Nap300 dr or keep nap250 dr
Posted by: Zackwater on 06 February 2017
This stereo bug is a terrible disease. My system consists of Naim nac 272 for streaming Tidal, Naim xps dr power supply, Focal Sopra 3 speakers, and Naim nap 250 dr amp. It's really nice, BUT I'm considering trading up to the nap 300dr amp. I listen to music 95% of the time at low volume in a 25 x 25 foot room. Am I throwing away money or it it worth it. The objective is to get a little more fullness in the music at lower volume, sorta like turning on the old loudness switch on my Kenwood amp in 1977.
"Mega bucks in the hi-fi, and forgetting Valentine's Day ? Your wife must love you !"
You should have started married life by telling the wife that Valentines day is for them single people and a Wedding a anniversary is for us married couples. It worked for me
As already mentioned before you don't need engineers to explain the difference. Your ears will tell you the truth, so just rely on them. And besides that of course your available budget and the perceived value for you plays a role. While I always advise first determine budget room before you go into a seducing listening session.
Out of own experiences with comparing the 250 and the 300 in a non DR version some years ago. While the 250 is a good a very good amp in it's own right. The tonal superiority, authority and dynamics on the 300 are in a class of their own. Connected to a 252 or even a 552 you will hear the difference in an instance and will be wanting you have never heard it if you where not in the market for it.....
A very good VFM offering in the Naim line up in my opinion.
Bert Schurink posted:As already mentioned before..............Out of own experiences with comparing the 250 and the 300 in a non DR version some years ago. While the 250 is a good a very good amp in it's own right. The tonal superiority, authority and dynamics on the 300 are in a class of their own.
Connected to a 252 or even a 552 you will hear the difference in an instance
and will be wanting you have never heard it if you where not in the market for it.....
A very good VFM offering in the Naim line up in my opinion.
Nothing like hands on experiences, and as you say, 552/252 instantly.
Maybe, Naim's MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, 282!
Naim Audio Control Pre Amp NAC
552, no problem controlling a 500, or 300
252, no problem controlling a 300, or 250, 200,or 50 watts of Naim Power!
But A 272 would be hard pressed to get the most out of Naims Out Standind 2nd Tier Amp, the 300 DR!
That's all!
Just a Guess!
That being said, what I've learned from you gentleman on the Forum, Balance is Key.
And I think, the 272/XPSDR/250DR, is a well balanced System!
Allante93!
Next year when and if I upgrade the 272, to go along with my 300dr, 555, focal sopra 3's, Rega rp8 turntable and aria stages, would I need (funny word) the nds and the 252 preamp. I refuse to purchase a $35k preamp in the 552, simply not going to happen. The list price on the nds is $13k and the 252 is $12k, that's high enough, BUT $35k for a 552, not in my lifetime.
Zackwater posted:Next year when and if I upgrade the 272, to go along with my 300dr, 555, focal sopra 3's, Rega rp8 turntable and aria stages, would I need (funny word) the nds and the 252 preamp. I refuse to purchase a $35k preamp in the 552, simply not going to happen. The list price on the nds is $13k and the 252 is $12k, that's high enough, BUT $35k for a 552, not in my lifetime.
Nice System Zack, please let us know, what the 300 brings to the table, as if relates to getting more out of your Speakers.
After all, the human ear is a priceless instrument!
The Enginears, was called upon for the following:
"I'm not an engineer, but I'm sure, Simon and a host of other engineers on the Forum can help me out on this:
Many years ago, when I first ventured into the World of Hi Fi, a gentleman explained, if one wanted a 10 watt amp to double it's volume, one would need to increase it's power output by 10 fold.""
But you have made your decision, and trust me,you can't go wrong, especially if you plan on upgrading your Pre!
Now relax, and enjoy what you have!
Allante93!
found this new info but Focal recommends the NAP-300DR for the Sopra 3 if you scroll to the bottom
greekspec2 posted:found this new info but Focal recommends the NAP-300DR for the Sopra 3 if you scroll to the bottom
Right you are!
282
NDX
300DR
552, 252, even a 282, not saying a 272 will sound broken, just not as good as an S1!
That's all!
Allante93!
