NAP250DR or NAP200DR

The DR in the 200 is only benficial for the power out to pre.

G

Perhaps I should have also stated that I already have a NAC-272 preamp/streamer. 

In that case the DR in a 200DR is redundant I think.

G

Is a 200 sufficient for the 272? A good match for the 272?

The 200 is more than sufficient BUT the 250 will give a considerably more rewarding musical experience. 

However, you really have to get a proper demonstration. 

Regards,

Lindsay

The 250DR is simply brilliant with the 272. But if it's too expensive, go for the 200. But don't buy the 200DR - get a used 200 for far less and later, maybe, move to a used 250DR when they become available. The DR of the 200 DR is only useful when powering a preamp, which is not relevant with the self powered 272. 

What HH said, you don't need the 200DR and used 200s are incredible value (I recently acquired one). If you get a demo and decide a new 250DR is the way to go then all good, me I'll be waiting for the SH market on these.

There are some differences between the 200 and 200DR, in addition to the DR preamp supply. How significant they are, and weather they justify the price compared to a used 'bargain' 200 is subjective, I guess. The same argument obviously applies to the 250/250DR, come to that - only more so.

Regarding the 200DR vs 250DR, the latter has a richer, fuller, meatier sound that goes beyond a mere extra 10W. So yes, it's a better amp......but I still went for a 200DR. With easy to drive speakers, and an N-Sub for extra low end clout, it works for me.

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

Paristhea posted:

I like to ask if some people who have experienced both above power amps, could provide some inside as to what their differences are, over and above the 70 or 80 watts per channel, which surely can not be the reason for 66% price difference from the 200 to the 250.

Thanks,

I own the 272/250DR , but I have heard the 272/200DR at the dealers, and it sounded great through the Ovator 600s that it drove easily. The 250DR has a bit more finesse but I could happily live with the 200DR, it really is that good. Best of luck in your quest, I think the idea of using a used 200 is a good one if you eventually are aiming for the 250DR as you won't be slumming it, nor will you lose much money trading up.

Paristhea posted:

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

I am not sure that you have understood what folks have said regarding DR.

The is an extract from Naim's site - (https://www.naimaudio.com/conn...ing-you-inside-music )

" The DR power supply has been used not only in the NAP 500DR, but also in the NAP 300DR and NAP 250DR, each of which uses linear regulated power supplies throughout. In the NAP 200DR, a simpler design, the DR power supply is used purely to power the preamplifier connection, enabling an attached Naim preamp to enjoy the advantages of the DR design. In fact, the DR module used in the NAP 200DR is identical to that found in the Hi-Cap offboard power supply, enabling the preamp to enjoy the DR advantages without the need for a separate power supply."

In summary, the 200DR as a power amp does not benefit from DR technology but enables a pre amp taking its power supply from the 200DR to benefit from receiving a DRed power supply.  There are minor changes inside the 200DR regarding power amp functions/performance.  

Whereas the 250DR has DR technology and other significant changes regarding its power amp functions/performance.  The 250 or 250DR cannot supply a pre amp with with power. So, the pre amp being used with a 250 or 250DR  will need a dedicated power supply.  This separate power supply could be DRed or not (such as a from a HiCap DR or HiCap non DR).

Paristhea posted:

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

Not quite, the DR in the 200 is only for powering a preamp, the 250 is a regulated amp (and does not power preamps) so the DR in the 250DR is part of the amp itself.  To most here it's a big improvement on the previous 250. A further complication is that old 250s can be upgraded to DR for around £1,000. I picked up a spotless (2010) used 200 for £800, no regrets. If you go this route check the age as so it doesn't need an imminent service.

Fueller posted:

Paristhea posted:

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

Not quite, the DR in the 200 is only for powering a preamp, the 250 is a regulated amp (and does not power preamps) so the DR in the 250DR is part of the amp itself.  To most here it's a big improvement on the previous 250. A further complication is that old 250s can be upgraded to DR for around £1,000. I picked up a spotless (2010) used 200 for £800, no regrets. If you go this route check the age as so it doesn't need an imminent service.

Jude2012 posted:

Paristhea posted:

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

I am not sure that you have understood what folks have said regarding DR.

