So, here's the dilemma...

Urm - 250DR.  

Good luck,

Much as I love the 200 even a new or serviced one would almost certainly be the weak link in your system. 250dr

250dr too.

250DR - a most logical step, given the constraints. 282 / SuperCap + 250 makes for a really cool system. 

With Allaes I think, hmmm ..... on balance probably service and DR the 555PS and service the NAP200 

250DR before DR’ing the 555. It’s a matter of rebalancing your system, even with Allaes. ????

Chag -

What about a non DR Nap300?  Give those Allaes a treat early 300 models about the same age as your 282 go for about the same as 250DR.

NDS/555PS/282/SC/300 

Looks like a pretty balanced system to be.

As a 282/200 owner, I would say.....get the 250. A demo would be useful, though, you may decide it would be better to hold out for a 300 - or a 252 - or a 555DR - or better speakers! Sorry, that's not really very helpful, but what you really need is a good dealer to let you listen to some options.

Why would you go today for a non DR 300 or even 250 knowing how much better are the DR versions? ????

Chag -

Easy. Trade the 282 for 252 as you already have the SuperCapDR. Then 250DR. Doing the pre-amp first will do two things. You will hear the step up with the exisiting 200, then when you add the 250DR you will have more to "feed" it.  Then upgrade the 555 to current specs. Nice. 

The 555 ps can go 15 years before needing a recap since the 500 series uses higher spec parts.

Chag... posted:

Why would you go today for a non DR 300 or even 250 knowing how much better are the DR versions? ????

Chag -

Firstly money a used Nap 300 = £2,700,  a new Nap 300DR = £7,898.

Secondly many people who have tried both prefered the Nap 300 over the Nap 250 DR.

Thirdly not everyone who wants one can afford a Nap 300DR and may need to buy a cheaper non DR version and get it DR'd later.

And last there are those out there in the real world who find the DR amp versions a bit to smooth compared to the older non DR models.

Magic Bus posted:

The 555 ps can go 15 years before needing a recap since the 500 series uses higher spec parts.

That’s the clincher and why I can leave my 10 year old 555ps for a few more years un doctored despite ordering an ND555.

This is an easy one.

As you already have a fine front end and an excellent preamp set up, the power amp is the obvious place to go.

Biggest bang for your buck.....used 300....has a great synergy with the 282 and helps you miss the difficult 250 stage which for me at least I couldn't quite live with.

Ray

You’re not hearing the best from the NDS with the 200 anyway so forget the servicing for now.

I’d also say look for a used 300. The difference would be huge.

Well, actually, I wasn't expecting that! 

Ok, it seems fairly obvious that almost everyone feels the power amp is the way to go.  I thought the power supplies dropped off after around 10 years but if the 555ps can go 15 without problem or serious deterioration, then I think I will get a 250DR to try and see how that goes.  I'm a bit torn on the 250DR/300 (non-DR) option, only really due to the extra box, cabling and a space limitation... but I have considered it and it will remain a valid option, especially if a decent example becomes available at the right time.

Thank you all for your valuable comments.

Another plus for the used 300 non DR. Having done a few comparisons the 300 smokes the 250DR, the last comparison was a 10 year old 300 v a new run in 250dr. I have not heard the 200 but I understand it more matched sound wise to the 300 than the 250DR. 

used statement perhaps...

While an improvement on the amp side would definitely be a good step I would advise to first listen to a 252. With the NDS you have a front end which is limited by it’s pre-amp. If you want to then upgrade your amp I would wait until I could afford a 300. The DR-ing would overall be a nice icing on the cake, but wouldn’t be my first priority step.

Used 300 for me too 

And that's as a 250dr owner !

252/300 is a great place to end up for most people. If you plan to get there then I would go 252 first. Pre is king in Naim world. A used 300 can follow later. Just my thoughts of course.

Stu

Well, power amp it is then; I'll be keeping my options open re: 250DR / 300 non DR and I'll see what comes up.  252 is on the cards later in the future but the 200 either needs changing or a service first. 

Thanks all, perhaps that wasn't so much of a dilemma after all!!

The 282/300 was my first Naim pre-power combo which I owned for many years. All this before DR was invented. You have a 500 quality source with an entry level power amp. Fix it. Unless your end point is all 500 kit, the NDS, 282, 300 is a good place to stop.

I know opinions are split on 282 versus 252, but I sit in the 252 camp and can also report the 252/300 is an even better stopping point. Just decide where you want to go first. Taking little steps is to be avoided if you possibly can. I have never listened to a 250 so can’t advise if that is your plan. Used 300’s are out there and remain a fine piece of kit.

Dave

Thank you Bodger and the many others who have echoed your recommendation. I currently have a 250DR on loan from my dealer and I am very impressed with what it's doing.  If the 300 (non DR) can better that then I may consider adding another level to my Fraim! 

If you like the sound balance of your system as it stands, DRing the 555PS and getting anything that needs it (or will soon need it) serviced is probably the safest bet. If there's something you don't like about what your system does, changing boxes is probably the more productive option.

I'm no fan of the 200 or the 250. While the 200, to my ears sounds a bit self effacing, the 250 is a pile driver. If you want more bang, crash and wallop, the 250 will deliver it in spades. If you like poise and subtlety, maybe getting the best out of your 200 and giving it an even nicer, more detailed, natural sounding, front end will give you more what what you likely already have.

Only your ears will know for sure.