NAP250.2 with Dynaudio Focus 160

Yes, it would be preferable to talk about the relative merits and value for money of equipment rather than speculate on an individual's motivations for making certain comments or making comments of a personal nature.

Badlands makes a good point that I have been thinking about recently - the issue of when equipment becomes more important than the music. I must admit I have enjoyed my music more and more as I have upgraded, but there comes a point when you start considering upgrades without a clear reason or rationale for what you hope to achieve from the upgrade from the point of view of enhancing the experience and enjoyment of listening to music. I will also admit to being guilty of such oversights in recent times. With the introduction of streaming and Tidal into my listening mix, I have delighted in discovering wonderful music that is new to me, prompting many CD purchases and reinvigorating my overall interest in music.

Which brings us rather neatly to the age old issue of balancing funds spent on music vs funds spent on kit to maximise 'return on investment' or 'fun per pound'. Spend money on kit and get more out of the music you already own or spend money on music you don't currently own and enjoy new musical experiences? This balance will or course be different for each of us but certainly worth some consideration I would have thought.

Anyway, a bit of a diversion, apologies to the OP and maybe I will open another thread as I am interested in others' opinions on this.

First things first.  I think it's just appalling that the OP feels the need to even contemplate an apology.   

Turning to Nigel's point it probably is worth another thread all I'll say is that I started buying my LPs long before I contemplated a Naim amp so I think that speaks for itself - I guess. 

Regards,

Lindsay

nigelb posted:

Yes, it would be preferable to talk about the relative merits and value for money of equipment rather than speculate on an individual's motivations for making certain comments or making comments of a personal nature.

Badlands makes a good point that I have been thinking about recently - the issue of when equipment becomes more important than the music. I must admit I have enjoyed my music more and more as I have upgraded, but there comes a point when you start considering upgrades without a clear reason or rationale for what you hope to achieve from the upgrade from the point of view of enhancing the experience and enjoyment of listening to music. I will also admit to being guilty of such oversights in recent times. With the introduction of streaming and Tidal into my listening mix, I have delighted in discovering wonderful music that is new to me, prompting many CD purchases and reinvigorating my overall interest in music.

Which brings us rather neatly to the age old issue of balancing funds spent on music vs funds spent on kit to maximise 'return on investment' or 'fun per pound'. Spend money on kit and get more out of the music you already own or spend money on music you don't currently own and enjoy new musical experiences? This balance will or course be different for each of us but certainly worth some consideration I would have thought.

Anyway, a bit of a diversion, apologies to the OP and maybe I will open another thread as I am interested in others' opinions on this.

Well, quite.  I had not read through this thread until now, and arguably I should have better things to do on Friday night, but I'm listening to music at the same time, and quite enjoying it actually, so that's all good.  I too think that some people are too obsessed with, not so much equipment, but sound.  Not music, but sound.  I mean, who really cares how technically brilliant your kit is?  If you play music and enjoy it, and most importantly forget about all of this nonsense, at least in the moment, whether it cost £1m or £500, or whether it has 40 watts or 1 bhp, just doesn't matter, you're winning.  Simple as that.  And for all the money some have spent, there will be some combinations and synergies out there that will spank it for half the price.

NJB posted:

I feel a bit guilty for starting this debate. I am not a newbie, as such, but am back in this hobby after a lengthy sabbatical. My comments are probably too purile for some:

1.   We all have different tastes, which is why so many hifi companies exist. 

2.   The components in the box are a factor in how the box sounds. 

3.   Whether we like the sound depends on 1. above.

You could put a nuclear power plant in my amplifier, but I would still want to audition it (perhaps from a safe distance in that case).  

 

 

Yes, you've sent everyone off on one.  How dare you?  

Seriously.....I wouldn't feel guilty; Just light the fuse, stand back, and enjoy the ride / madness.  ;-)

SongStream posted:

NJB posted:

I feel a bit guilty for starting this debate. I am not a newbie, as such, but am back in this hobby after a lengthy sabbatical. My comments are probably too purile for some:

1.   We all have different tastes, which is why so many hifi companies exist. 

2.   The components in the box are a factor in how the box sounds. 

3.   Whether we like the sound depends on 1. above.

You could put a nuclear power plant in my amplifier, but I would still want to audition it (perhaps from a safe distance in that case).  

 

 

Yes, you've sent everyone off on one.  How dare you?  

Seriously.....I wouldn't feel guilty; Just light the fuse, stand back, and enjoy the ride / madness.  ;-)

 

Sure, it has an energy all of its own.  Of course, has not helped my decision one little bit.

Sorry for perpetuating the diversion form your topic. Very unhelpful of me.

So, regarding the topic in hand, wait and spend a little bit more on the 250DR (pre loved or exdem will save you some money and not compromise on SQ if you are careful), it is a very worthwhile improvement over the 250.2 (I have owned both).

Yes, you could part ex your 200 against a 250.2 and upgrade to DR at later date but if you can go straight for a 250DR (second hand) it might be a cheaper option in the long term.

Oh, don't forget to buy some music to go with your new power amp.