The is an extract from Naim's site - (https://www.naimaudio.com/conn...ing-you-inside-music )

" The DR power supply has been used not only in the NAP 500DR, but also in the NAP 300DR and NAP 250DR, each of which uses linear regulated power supplies throughout. In the NAP 200DR, a simpler design, the DR power supply is used purely to power the preamplifier connection, enabling an attached Naim preamp to enjoy the advantages of the DR design. In fact, the DR module used in the NAP 200DR is identical to that found in the Hi-Cap offboard power supply, enabling the preamp to enjoy the DR advantages without the need for a separate power supply."

 

In summary, the 200DR as a power amp does not benefit from DR technology but enables a pre amp taking its power supply from the 200DR to benefit from receiving a DRed power supply.  There are minor changes inside the 200DR regarding power amp functions/performance.  

Whereas the 250DR has DR technology and other significant changes regarding its power amp functions/performance.  The 250 or 250DR cannot supply a pre amp with with power. So, the pre amp being used with a 250 or 250DR  will need a dedicated power supply.  This separate power supply could be DRed or not (such as a from a HiCap DR or HiCap non DR).

Just being clear, the 272 does not need a dedicated power supply for its built-in pre amp as there is a built-in power supply.  However, it is possible to add a dedicated external power supply to the 272 to enhance its performance.

Although I did not get to audition a 250DR or compare a 200DR to a 250DR, when I heard the 272/200DR with my Super 10s, it just seemed to be a natural match, so I purchased the two boxes. I am glad I did as it allowed me to save on the amp side and spend it on a pre-loved XPS-DR, which has elevated playback to higher levels that just sound incredible. In my case, I am glad I spent the extra money on XPS and not the larger 250DR. 

Jude2012 posted:

Paristhea posted:

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

I am not sure that you have understood what folks have said regarding DR.

The is an extract from Naim's site - (https://www.naimaudio.com/conn...ing-you-inside-music )

" The DR power supply has been used not only in the NAP 500DR, but also in the NAP 300DR and NAP 250DR, each of which uses linear regulated power supplies throughout. In the NAP 200DR, a simpler design, the DR power supply is used purely to power the preamplifier connection, enabling an attached Naim preamp to enjoy the advantages of the DR design. In fact, the DR module used in the NAP 200DR is identical to that found in the Hi-Cap offboard power supply, enabling the preamp to enjoy the DR advantages without the need for a separate power supply."

 

In summary, the 200DR as a power amp does not benefit from DR technology but enables a pre amp taking its power supply from the 200DR to benefit from receiving a DRed power supply.  There are minor changes inside the 200DR regarding power amp functions/performance.  

Whereas the 250DR has DR technology and other significant changes regarding its power amp functions/performance.  The 250 or 250DR cannot supply a pre amp with with power. So, the pre amp being used with a 250 or 250DR  will need a dedicated power supply.  This separate power supply could be DRed or not (such as a from a HiCap DR or HiCap non DR).

Very good thanks, it is a lot clearer now.  Plus i did a bit of reading on DR technology.  I think the link you provided does not work, but nonetheless an explanation about DR is available on the Naim site elsewhere.

Therefore, in my case as i already own the NAC-272 the 200DR is not useful.  

So the being question still remains, a 250DR or a 200, sound quality wise?  Some people seem to suggest that the sound quality and characteristics are the same between the 200 and the 250DR.  After all there is a significant price difference between the two.

Fueller posted:

Paristhea posted:

Thanks for all above all. 

So if I get it right, the DR is there for powering a preamp, therefore I should be considering either 200 or 250, rather than with DR?

i am asking because there is an opportunity for a used 200 for under 1,000 pounds. 

Not quite, the DR in the 200 is only for powering a preamp, the 250 is a regulated amp (and does not power preamps) so the DR in the 250DR is part of the amp itself.  To most here it's a big improvement on the previous 250. A further complication is that old 250s can be upgraded to DR for around £1,000. I picked up a spotless (2010) used 200 for £800, no regrets. If you go this route check the age as so it doesn't need an imminent service.

The one i found is 2013 manufacture.

What kind of service do amplifiers need and at what intervals?  I have no clue about this issue.

It won't need servicing until it is 10 to 12 years old, so that is not an issue. If you can get a 2013 model for under £1,000, that is a good deal: try to get nearer to £900 if you can. 

