Good news / Bad news

I don't think you need to open the case. The green bit of the switch should come off with a bit of gentle persuasion with a screwdriver.

The loud thump seems odd to me. Shouldn't be much different to the other power amps being switched on. Ask Naim.

btw the 250 sounds 0.01% better without the indicator lamp.

Steve B

Na, the big amps to make quite a thump on switch on, and a loud pop on switch off (capacitors)

Yes, there is some thumpola. But why are you switching power on and off, Bill? You're supposed to plug it in, push the power button and never look back.

Herman

There is a screw as well as the 4 feet. I think it may hold the transformer as well so go carefully.

I wouldn't bother with the bulb - it'll just blow again!

I've got 2x250s, both sans a working power switch light.

To change the bulb:
Apply gentle presure with your fingers on top and bottom of the green cap. Pull the old bulb and place the new one, that's it. Be aware that new bulbs are brighter than old ones, a small mod need to be done to have the same brightness. Your dealer should be able to do it.
A 250 "pop" is generally louder than a 160 or 180 one. But if the "pop" is too loud, it is a sign of capacitor unbalance, a recap is due.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

Hi guys!

Thanx for all the replies. The more that I think of it, the more I think replacing the bulb isn't such a priority. I guess I'll see how long I can last before my curiosity gets the best of me.


Anyway, I'm still getting familiar with this "new" (for me) amp. The first thing that I notice is that there's so much more power here compared to my NAP140. I don't mean just louder, but just more of everything. I still have to get used to the fact that the vocals aren't as "forward" as they were with the 140, but there's definately more music going on overall.

I guess that my bigger concern should be that thump! How does one know how loud is too loud? Without having a re-capped 250 to compare this amp to, how else will I know (other than it's age) that my amp should be re-capped? Are there any other tell-tale signs (whether they be sonically or physically) that would indicate that a re-cap is needed?

Please advise.

Thanx,
TNJB

The only sure way is to compare with a recapped one. The age is the mesurable criteria. But as you've bought it used, it may have been recapped recently. If you feel safe to open it, what color are the 2 big capacitors, if they are red, they are due; if the tantalum caps are red or yellow, they are due.
But enjoy it for some weeks, you will have an other upgrade in the near future.

Emmanuel

All opinions are my own, and reflect those of the organisation i work for, even if not stipulated.

A 135 once told me it's Cap's needed replacing at 3am. It started making loud cracking noises that woke me up. This went on for some time before the house was filled was an acrid electrical burning smell. My dealer fixed them for free the next morning (praise be to Chris).

Honestly, I wouldn't get to worried about your Cap's unless you can hear tiny pops while you are listening to music. A dull thump is very normal - they do it from brand new.

The thing I noticed was the amount of time until you get that last thump when you switch off (not that I do it that often) is a lot more on my 135s than it was on my 140. It will be the size of the capacitors. I'm not sure if it sounds louder though.

Was asked the other say by someone (not a Naimy) why I downgraded as they presumed bigger number is best.

I'm looking forward to my next downgrade which is 72/Hi to 52/Super.

Why switch the amps etc off mine have all been running eversince we moved house 15 years ago and I don't intend to switch them off untill we move house again ,I think that Naim reconmends that if you can it's best to leave everything fired up to maintain the best operating temp.

Alas, domenstic duties. Have to keep the thing clean !

Andrew,
unfortunately I can't remember who the quote was attributed to originally but

"After the first 2" of dust it never gets any deeper !!!!"
All the best
Oldie

DONT!!! touch it!!! If you do you will damage the front facia (its thinner than thin). If it is that crusal then send it to Naim. I damaged mine and they have no facia's left in stock!

Andrew,
I have just remembered it was
Quentin Crisp that well loved pink dandy when interviewed in New York in the 60's about the conditions he lived in , so we could be in good company
enjoy the music
Oldie

If caps give a hum through the speakers at turn on it is a good sign that they may be past their best

laurie S