Zackwater posted:This stereo bug is a terrible disease. My system consists of Naim nac 272 for streaming Tidal, Naim xps dr power supply, Focal Sopra 3 speakers, and Naim nap 250 dr amp. It's really nice, BUT I'm considering trading up to the nap 300dr amp. I listen to music 95% of the time at low volume in a 25 x 25 foot room. Am I throwing away money or it it worth it. The objective is to get a little more fullness in the music at lower volume, sorta like turning on the old loudness switch on my Kenwood amp in 1977.
Allante93 posted:greekspec2 posted:found this new info but Focal recommends the NAP-300DR for the Sopra 3 if you scroll to the bottom
Right you are!
282
NDX
300DR
552, 252, even a 282, not saying a 272 will sound broken, just not as good as an S1!
That's all!
Allante93!
Do u want the 282 or the 252?
Zackwater posted:Allante93 posted:greekspec2 posted:found this new info but Focal recommends the NAP-300DR for the Sopra 3 if you scroll to the bottom
Right you are!
282
NDX
300DR
552, 252, even a 282, not saying a 272 will sound broken, just not as good as an S1!
That's all!
Allante93!
Do u want the 282 or the 252?
I'm Broke, and old, don't have the time or money to play the upgrade game!
Cdx2--+282--+HCDR--+3 x 250.2--+Briks
Next:
SCDR & SNAXO 362
Right now focusing on Replacement Glass
Just picked up 6 sets of 3, Naim cups & Balls
18 cups & Balls
Black Fraim Lite!
Not the best System, but these Briks are singing this very moment!
Enjoy your Music, the Why!
Allante93!
Zackwater posted:Next year when and if I upgrade the 272, to go along with my 300dr, 555, focal sopra 3's, Rega rp8 turntable and aria stages, would I need (funny word) the nds and the 252 preamp. I refuse to purchase a $35k preamp in the 552, simply not going to happen. The list price on the nds is $13k and the 252 is $12k, that's high enough, BUT $35k for a 552, not in my lifetime.
surely, you'll want the 252.
as for the source, there's a lot of good stuff to consider in your price range: a streamer and the Chord DAVE; the NDS; and the Linn KDS/3 would all be well worth considering. i'm sure the other inmates here can pepper you with more options.
but who knows. maybe you'll really dig vinyl. look out, wallet!
joe9407 posted:surely, you'll want the 252.
as for the source, there's a lot of good stuff to consider in your price range: a streamer and the Chord DAVE; the NDS; and the Linn KDS/3 would all be well worth considering. i'm sure the other inmates here can pepper you with more options.
but who knows. maybe you'll really dig vinyl. look out, wallet!
I Hear you, and, I get it!
Furthermore, I think Zack got it to, He dishing out the Cash!
But Please, allow me to elaborate, a bit further!
Lets forget about the Source for a second, and focus on the Pre Amp, Amp, and Speakers!
“”That’s what really had us all confused: the No.3 seemed to undermine all the practical and domestic benefits of the No.2 while hiking the price from £10,500 to a whopping £15,750 – a 50% increase that doesn’t just break but shatters the critical £10K price barrier. Somehow, somewhere, those numbers – 1Hz, 0.5dB, £5,250 – just don’t add up and in commercial terms one has to wonder what Focal were about? On the face of it, either whoever came up with the concept got it wrong or the sales and marketing team should have said something, either the performance or (being one’s normal, cynical self) the figures should have been massaged – unless of course Focal knew (or knows) something we do not………..
…..It’s not until you actually get hands on with the Sopra No.3 that you really appreciate just how much bigger and heavier it is than its little brother.
……well MyBenz, i happenedto hear the presentation of the Sopra 3 with the Naim Statement system and can only say..waouu thats was really some experience….””
I know, Thirty years ago, I was in the same situation, young, making money, and wanted a top notch Hi Fi Rig!
The only problem, couldn't afford a top notch Pre Amp, Amp, and Speakers!
And those Speakers sure sound Great at the Dealership, where there objective is to sell gear!
But What Pre Amp was controlling the Source, What Amp was amplifying that Signal passed from the Pre Amp, and Shooting to those Great Sounding Speakers???
So you get home, and they just don’t sound the Same, you figure you need more power, maybe.
Soooo! , up grade the 250 DR, surely the 300DR will perk those Speakers up, Maybe.