As to the amplifiers, the 250DR is hugely better than the 200. I use a 250DR with my 272 and it is a wonderful combination. The 250DR is hugely powerful and dynamic, yet incredibly musical as well, and the DR technology gives it an incredibly quiet background, so that quiet music appears from a silence that is quite captivating. If you can afford the price of a new 250DR, rather than a used 200, do not hesitate - every penny of the extra cost is a penny well spent. And if you don't, get the 200: it's still good, just not as good. 

There are several routes you could go with the 272 as you have probably worked out from the posts.

One of the influencing factors (other than budget, your ears, your room, and future intentions) is the speaker that you have or intend to have. 

So it would help if you can elaborate about this :-)

Jude2012 posted:

There are several routes you could go with the 272 as you have probably worked out from the posts.

One of the influencing factors (other than budget, your ears, your room, and future intentions) is the speaker that you have or intend to have. 

So it would help if you can elaborate about this :-)

 

 

Currently the speakers i will se with the NAP200 or NAP250 are the ProAc 140 studio MkII.  I am happy with them, but i may upgrade to the Response series later on, or the Focal Aria 948.  Nothing decided as yet.

Hungryhalibut posted:

It won't need servicing until it is 10 to 12 years old, so that is not an issue. If you can get a 2013 model for under £1,000, that is a good deal: try to get nearer to £900 if you can. 

As to the amplifiers, the 250DR is hugely better than the 200. I use a 250DR with my 272 and it is a wonderful combination. The 250DR is hugely powerful and dynamic, yet incredibly musical as well, and the DR technology gives it an incredibly quiet background, so that quiet music appears from a silence that is quite captivating. If you can afford the price of a new 250DR, rather than a used 200, do not hesitate - every penny of the extra cost is a penny well spent. And if you don't, get the 200: it's still good, just not as good. 

Thank you for your comment and advice, it is really valuable.

I have also been advised to consider buying the S/H NAP200 and to put the saving into an XPS2 (for the NAC272).  Unfortunately the XPS2 costs more than the NAP250 or the NAP272 .  Moreover, i have difficulty understanding the value of the PSU, i think the best thing would be to hear them, if i can get this opportunity.  But my god they are so expensive these PSU's.

Regards,

Paristhea posted:

I have also been advised to consider buying the S/H NAP200 and to put the saving into an XPS2 (for the NAC272).  Unfortunately the XPS2 costs more than the NAP250 or the NAP272 .  Moreover, i have difficulty understanding the value of the PSU, i think the best thing would be to hear them, if i can get this opportunity.  But my god they are so expensive these PSU's.

 

I agree that power supplies do seem very expensive, but having heard what an XPS does to the 272, I think the cost is proportionate to the (very substantial) improvement it brings. The good thing is that you can still get along very nicely without it, so if it takes a bit of time to save the cash, and maybe to wait for a good deal on a used or ex-dem one to come along, you still have a nice system to listen to.

I would demo the speakers, power amp, and power supply combinations with your current speaker and as much of the target range of loudspeakers until you can be sure/satisfied of the impact and performance of each power amp and xps2  This should enable you to decide what to buy first.

Of course, this is time consuming and you need the support of a dealer (or dealers) who supply Naim, ProAc and Focal.

Jude 

I was auditioning the nap 200dr with nac 202 at a dealers with and without a hi cap dr. There was a huge difference. Could there be more to the dr other than powering the Mac 202?

I am too in the upgrading mood. Thinking of getting a 250dr or a super cap dr. Currently running nac 282/nap 200dr/hi cap with focal 160.

Interesting to hear about differences between using: a HiCap DR and 200DR vs. 200DR only, with a 202.

Is it possible to describe the differences ?  

Was the 202 powered by the NAPSC  also?

Jude

Hungryhalibut posted:

As to the amplifiers, the 250DR is hugely better than the 200.

Maybe to some, but not all in some cases. I don't think there is a question that technically that the 250 is the better amp but it's not really as simple as it sounds. There are still some people who prefer the 200DR sound to the 250DR which can sound slower, have more bloat, and have an overall bassy presentation. I have read where there is more similarity between the 200DR and the 300DR, they say that the 200 and 300 sound similar, they sound faster and leaner than the 250, so in some cases it may not be money well spent by going with the more expensive amp. Some people just prefer the overall sound presentation of the 200DR to the 250DR. It may not be every ones opinion, but the above comments have been expressed on this forum.