called power factor which means that certain inductive devices (motors and large transformers) grouped together can 'look' like a bigger load on the mains than they really are. Not normally an issue in the home, but if you are close to a rating threshold it might just cause an issue. Finally, and I have been here, your MCB might have gone faulty and become too sensitive.. Mains surges and lightning fluctuations can damage these over time. Again your electrician can advise.

Hi Trickfi, I've had this. Type "B" is a fast tripping circuit breaker. Going to type "C" should solve the tripping problem, even if you have to stay at 16A. Replacing the circuit breaker with a slower type is a very simple job, shouldn't cost much more than the new breaker (which you can buy yourself) and  travel expenses of the spark. Going to 32A may be even better for the audio, but might require other changes than just replacing the breaker.

Until you have the new breaker: When powering up the system and the breaker trips, just turn off the system, immediately reset the breaker and power up again. Repeat if needed.  

...and to anybody reading this - absolutely do not do these changes yourself  - a qualified electrician is a must.