Active 250.2's or Passive 500 for NBL's

I'd suggest that you are already in mullet territory. I'd do some serious upgrading to the LP12 first, then follow with a 552. 

Back in the day, when I used to frequent the country's best Naim dealer (Sound Advice in Loughborough) it was always said that one big one is better than lots of little ones. But a 500 with a 282? I don't think so. And a 500 with a Lingo powered LP12? I don't think so either. 

3 x 250 was better than a 300 to my ears. However, I'm using a 252 pre, which is significantly better than a 282.
A 500 can also divide opinion.

I know that, to quote Hungryhalibut, "the country's best Naim dealer", Derek of Sound Advice, wasn't a fan of the 500.

Currently I think that only Linn and Naim promote active technology in the domestic hifi market, although it is common in pa/concert rigs. It will be interesting to watch developments as to whether the Focal/Naim merger leads to more or less active systems?

 

This very specialised expertise means that in practice few people will ever own an active system, even thought the rewards are great.

 

It’s just a shame that the pockets have to be as deep!

 As one Audio Reviewer once said "there are only two types of components worth owning, the best and very close to the best, for a lot less $" 

Ok, I think you already No the Answer, it’s not about the Amp, A Statement Amp won’t make your System sound any worst.  It’s about the Cross Over. 

Even the Best & Most Expensive speakers Introduce Phase Distortion brought on by the XO.  

So my Advice, based on Cash Supply and Wanting to be part of An Unique Group. 

The Active Group.   

Been There, Done That , Only with Linn Aktive Full Blown LK 280’s etc… 

Now attempting it with Naim /Briks!  

1st, Sell Snaxo 3-6

2nd, Sell all PS’s Keep the Hi Cap only if it Low Powered DR Version. 

3rd, Take Advantage of introduction of the New DRed Power Amps and Pick up Great Deals on       Non DRed 250.2’s, I just picked up one Brand New 40% off the 2014 Price List with Full Warranty! 

Keep both eye’s open for Snaxo 362, and Super Cap 2. 

Snaxo 362 with Burndy, no more than 5 years old, SC 2 Dr or An Older non DR version, and get it Recapped and Dred in Couple of years. 

Then you’re Done look at your System. 

Source > Hi Cap DR > 282 > 3 x 250.2’s > Tri Amped NBL

Enjoy The above System, until you run into Snaxo 362, SC 2. & Burndy! 

But What Do I know, JMHO!!!!

Oh for heaven's sake - who on earth is not a fan of the 500 - it's mind blowingly brilliant.  Bring on the DR version.   But 3 x 250/DRs - now there's a thought as well.  What a dilemna

Matchup

i currently run NBLs with a 250 active system and I am very pleased with it. Moreover I first used it with a 282 with no issues. It also worth remembering that, as I understand it , NBLs were designed for active in the first instance. If you can have a listen do so.

it is also worth noting that if you have not got the passive crossovers for the NBLs you might have a problem. I am told that Naim have none and accordingly they are like hen's teeth.

You Got that Right, 282 Hi Cap DR, Not to Shabby!  

Cdx2 > Hi Cap DR > 282 > 250.2 > 200 > 250.2 > Passive PMS Tri Amped Briks

Stanley Clarke, Touch is Tearing up that Bass, and The Briks Love It!!! 

. on the other hand I run a 552/500 into NBLs (with SL full loom cabling) and it is superb.

Also factor in all the extra levels of support Fraim or otherwise you will need for 3x250's...... and the cables to dress..... however the passive v active argument is well documented and it is a matter of personal choice .

Hen's teeth eh.... ooooh my spare set of NBL crossovers in the loft are turning into an investment it would seem !!!

A spare set!!! Riches beyond comprehension.

And as I'm sure you know Michael, SL speaker cable for an active system makes your wallet wince!

Just observing from the sidelines, here. Long wanted to go active - but was advised to go for 1 big passive amp, rather than small amps, active. This was advice from (quote)  '...the country's best Naim dealer - Sound Advice in Loughborough.' Back in 1985, this mean a CB 250 - which I have had ever since. Would also be personally very interested in knowing why Derek of Sound Advice was not a fan of the 500 - @Hungryhalibut or @blythe - ? (I was a long standing customer of Sound Advice and then NAF.)

Going active remains a dream....

Absolutely Graham....!!!

A big premium bond win and I suspect activating my NBLs would be a high priority.... pigs might fly as they say!

What a lovely dream to have Ian.

The 500 didn't exist when Sound Advice was my local dealer. At that time, six pack Isobariks was the best one could have. 

@Michael - the Dream is probably way to expensive, now..... 'My' 250 cost £822.....

It would be very difficult now, to 'match' my 1985 CB 250 - but I guess I could look for an early Olive one.. (mine is Olive now) . Then I would need a NAXO and a PS - and some active speakers.....

Perhaps I should look for some SBL's first......

Okies, @Hh... Over to @blythe then....

Originally Posted by Michael:

Also factor in all the extra levels of support Fraim or otherwise you will need for 3x250's...... and the cables to dress..... however the passive v active argument is well documented and it is a matter of personal choice .

282               Snaxo

                     250.2

Cdx2             200

Ndac             250.2

Hi Cap DR    SC 2

5 Tier Balanced Naim Fraim!

And the Napsc is on the floor underneath the Fraim! And That's Next Year! 

Forget the Sound, Those Black Boxes sure look Great, Think So Graham!

I must be crazy 

There's only one way to go - best passive amps. Active systems are known to be sensitive to set up, but obviously get that right and you're flying. 

I would personally go for the best source you can afford, then preamp, then match your speakers to your room. All Naim amps 250 and upwards are epic, and you can adjust to taste.

I would also tune the room and set up.

Good listening.

Just out of curiosity, are you running your active 250's with a new Snaxo 362 or do you have the original SNAXO for NBL's?  

I feel you mattchup! 

Just out of curiosity, are you running your active 250's with a new Snaxo 362 or do you have the original SNAXO for NBL's? 

#NAIMBURNSNAXO

SNAXO BURNDY Burndy Cable for SUPERLINE or SNAXO

SuperLine or SNAXO x-overs to SuperCap

MSRP $995 USD 

I know Wow!  and That’s not the New SL One Coming Soon, I don’t know DB and Graham might have one now I think!

The Super Lumina cable from preamp to Snaxo Supercap is available now.  Both DB and myself have one.  It's a significant improvement SQ wise.  £1500 in UK so likely around $2400 in US.

I did the comparison with 552 and CD555  and prefered the 500. The dynamic clarity of the active system was very seductive, but I preferred the scale and delicacy of the 500.

Just Curios, when you done this comparison, was it Snaxo 362, Super Cap with Burndy, and which Speakers.  I assuming the we talking 250's vs 500, but Black Boxes or older style.  

As as Michael said, this debate will be going on just as CD vs LP , and now,  CD vs Streaming!  

Enjoy! 

I have never heard a Nap 500 but I am very happy with 3 Nap 250s, Nac 82, CDS3 with 362 snaxo into NBLs. Light years ahead of a passive 250/NBL combination.

You said it! ATB Peter

Snaxo 362 powered by Supercap DR.

I do endorse what a lot of other posters have said. It really is personal choice - try and have a listen before you decide. I did question my dealer, driven by the cost of SL on active systems mentioned elsewhere, whether I should, in the future, consider passive 500 with SL and the response wa a firm no which given the drive for sales is pretty instructive but still at some stage I might have a listen. 

In conclusion I think it is worth mentioning that for me and I think a lot of people like me who have been on the Naim path for a long time, active was always the 'holy grail' and that may colour my view.