In the slow process of Naimification, so far I have a CDSII, NAC 52, this weekend I am trying a 250 replacing a Musical Fidelity A 270-II, speakers are a pair of KEF R107s.
The 250s sound great - all the usual words (whatever they imply) are valid but I can sense (but not hear) some sound that is giving me a headache - this might be a result of the warm up process. A similar presence was experienced during the CDSII and 52 warmup process.
>>(Update 2 hours or so later - I removed the KEF KUBE from between the pre and power and the "sensation" has gone )
However should one move directly to a pair of 135s or stay with a 250. (assuming the headache causing feature disappears)
Ultimately the speakers will be exchanged after the power amp has been changed.
What are your experiences in moving from a 250 to a pair of 135s - any comments appreciated.
Also any comments on the warm up period for 250 would be appreciated.
Derek Wright
[This message was edited by Derek Wright on SATURDAY 03 March 2001 at 11:29.]
[This message was edited by Derek Wright on SATURDAY 03 March 2001 at 14:48.]
Posted on: 03 March 2001 by Paul B
Derek:
IMO the warm-up/break-in period is quite extended. With my 250 (from new) it took about 2 weeks before I felt that it was even starting to sound "right". Don't misunderstand, it still sounded quite good from the start but the "magic" in some way was missing. However, I also believe that it was several months before the 250 reached "peak performance". I have experienced a similar situation with my Supercap. Give it six months to be sure (I am not exaggerating).
Paul
Posted on: 03 March 2001 by ken c
derek,
i was in the same boat a few months ago .. hankering after 135's from 250.
but first things first. i have been using a 250 for almost 20 years now, and even from new, i doubt if its headache inducing --in fact, exactly the opposite -- headache curing, especially after a long hard day at work. i really doubt if warm-up would be that bad, but hifi has so many variables. it will sound slightly "edgy" from cold, noticeable with trebble sounds not so well defined and with less shimmer and vibrancy. however, the musicality should all be there... i assume you bought the 250 after a demo and therefore know what a fully warmed up 250 sounds like.
if you have funds for 135's, there is absolutely no hesitation -- go for them. however, i think to really appreciate the 135's, you pro'lly need to live with your 250 for a while.
i was going to go for 2x135s till i demod a 2x250 active system. different world. and thats what i am going for. however, i know of a number of forumists who prefer passive 135's to active 250's -- so, best to arrange a good demo by a COMPETENT dealer and decide for yourself.
whatever you decide, the 250 is a real classic.
enjoy...
ken
Posted on: 04 March 2001 by Derek Wright
Thanks for the comments.
I re inserted the Kube between the 52 and the 250 after a couple of hours (on balance the Kube was needed to obtain the correct sound from the speakers) - and I also was detecting the sensation again without the Kube.
The 250 has now been switched on since Thursday (now Sunday) and the sensation is diminishing - it is most noticeable on low frequencies - it is a form of harshness or edge being added to the low frequency - I can also hear a fair amount of transformer buzz - which might be causing me some discomfort.
I have the 250 on an extended home dem as a way of resolving several issues that I experienced at the Bristol Show - I was at the show on the Friday and heard the two big Naim systems while they were still running in and was not bowled over by them. So I have borrowed the 250 to either "lay the ghost" of Naim or to decide if I want to go further into the Naim philosophy. Listening at home with the 250 has convinced me to complete the Naimification of my system. Time frame and specific items to be be determined.
The issue of using 250s actively rather than 2X135s passively is a new dimension I have to explore.
The advantage ultimately going active 250s is that I get the 250 very soon, then change the speakers and then add the additional 250 versus waiting for the 135s and then the new speakers.
A possible downside is that I do not get a choice of speaker manufacturers when I change the speakers.
Will my hearing last out??
Will the Yellowstone caldera have exploded ??etc etc.
before I can achieve the ultimate goal?
Again thanks for the comments
Derek Wright
Posted on: 05 March 2001 by NigelP
Derek,
My 250 took around two weeks to really come into song. I've just bought another to biamp and you really can tell the difference between the warmed-up version and the new one. I think that the run-in period can be as long as a month. WRT the 135's, I personally like the 250's. The 135's do ultimately deliver more current but the 250's are almost the same in their design. The issue really is where do you want to get to? If you think that there is a hint of you getting to the 500 then my advice is to stick with the 250 and biamp later (assuming that the speakers you choose are designed for this) or go active (trouble with this is the investment in the active setup). The 500 just about kills anything else I've heard and this where I'm going. I simply have more flexibility to either integrate my 250's into AV (when Naim release their long awaited AV package) or sell when I'm ready (250's are just easier to move on). Anyway enjoy.
Nigel
