Hello Mike,
Yes, Naim use bi-polars in their amps, with the later NAP140, and up, using a proprietary Naim design. The NAP500 uses an entirely new design op tranny again, however I believe that it is still considered to be a bi-polar type(?). Not sure if the 5 series uses this same device or just simulates some of the 500s characteristics.
As far as bi-polars vs. MOSFETS are concerned, I seem to recall some designers citing certain tube like characteristics associated with MOSFETS when they originally became available. Based upon my listening experiences (quite some years ago) I'd say they were all full of crap.
Years ago I borrowed a Musical Fidelity Synthesis integrated from a dealer for a weeks home audition, which I believe used Hitachi MOSFETS in its op stage. I was impressed with its dynamics although it sounded as dry as old sticks to me. Not at all like what their next generation warm and fuzzy round earth amps sounded. A Nait 1 that I subsequently borrowed blew it away in every department despite the 70 MOSFET watts of the MF.
Julian V. used to comment on the old forum that it was not so much the components themselves but what you did with them. Execution of design over sum of parts.
Craig
[This message was edited by Craig Best on SATURDAY 27 October 2001 at 18:22.]
