Need advice on upgrade to 250
Posted by: TomK on 23 May 2003
Having been so impressed by the improvements brought about by the recent upgrades to my system (CD 3.5, NAC202) I’m thinking seriously now about my NAP250 (bought 1986). Cheapest option is to get it recapped but I’m reluctant to spend £300 or so on a piece of kit 17 years old. I also don’t fancy the three weeks I’ve been told it’ll take. Would a used olive 250 be a worthwhile upgrade or am I kidding myself? Assuming I’m going to have to go for the latest stuff, would a new NAP 200 be worth it or do I have to go for a NAP 250? I like my music live and loud.
What should I be expecting for trade-in on the amp? I’ve been offered £250. Is this reasonable?
Posted on: 23 May 2003 by Bob Edwards
Tom--
I'd suggest having Naim service it. Once that is done, the difference to an olive 250 would be pretty minimal. I don't think the new 200 is as good as the olive/black 250s, so I wouldn't do that.
If you really want to improve things, try a CDX2 in place of the CD3.5.
And 250 on trade in sounds awfully low to me. Have it serviced--it will make the amp dramatically better, especially if you have not had it done since you bought it.
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 24 May 2003 by Mekon
A recently serviced, 16 year old NAP250 just went on ebay for £800. Unless you are feeling charitable, I wouldn't let it go for £250.
Posted on: 24 May 2003 by Wiltshireman
Yes Mekon but did it sell? As to the 250 I'll give £300 if it helps you make a decision for the new 250's are VERY different to the old ones and I'm sure that is what you need.
Posted on: 25 May 2003 by J.N.
Tom
Your 250 should be worth around £500. I presume you have a Hi-Cap?
You're in a tricky situation, because a new 200/250 will sound quite different to your old 250.
BUT; if your 1986, 250 has never been serviced, you will be amazed by the the sonic kick up the arse that a full Naim service will give it.
If you're happy with the sound you have, and want more of the same, I'd get your 250 serviced. If you're hankering after a better sound-stage and more spatial information, check out the new amps.
Don't forget a NAPSC for the 202, if you don't already have one. It's a very good v.f.m. upgrade.
Good luck.
Posted on: 25 May 2003 by Jonathan
I bought a chrome bumper 250 and had it upgraded and converted to Olive box. I cannt recall the cost, but I can rememeber it was very reasonable and certainly less than the cost of a 2nd hand olive box 250.
Ive not seen any posts on the subject but can Naim now upgrade "old" style to new style?
Jonathan
ps: still no news on the VS1.........
Posted on: 25 May 2003 by syd
Naims Summer 2003 Newsletter states that some of the older units will be able to be cosmetically updated to reference styling but it does'nt say which units. But I don't think it will be possible to change to the new internals for the updated sound. You could contact naim to verify which ones or perhaps Naim could post a list on this site.
Yours in Music
Syd
Posted on: 26 May 2003 by Richard Dane
quote:
Originally posted by syd:
Naims Summer 2003 Newsletter states that some of the older units will be able to be cosmetically updated to reference styling but it does'nt say which units. But I don't think it will be possible to change to the new internals for the updated sound. You could contact naim to verify which ones or perhaps Naim could post a list on this site.
Yours in Music
Syd
Cosmetic updates will be limited to power amps and power supplies. We aren't ready to go with the new C/U program yet - rest assured there will be an announcement made on the forum in due course.
Richard
Posted on: 27 May 2003 by Noel
Tom, my 250 was a fairly early olive style. I've had it recapped and cannot believe the improvement. Very very good value for money. Divide the cost by 15 years and its even better.
Noel.
Posted on: 27 May 2003 by Richard Dane
quote:
Originally posted by alexgerrard:
Richard
will it be possible to do a cosmetic 'backdating', eg taking a new power amps innards and sticking it in an olive style box?
Cheers
Alex
Alex,
I'm afraid this won't be possible.
Richard
Posted on: 27 May 2003 by N. Mason
The topic seems to have shifted to "cosmetic upgrades" so please forgive this small indulgence. I am comtemplating doing this conversion on my 135's but hold on; there are thousands of Naim enthusiasts out there with the old style boxes who may well like to "upgrade to 135's" or other amps/power supplies but may be put off if they are showing the new fascias. Perhaps one should only contemplate a cosmetic upgrade if one is certain to keep that product. Any thoughts?
Neil
Posted on: 27 May 2003 by tom tom audio
Hi Tom (No connection - honestly!)
Even as a dealer who needs to make a reasonable margin when buying and selling used items, £250.00 for your NAP 250 is pretty insulting.
Personally I'd get it serviced by Naim, you'll be amazed at what this will do for the sound and it's very cost effective in that it protects the investment that you have already made purchasing the 250.
In terms of what a Naim service actually involves, it is also pretty good value for money when you think of how we're all ripped off for most other forms of 'servicing' these days.
£300 for a further 10 years musical enjoyment has got to be a bargain.
Cheers,
James/tom tom audio
Posted on: 28 May 2003 by Tennispro
I am interested in the new 200 vs the old 250. Has anyone comparing these models and if so what was the supporting equipment?
Thanks,
Tennispro