So, you get the Amp, Speakers, and Guess What, it still doesn’t sound as good as they did, @ the Dealership!
Now joke, it’s in Writing, Thanks Greekspec2!
We recommend the Following System, if you are the Largest Marketing Age Group, and happen to be into Streaming!
At least a 282
At least a NDX
At least a 300 DR
No Joke, guess what, it might sound almost as good as it did @ the Dealership!!!!!
Remember, that's their job, 8 hours waiting, and hoping someone walks through the door, loaded!
Just some thoughts!
Enjoy your Music, The Why!
Allante93!
Allante93 posted:joe9407 posted:surely, you'll want the 252.
as for the source, there's a lot of good stuff to consider in your price range: a streamer and the Chord DAVE; the NDS; and the Linn KDS/3 would all be well worth considering. i'm sure the other inmates here can pepper you with more options.
but who knows. maybe you'll really dig vinyl. look out, wallet!
I Hear you, and, I get it!
Furthermore, I think Zack got it to, He dishing out the Cash!
But Please, allow me to elaborate, a bit further!
Lets forget about the Source for a second, and focus on the Pre Amp, Amp, and Speakers!
“”That’s what really had us all confused: the No.3 seemed to undermine all the practical and domestic benefits of the No.2 while hiking the price from £10,500 to a whopping £15,750 – a 50% increase that doesn’t just break but shatters the critical £10K price barrier. Somehow, somewhere, those numbers – 1Hz, 0.5dB, £5,250 – just don’t add up and in commercial terms one has to wonder what Focal were about? On the face of it, either whoever came up with the concept got it wrong or the sales and marketing team should have said something, either the performance or (being one’s normal, cynical self) the figures should have been massaged – unless of course Focal knew (or knows) something we do not………..
…..It’s not until you actually get hands on with the Sopra No.3 that you really appreciate just how much bigger and heavier it is than its little brother.
……well MyBenz, i happenedto hear the presentation of the Sopra 3 with the Naim Statement system and can only say..waouu thats was really some experience….””
I know, Thirty years ago, I was in the same situation, young, making money, and wanted a top notch Hi Fi Rig!
The only problem, couldn't afford a top notch Pre Amp, Amp, and Speakers!
And those Speakers sure sound Great at the Dealership, where there objective is to sell gear!
But What Pre Amp was controlling the Source, What Amp was amplifying that Signal passed from the Pre Amp, and Shooting to those Great Sounding Speakers???
So you get home, and they just don’t sound the Same, you figure you need more power, maybe.
Soooo! , up grade the 250 DR, surely the 300DR will perk those Speakers up, Maybe.
So, you get the Amp, Speakers, and Guess What, it still doesn’t sound as good as they did, @ the Dealership!
Now joke, it’s in Writing, Thanks Greekspec2!
We recommend the Following System, if you are the Largest Marketing Age Group, and happen to be into Streaming!
At least a 282
At least a NDX
At least a 300 DR
No Joke, guess what, it might sound almost as good as it did @ the Dealership!!!!!
Remember, that's their job, 8 hours waiting, and hoping someone walks through the door, loaded!
Just some thoughts!
Enjoy your Music, The Why!
Allante93!
Here is what is really sad, I bought the system without ever hearing it. Tried, but always something. So wtf, I read every review I could find, talked to numerous dealers and bought sight unseen. Yes I'm an idiot. But, now I know. With 272, 250dr, and xps you need Sopra 2's not 3's. That was my mistake. So now to keep the speakers I upgraded everything.
Zackwater posted:
Here is what is really sad, I bought the system without ever hearing it. Tried, but always something. So wtf, I read every review I could find, talked to numerous dealers and bought sight unseen. Yes I'm an idiot. But, now I know. With 272, 250dr, and xps you need Sopra 2's not 3's. That was my mistake. So now to keep the speakers I upgraded everything.
Here's the Deal, you followed your heart, and true gut! And in the End, you will be happy!
And trust me, Statement--+ Sopra 2's probably sounds broken, when compared to
Statement--+Sopra's 3's.
An idiot, know, A Blessed young man, who will be the proud owner of an:
NDX--+Ndac--+282--+SCDR--+300DR--+ Some Kick Butt Speakers!!!
