Which way to go.

Posted by: Stephen Dupuis on 16 July 2002

Last fall I thought my system needed a boost so I sent my 160 in for service. The music is much better now but I had hopped that there would be more punch from the amp. Just recently I found another recently serviced 160 and biamped, not enough difference to justify the cost. The leads me to either moving up to a 250 or an XPS. Has anyone been in situation?

Steve
CDX/102/Hi/160

Posted on: 16 July 2002 by J.N.

I had the 'Full Monty' service on my twenty year old 160 (180 power supply) and it drives Linn Saras to great effect.

They are a reasonably difficult load (but were probably designed with a 160 or 250).

What speakers do you have?

Posted on: 16 July 2002 by garyi

Also purchase the NASPC digital power supply for the 102. You won't find them second hand normally but they are 200 quid new.

the 180 was always considered the natural partner for the 102, and frnakly it kicks ass.

Posted on: 16 July 2002 by Stephen Dupuis

Speakers are Kef 103/4 and I am not planning on changing them as I will be moving next summer and do not know what type of room the system will be in. The 102 has both PS so all the basics are taken care of.

steve

Posted on: 17 July 2002 by Frank Abela

Definitely try before you buy.

I would try both 82 and 250, one at a time - i.e go to the 250 first, be gobsmacked by the extra power and depth (or not). Go back to the 160. Listen again. Plug in the 82, be gobsmacked by the extra power and depth (yes really!). Evaluate which gives you more bang for your buck...

Seriously, the 82 brings a whole different level of performance to the amp. However, the 103/4 is not exactly an easy load. This is why I think you need to listen to both solutions.

My gut feeling is that you'll go for the 82. The extra current afforded by biamping should have had the desired effect if the problem were due to power. Therefore I conclude that the problem is more likely one of resolution and timing, which the 82 scores on in spades.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 17 July 2002 by Stephen Dupuis

Thanks Frank, good observation with the extra current from both amps, I do not know why I did not think of that. So if he 250 does not help that leaves two options, XPS or 82. Since all my Naims are less than a year old (less the 160) the XPS seems like the first choice.

Thanks
Steve