NAP180 or NAP200

Do you have chance to hear them side by side? If so, best to let your ears decide.

I'd stick with the 140 for now and be looking at the pre-amp, possibly a NAC82 or better yet, a NAC282 (you would also need a suitable phono stage for the latter).

what Richard said...

82 or 282  definitely over a 180 or a 200

then next a 250.... 

Thanks Guys.  Heed taken and I'll look for an 82.  Any POTS to avoid ?  8 seems to command a premium, 6 or 7 fine though?

Try to go for POTS 7 if POTS 8 isn't possible.

Great, that's serial 126147 onward then AFAIK.

Source end of the chain first. But if I had to choose I'd say 180 and save the cash.

Loki posted:

Source end of the chain first. But if I had to choose I'd say 180 and save the cash.

Agreed totally, source first, then the 180. The 180 is a very fine amp and suits your system well. Also, 'olive' is rather cuter than 'black'  - but then again, I would say that......... 

A 102-HC will drive a NAP250 very nicely

An 82 does it better.

Appreciate all the comments. I'm now on the hunt for an 82 ????

Guinnless posted:

Appreciate all the comments. I'm now on the hunt for an 82 ????

 

 The joy of upgrading on a budget. I know it well. I'll race you for the 82, or should I DR my 250.2 which needs a service anyhow?

???? yep you are spot on. You may well win the 82 race but getting your 250 DR'd would give me a better chance. ????

I'm not sure if I've won the race or Loki has upgraded his 250.2...

But I've now got an 82, very late serial number so POTS 8, complete with NAPSC, 522 boards and a remote that looks unused 

It hasn't been serviced (or not by the factory at least cos I rang 'em this afternoon to ask).  It'll probably go to Class A fairly shortly - see if Darran can do a same day service on it - brekkie at Wetherspoons just down the road (Yes, I've done this before!) 

Much more sophisticated sound compared to the 102, deeper bass. And very important to me female vocal is beautifully presented with no excess forwardness.   And so difficult to turn off - just one more track...I wonder what such and such will sound like et al.

June Tabor's "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" was divine; me and the missus just sat and listened.

I’m not sure about divine. It’s more likely to have you in floods of tears. The 82 is much better than the 102, and you’ve done the right thing to upgrade it first. If the finances recover, an Olive 250 would be perfect. 

'And so difficult to turn off - just one more track...I wonder what such and such will sound like et al.

June Tabor's "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" was divine; me and the missus just sat and listened.'

That's what this game is all about!!

Thanks all.  It'll be beans on toast for the rest of the month now ????

Dare I say, perhaps down the line the 82 is also highly upgradeable (more baked beans! - been there) via the use of a Supercap - IMHO one of the best Olive upgrades I ever made. 250 first though.....unless a bargain Supercap presents (as it did for me).

IIRC, there are a few on the Forum who prefer 82/Supercap to the 52. 

Well I've now got a 250.  Not an Olive but a CB model - in really nice unmarked condition.  Serviced at the factory 3 years ago.

It doesn't match my XPS but does match my Naim Ad photo.

Congratulations!

......and accomplished in a one month journey.

Thanks.  It's been a bit of a whirlwind as I've just had the 82/NAPSC serviced by Darran at Class A in (Moorgate Acoustics).  And while I was there they had a Mu-so Qb ex-dem so I bought that too   

All is now back together and running in/warming up with Radio 2!