But first pay that Dealership a visit!
Take this 272, and give me a sweet As*** deal on an:
NDX
282
SCDR
300DR
CMON MAN
It's in writing!!!!
Now take it slow:
No more Stereo Gear For Two Years, and live with your:
NDX--+282--+SCDR--+300DR--+Sopra 3's
Oh, I forgot, I don't have any experience in Naim Gear, so disregard the above suggestions.
Just some thoughts!
Allante93!
joe9407 posted:Zackwater posted:Next year when and if I upgrade the 272, to go along with my 300dr, 555, focal sopra 3's, Rega rp8 turntable and aria stages, would I need (funny word) the nds and the 252 preamp. I refuse to purchase a $35k preamp in the 552, simply not going to happen. The list price on the nds is $13k and the 252 is $12k, that's high enough, BUT $35k for a 552, not in my lifetime.
surely, you'll want the 252.
as for the source, there's a lot of good stuff to consider in your price range: a streamer and the Chord DAVE; the NDS; and the Linn KDS/3 would all be well worth considering. i'm sure the other inmates here can pepper you with more options.
but who knows. maybe you'll really dig vinyl. look out, wallet!
I said no 552 in my lifetime. Wanted the 252, listened to it and hated it. Tried a 552 and now I have one on order.
Auditon a 252 carefully at home before buying one. The preamp is important.
rightcoastants posted:Been reading this thread with great interest. I have an opportunity to purchase a brand new NAP 300 DR at a very reasonable price and been seriously thinking of making this a reality. In my case, i'm currently using a 272/XPS DR/200 DR/Kudos Super 10s. I am not interested in changing the 272/XPS and speakers. I would only swap the NAP 200 for a 300. If and when a new range/upgraded network streamer were to come to market to replace the 272N, I might consider it.
As for the a stand, mains, wires and network, I am good with a three tiered Isoblue shelf, a dedicated AC line, a couple of Powerlines, NAC A5 and stock interconnects. Again, there is no immediate need or desire to make a change in this area.
One potential downside is that I will need to stack two boxes on the top shelf of the Isoblue stand. Maybe both power supplies, then streamer and then amp ? Not sure.
More importantly, I am curious if you think this move is overkill? I expect it will bring another level of performance, clarity, impact and all the goodness of what a 300 offers. Budget aside, would I be better off with a 250 DR given there is no change speakers and front end. I cannot demo the 300, so I would have to take a leap of faith.
I am trying to convince myself that this will be the last amp I purchase regardless of what speakers and source component comes next and from what others have mentioned on other threads, the Kudos Super 10's would be a great match for the NAP 300.
I think upgrading from 200 DR to either the 250 DR or 300 DR would be an improvement. The thing about the "DR" in the 200 is that it does not apply to the power amplifier that drives the speakers. Rather, the 200's "DR" applies only to the built-in power source that is intended to drive a separate preamp connected to the 200. Since your 272 is powered by the XPS DR, the "DR" in the 200 serves no purpose. So, if you upgrade the 200 DR for either the 250 DR or 300 DR, then you'll finally get DR applied to the power amp. The result is lower noise floor and more power to the speakers, yielding better sound. My upgrade from 200 DR to 250 DR netted significant results. The 300 DR was over my budget, but I'm very pleased by the switch from 200 DR to 250 DR. Next for me is the XPS DR for the 272.
i've owned both setups
Sopra 2
N272
250DR & 300DR
Sopra 3
N272
300DR
the 300DR on the No2 sounded not right
Interested im how you get along as am in a similar predicament on another thread and am actually considering a sub for the low end bass punch i need at low volumesto complement the 272/250dr/xpsdr/proacd40r rig
After some consideration and reading the numerous threads and the virtues of a 272/XPS DR/250 DR setup , I made the move and traded in my NAP200DR, added a few more pennies and got me a new NAP 250DR + a pair of Track Audio stands for my Super 10s. It seemed like the more logical step/upgrade path to follow rather than going for NAP300 right now.
Looking forward to the first impressions with the 250DR. Stands will be set up in a few weeks as I need to pick them up from the Naim dealer.
Once things settle over the next year, I may look at swapping the trusty NAC A5 with some Super Lumina speaker cables.