NAP250 DR Burn-In

Nobody?

I don't know whether it's the HCDR or the NAP 250 DR but I think I am currently going through a bad transition in the burn-in process. About 30 to 40 hours in and music sounds disjointed in the midrange and upper bass. The bass sounds soft and diffused instead of taut and punchy.

The system sounds like a Rega instead of Naim at the moment. I hope things will improve soon.

When  I added the 250dr to my Superuniti a year ago, there was a marked improvement out of the box, cold.  A year later it continues to be a pleasure to listen to. There have been a few ups and downs in terms of musical involvement ,  but I attribute these more to my mood when listening, as they still occur. When I switched from the SU to the 272 the fluctuations were more obvious. Perhaps more revealing preamps show the run in process in greater relief.Overall it is a very enjoyable amp to listen to from the get go, unless the cat dies, of course. I am sure that the 250dr will settle with more time. Buying new kit is always stressful. Atb KC

ryder. posted:

Can anyone advise on the burn-in period for the NAP 250 DR?

For those who have replaced the NAP 200 or NAP 250 with a fresh or brand new NAP 250 DR, do you perceive an instant change in sound quality? Do users need to wait for weeks or months to fully appreciate the benefits of a "burned-in" unit?

I am trialling a dem 250DR which is only a couple of weeks old. When it was initially switched on at home on Wednesday evening it sounded how I expected, much more open, lower noise floor, greater detail and separation...basically great! However yesterday, the first serious listen, it sounded a bit off - slightly compressed and out of balance, loud and soft passages out of kilter, voices a bit recessed and a tad shouty if pushed.

Now, my experience of the SN2 was not dissimilar but it all came good in the end. I'm hearing aspects of what the 250DR does very well, but not the full package at the moment I think.

Extended listen again today.

G

I ran mine on the bench for a month before letting it anywhere near speakers

Thanks guys. I am not listening to the system for the time being. I seriously think the unit needs to be run in for at least 100 hours. I'll let it play for 1 week before I attempt to do any serious listening.

The NAP 250 DR sounded pretty good out of the box, but after a while it seemed to be compressed and out of balance. The bass just doesn't sound right at the moment. I don't think it is a matter of getting my ears attuned to the sound of the new amplifier but rather a case of the components in the amp (transistors, capacitors etc.) needing some breaking in.

When the 250 DR is in its full glory, I will compare it with the NAP 200. With the current state of the 250 DR, I think the NAC 282 will sound better with my old NAP 200 at the moment.

How are you intending to run it in Ryder?

Mine is on an upward trajectory just now! When you hear what it can do it is so much better than the 250.2...Just a bit inconsistent for a while.

I'll man-up and cope with it though!

G

GraemeH posted:

How are you intending to run it in Ryder?

Mine is on an upward trajectory just now! When you hear what it can do it is so much better than the 250.2...Just a bit inconsistent for a while.

I'll man-up and cope with it though!

G

I will let the it play at very low volume, music from the DAC. I am currently listening to the NAP 200 though as I wanted to reconfirm on my thoughts. The NAC 282 / HCDR / NAP 200 currently outperforms the NAC 282 / HCDR / NAP 250 DR in my system and room. I will get the 250 DR back into the system tomorrow and let it play continuously for 1 week or so before I attempt to evaluate the system. If it still fails to sound good after that, I will have to readjust the placement of the loudspeakers to restore order.

Received an official reply from Naim via email, Mr Steven Hopkins on this matter. A period of 6 to 8 weeks of continuous use is recommended for any Naim product to settle in and perform at its best.

Just like most here, a friend is convinced that the NAP 250 DR will be a better amp than the NAP 200. I am looking forward to experience the 250 DR in all its glory.

Thanks for that.

G

Sounds like a great incentive for either: a) buying second hand or b) Naim running-in units prior to sale.

We're all hair-shirtable in Asgaard, but sometimes...just sometimes a bit of silk wouldn't go amiss.

Intriguingly the spell-checker on this forum queries the spelling of 'Naim'...