NAP300 Service

Posted by: Blueshadesolo on 17 January 2016

I recently acquired a 2003 model NAP300 to replace a 250.2 and whilst there was an improvement in separation, it wasn't the earth shattering improvement over the 250 that I  expected. My choices are get the NAP 300 serviced, or sell up and move back to a 250.2 or an olive 250 (my current preference). Does anyone have any experience of the effect a service had on a NAP300? Is it worth the significant outlay, or shall I cut and run?

 

current system:

ndx/xps & lp12

nac 252/sc

nap300

neat momentum 5sxi

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by MDS

I think the recommended service interval for power amps is ten years so yours now seems over due.

Would seem a pity not to hear what it is capable of after a service, and a new DR/009 upgrade at the same time would be even better.  As a new owner of a 300DR I can tell you it is a massive step up from a 250.2. 

Mike

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by IanG

+1 for service and DR upgrade.

Ive recently gone from 300 to 300 DR. The new amp is starting to run in now and is phenomenal. A big improvement over the already excellent non DR amp.

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by Blueshadesolo

Do you mind me asking how much the DR upgrade was please and whether this was with/without a service? 

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by fathings cat

The 300 should be a great match for your 252 (so much better matched than a 250.2) so if you are not impressed and given its age a service would be my recommendation. The dr upgrade is c£1500 and c£1800 with a service. 

A good dealer is the way to go so you can have a demo and hear for your self. 

I added a dr upgrade to my Supercap too and that was a good step up in performance. (300 booked in for April) 

My system is very similar to yours (except speakers and ndac in front of the NDX) and sings very nicely. 

Good luck 

Gary

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by Dave J

I did the same as you and bought an older 300 - in Immaculate condition I should add -  to replace a 250.2 and it was a substantial upgrade but having it serviced turned out to be one if the best vfm upgrades I've experienced. Going back to a 250 would be a retrograde step, get it serviced and enjoy.

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by Blueshadesolo

Thank you everyone who replied for your valuable advice!

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by rackkit

What's the turnaround time on the DR upgrade & service? Mine are used for tv as well as hifi duties so i'd without sound while it's away.

Posted on: 17 January 2016 by fathings cat

I think the dr is based on booking slots (mine is in April) but not sue of turn around time. A friendly dealer may give you a loaner assuming you gave a good relationship with them.

Gary

Posted on: 18 January 2016 by ianrobertm

Just a thought...  Getting your 300 just re-capped is (relatively) quick & cheap. Going DR is not.

Posted on: 18 January 2016 by Harry

It needs a service at this age regardless of going DR or not. I don't think you'll know what it is truly capable of until its serviced. You should get your money back if you ultimately don't like it (unlikely but possible) because a recently serviced one will fetch more.

Posted on: 18 January 2016 by ClaudeP

Before you spend your hard earned money on service, DR, or both, I suggest you follow Gary's recommendation and listen to a 300DR at home. I am extremely surprised to hear that you don't find the upgrade from 250.2 to 300 significant (after all the 300 is more than double the price of a 250.2 if I'm not mistaken) and I suspect that you just don't like the 300's sonic signature.

Claude