Re: Two box endgame, signing off - one final post?

Posted by: Dr_J on 13 June 2016

Not sure if this, or I, shouldn't be in the Padded Cell?  

Possibly against my better judgement, I tried a PL on my CD5si over the weekend and was  once again shocked and appalled at the impact this addition had to the performance of Naim's entry level CD player, driving Analogue 1 [DIN] on my SU. Given that my two PL's are currently (!) supplying my SU and NAP 200DR,  whilst awaiting a 250DR, and have been, again to my surprise, really effective, I am beginning to doubt the wisdom of the 250 upgrade against a third PL?

I was undoubtedly of the mind that a kettle lead couldn't make a significant difference, King's New Clothes etc., but following a demo, the PL has to be the most cost-effective, immediate and audible upgrade Naim make, at least for my SU/NAP200DR config. It's not just that I could immediately hear the improvement on adding the PL, but can also immediately hear the revert back when on removing it......... a somewhat disturbing result, as I cannot really think of a good reason why it should be so?

So the question becomes whether to move from the 200DR to the 250DR, a not inconsiderable financial cost, or PL my remaining component and be content?  (And possibly forever wondering )

Hopefully some previous respondants may have some wisdom for me?

KR, J, and thanks as ever.

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by Gavin B

You're going to have to do both.  There is no escape. Resistance is futile.

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by hungryhalibut

A thousand powerlines will not turn a 200 into a 250. 

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by Dr_J

HH wrote "A thousand powerlines will not turn a 200 into a 250" And he is quite right, but the conflict is between knowing that and determining whether the point already reached is good enough at which to pause/stop at for a while/ever?

Further up the Naim range will always be 'better' in some way, but so far I've been luck enough to build a really cost-effective system that sounds miles better than its predecessor, so I find myself asking why do more just because I know I can?

I've auditioned the 250 and I know it is better with the SU, and both better again with PL's, so L suppose I will just have to make a choice.

And I wouldn't take odds against that in 12 months time I won't have the 272/250DR combo either.

KR, J 

 

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by analogmusic

250 is a regulated amplifier with a massive power supply 1030 VA

200 is a non regulated amplifier with a much smaller power supply 430 VA.

 

 

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by hungryhalibut

Actually, as you have the 200DR, I'd be inclined to swap the SU for a 272. That way you get to retain your nice new 200, and maybe you could get a used Powerline at the same time. I strongly suspect that 272/200 will be a lot better than SU/250, and the 272/200 may well be a place where you can happily stop. 

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by Dr_J
analogmusic posted:

250 is a regulated amplifier with a massive power supply 1030 VA

200 is a non regulated amplifier with a much smaller power supply 430 VA.

 

 

Could be wrong, but isn't that the 500 @ 1030VA?

KR, J

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by joerand

Naim's product specifications state the transient speaker output as 300 VA for the 200 (70 W), 400 VA for the 250 (80 W), and 700 VA for the 500 (140 W). Both the 250 and 500 have a VA to watts ratio of 5. The 200 ratio is 4.3. What does all this mean? Probably that relative to their respective power ratings the 250 and 500 have a more robust transformer design than the 200 . So the higher powered amps are better at delivering consistent, ready power in demanding situations. Better grip/command of the speakers. Even without the numbers I think most folks already 'get' the idea that a more powerful amp does things better within the Naim line. The VA output may be more important when comparing a 70 W Naim amp to another manufacturer's 70 W amp.

Posted on: 14 June 2016 by Dr_J

All absolutely true, and perhaps the best explanation of why a 10W differential could be significant I have read here.

Of course I still have to decide whether, after auditioning, comparing, contrasting and just listening whether said differential is worth a 75% cost increment over the 200 - it's certainly above my 'minimus' threshold. :-/

KR, J