NAP200 or NAP200DR

Posted by: Rotifer217 on 11 November 2017

Can anyone tell me a few basics about pre-amp/power amp combinations?

I have a NAC202 + NAPSC and am looking to get a NAP200DR or NAP200 in the next few months.

1.  Is the NAP200DR likely to provide obvious sound quality improvements over the NAP200?

2.  Would adding a HiCap2 (non-DR) make obvious improvements to either option?

3.  Would adding a HiCap2 (non-DR)  make the NAP200DR option redundant and enable me to save money on the power amp by buying a NAP200 rather than a NAP200DR?

Posted on: 11 November 2017 by NJB

I went through the Power Amplifier upgrade options a while back, so let’s see how much I learnt. 

The 200DR is different to the other DR models because DR changes only affect the Pre-Amp PSU section. Therefore, in your case, the question is whether the 200DR driving the 202 will outperform a separate HiCap. Power Amp wise, the 200 and 200DR are virtually the same.  There is a theory that asking the 200, with its smaller transformer, to do both jobs at once is going to stretch its performance.  I have not had a chance to compare these combinations, but I think the HiCap would give you more flexibility in the future if you upgrade again  i think that is where my money would go.

 

Posted on: 12 November 2017 by antony d

i had a non DR 200 for over 12 years , works really well and nicely balanced with 202 - I added HCDR to 202 which further improved the sound stage

i really liked the musicality of the 200 and as NJB mentioned i would go 200 non DR and go high cap with 202

Posted on: 12 November 2017 by NJB

I ran my 202 from a 150x.  Adding a PSU was a massive step, because it lowered the noise floor immensely and suddenly there was much more music.  I suspect that this would be similar with the 200.  I agree with Anthony D, the 200 is a fine amplifier.

Posted on: 12 November 2017 by NFG

Hi,

I have a 202/HiCap - olive/200/NAPSC combo for my amplification. In my opinion the 200DR is not worth it if you intend to use a HiCap because the DR (as stated above) is on the 200PSU supply to the pre-amp.

Im unsure what difference a HiCapDR makes over a non DR HiCap - I suspect the improvement is modest, but if you get a S/H HiCap it would be worth getting it serviced if due as they can degrade the sound.