N172xs with NAP250

Possible? Yes, it's eminently possible. I do so. Personally, I think it's great.

Whether you'd like the results, however, is something only you can really know. If buying from a dealer, then auditioning the equipment is the obvious course. If buying 2nd hand without the possibility of auditioning, then just make sure that the price is good enough that you'll be able to sell on without too much loss if you don't like the sound.

Ok, Dave, do you run these both guys together?

Yes, I run a 172 into a 250.2, into SBLs. You can see the details in my profile (by clicking on my name).

There are one or two others I've seen on the forum who have, or had, the same setup too.

I also have the same setup with Kudos X2's....works well....next step will be to change the 172 for a 272....

I also run this combination into Kudos C10s and it is great, like Arnsider, the plan is to upgrade to a 272 when funds allow.  

My set up came about in a rather convoluted way - ex dem and 2nd hand, if you are buying new there will be other combinations to consider like the 272/200 (not sure where this sits cost wise). 

Cost wise, there is very little difference between 272/200 and 172/250 if you're buying new, so you could just listen and make the decision based purely on sound quality. I've always found 'source first' systems to be more satisfying, so I would guess a 272/200  would be my preference, but I haven't made the comparison.

ChrisSU posted:

Cost wise, there is very little difference between 272/200 and 172/250 if you're buying new, so you could just listen and make the decision based purely on sound quality. I've always found 'source first' systems to be more satisfying, so I would guess a 272/200  would be my preference, but I haven't made the comparison.

Chris, it mainly depends on speakers and personal preferences.

For instance, if you need the extra transient capability to drive more difficult speakers, then the 172/250 will sound more lively and the 272/200 will sound a bit flat in comparison.  However this will only apply for speakers that are a pretty difficult load, the 200 will drive most things in this price range.

This is just one of the reasons why 'Source First' doesn't always work (as you acknowledged in your post).  As you allude to, auditioning is the only way to really know what you actually want!

The 202/250 is generally acknowledged as a 'bad idea' so given that the 172 is inferior to the 202 one would imagine that, on paper at least- the same conclusion could be drawn. That said, the streaming preamps seem to be a slightly different proposition, with people using 272/300 and 172/250 quite happily. 

Previously I had the N172xs together with 150x. I think, the 150x amp had problems with my B&W 803N speakers.

Now, I do have a 2nd hand NAP250.2 since 2 days and the sound is very satisfying.

Huge, you're quite right of course, although I suspect most speakers that need a 250 will put a 172 system well into mullet territory. I suspect most people who end up with such a system have bought used components, maybe without the chance to audition - which is fair enough, as long as they're enjoying the results.

I thought that I will be right with a 250.2.

I got the n172 as a 6 month old demo for a very good price. But a new 250 is out of my financial possibilities. I do have a wife and two children...........

The 250 was in a very good condition for a very interessting price and I couldn't say NO

In fact, the sound is much better as with the 150x.

Hi Ibande,

Yep, that's a good reason for going that way.  And yes the 150x is fine with easy to moderate speakers (as may are in its price range), but it's likely to struggle with many mid or high end B&Ws.  On the other hand the 250 is specifically designed to drive difficult loads, and then it's a huge improvement.

How old is the 250?  If it's 10 years old or more and hasn't been serviced, you should consider having it done.

A Nap 250 is very good and likely to work with any Naim set-up. Plus it allows for further upgrades if desired.

The NAP is from 2008.

This combi has the best sound I ever had.

I have experimented with different set ups since 25 years. 

I remember 25 years ago i have had a naim nait and a rega planar 3 player together with an ariston audio cd player.

Very good sound as well. But a little bit uncomfortable.

I also arrived at this combo via the used route when I was looking to buy a NAP 200....I jumped at it as also had a good deal and knew upgrading was always an easy option .....172 to 272 and DR the 250.2 as and when funds allow.