more watts?

135's I guess. Or active,

What speaker have you? What size room? Is the 250 not up to the job?

The NAP 300 or 500 also would provide more power and allow you to stick with Naim.

Sorry not to reply until now. Busy with work and other obligations. First chance to listen to music and write.

My speakers are a rather unique pair of floor standing Castels called the winchester, Vintage 1991. They are two way system. One tweeter and two 150mm mid/woofers. One pointing from the top and one pointing out the top of the front. Tweeter just below.Frequency range 35-20k Sensitivity 90 db spl at one meter with one watt.
Dimentions (wxhxd)235x1085x460mm weight 31kg. To my knowledge the largest Castles ever made.
Power handling for amplifiers advertised 30 to 150 watts.
They seem like they sound better with more than 70watts which I get from my 250.

Room size is 23 feet by 19 feet in a condo with open floor plan (room cannot be closed off)so sound goes every in flat which is 2200 square feet total. Cement floor with tight short carpet and stuffed leather and silk easy chairs, large plants. Paintings and objects to view placed about on tables etc. Hence, Sound is defracted sufficiently not to set standing waves.

In this environment the speakers are loud enough but.... They seem to need more power to make them truly come alive with dynamics and pacing and all. Kind of like having a big car with an smaller engine.

I do beleave the 500 amplifier would be just ducky but do not have the funds, at this time, nor for that matter a 300. So Iam looking for other avenues. I can go another two thousand US dollars but that is about it.


I have considered the new 250 which has 10 watts per channel more but seems like a lot of money for only 10 watts. (about two thousand usd and my olive 250). I wonder what two olive 250s would do for me. Or should I consider andther amp until I can afford the 300 or 500?

I would be grateful for your opinions.

Terry in Bellingham, USA

[This message was edited by terryborth on FRIDAY 10 October 2003 at 06:56.]

I suspect your best bet would be a couple of 135's. You should be able to pick these up at a reasonable price 2nd hand. Ok they don't provide much more power than your 250 but they have got more transient ability and are much more capable of driving difficult loads. Of course if you change manufacturer you may get more power but would probably lose more in other area's.

If you got another olive 250 you could use one per channel, but this wouldn't be as good as 135's.

Would going active be an option?

Paul Rowlands

Hey! I used to live in Bellingham and spent a year at Western Washington University (at that time it was called a state college, so it's been a while). Still have friends and relatives up there.

Hey, I really really think you'd love 135's. I've owned 250's before and recently went with 135's due to stumbling across a rediculous deal. I am amazed at the wonderful sound of these amplifiers, at all frequencies, at all volume levels. They are, in a word, lush. Not euphonic, but just simply communicate the essence of the music in a way that my 250 never did. Given the way the price on these things has gone in the last 12 months I think they would make a stunning addition to your already very fine system and represent superb value for money.

It is not that they simply go louder (which they do) or play louder with less "strain" than a 250 (which they do). It is that they are better amplifiers, at all times. The funkiness, glory, turbulence, drama, splendor, slam, grit, power, beauty, wonder and everything else which music contains come through so GREAT that its just so cool. Yes I no talk pretty. You get the idea. BTW, keep looking, there are bargains out there. Buy US version only, costs of conversion for UK version are too unreasonable. Oh, also, I recommend you seek out those with higher serial numbers to increase the length of time you'll enjoy them before sending them off for recap.

If you like, see my thread "source first but oh those 135's"

Markus
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This is very helpful and about what I expected.

Has any one swapped a new 250 for a olive 250?
What was the difference that you heard?

Terry in Bellingham, Washington state

Gents:

Could you in a few sentences tell me what you think would be the best between the 135's and a new 250. The way my finances work a new 250 will be less expensive than 2 135's.

What do you think would be the best way to proceed in your opinion based on what has been said on these topics.

As you can tell I have narrowed it down to 135 olive or new 250.
Terryboth in Bellingham, Washington State

quote:

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Originally posted by terryborth:
Presently have cdx2 xps/52 super cap/250

What options do I have to get more power without going to new line of amps?

Terry in small town USA

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Buy more efficient speakers (higher sensitivity and with impedance of no less than 6 ohm loads)

Well Graham this is how it works.

I bought a used 250 for $2450 from a dealer.

I have some concerns regarding this particular amp. He was kind enough to offer me a new 250 with a full trade in for my s/h 250. Difference $1800 plus tax.

So what would you do? 135s or new 250.

terryborth

[This message was edited by terryborth on SATURDAY 11 October 2003 at 16:45.]

First I would like to sincerely thank each and every one who has given their opinion regarding my request. I have found the information usefull and have decieded to go accordingly:

1) seek out very nice late model pair of 135s to replace my olive 250.

2) regarding the high dealer price for the 250 I agree with Gunter that I paid too much. However, I must also say that I started my sistem three months ago from a zd3/102/250 and have added in the logical upgrade fashion to whhere I am now. This has required so many upgrades and visits from personnel from my dealer who is 90 miles one way from methat this also needs to be considered in the price. Further, while his prices are quite high he has given me full trade in each time and has been willing to listen to my many complaints and questions. His knowledge has been helpful and he does need to pay his emplyees and feed himself. In short, knowledge is a worth some thing.

3) Having said that I need to confess that I and my dealers representatives over looked a crutial set up flaw. I had my speakers set up 180 degree out of phase (at the amplifier) and much of the power concerns and "slurring" of the highs has now been resolved once the speakers are in phase. Little surprise.

Thanks again and good listening

terryborth