1 x 250 vs 2 x 135

I've had an olive 250 with 72 hicap CDS and SBLs and it was marvellous.

A few years later 135s with 72 hicap CDI, LP12, and SBLs and it was also marvellous.

Personally i'd say the 135 scores better the Sibbles have more music room space to play in.

Although IMO naim never made a duff NAP amp, i marvel at them all, and have enjoyed the music.

Debs 

I have all olive- 01, cds2, 52, 135's into Focal 1038 speakers in extremely large room. 

When I switched from olive 250 noted improved control in all aspects of the music. Not louder but it was easier to play loud because the music hung together better at higher volume. My large room probably made it more important to have the extra grunt that the 135's provided.

In my previous home my listening room was small- I had the 250 driving linn Sara's. Not sure what difference the 135's would have made in this room- hadn't gotten the 135's until move to latest house with large room.  The 135 amps go for so cheap these days that u don't have much to lose - however probably need full service to sound their best. Mine were serviced by Naim.

david 

Hi bluedog

I've owned both.  The 135s have a sense of grip, drive and dynamics fireworks that sets them apart from the NAP250, especially on speakers that are harder to drive.  I was surprised at how much better they were on my then Linn Saras.

For the difference in cost, I would (and have) voted for the NAP135s.

Hope this helps, FT

I remember, back in the day, when the 135 was released, and each mono box cost the same as a 250. Naim weren't confident of how it would sell, and whether people would be willing to pay twice the price of a 250. How times change. The 135s are wonderful things: grab them. 

135s are very special. A matched pair is required -- get them sent to works service, and get them set up as a pair.

A matched six-pack is even more special. And you pay more for the 6 way alignment too. But its worth it. 

+1 

I went from 250 to 135s (mostly because a good deal came up) and was suprised how much better they were. To my ears a bigger upgrade than from 82 to 52. Go for it!

I have the same Kudos Super 20s as you and changed recently from a serviced 180 to unserviced 135s and must say the difference is remarkable. The 20s go seamingly an octave deeper now! The 135s pick them up by the scruff of the neck and drive them with real authority. Sadly I cannot say how much further ahead of a single 250 they are.

Greetings
Matt

Reminds me of racing engines...you just lose something as you make an engine bigger and bigger, with more and more cylinders...volumetric efficiency...precision.

Strange comparison I'm sure, but it seems that in general something that is engineering bigger and bigger costs not only exponentially more but there is loss.

Reminds me also of the compressor stations in a chemical plant...rather than have one giant compressor which does it all, its best to have 10 small ones that do a little.  They last longer, and do a more precise job...and are ultimately more efficient.

Hi bluedog - if I were in your position I would do it 

No question in my mind, as I did what you are considering years ago.

"Night and day" difference, as the HiFi press would have said

I wish I had the space/money etc etc to get a DBL/six-pack system. However, I don't. Sadly