NAP300 DR vs NAP250 DR is it really worth the extra mile

Posted by: Ludovico on 27 July 2018

I've been reading a few posts of underwhelming expectations from NAP 300DR owners/converts. By reading these posts I am now more confused on whether the incremental price difference between a NAP 250DR and a NAP 300DR equates to a similar incremental difference in sound quality (stage, clarity, control, etc). My ears ought to be doing this assessment but my issue (like many) is finding a dealer where i can audition both with PMC's Fact 8's. My Fact 8's are currently paired with a SuperUniti, the latter being the component that I would like to upgrade over time. I was therefore planning to use the SU as a preamp paired with a NAP 250DR (second hand) or go the extra mile and pair it with a NAP 300 (second hand), get Salisbury to upgrade it to DR status. Eventually, when the wallet allows it, to replace the SU to a NAC (hoping for a new NAC release in the near future). The bottom line is: is the NAP 300DR really worth the extra wallet effort vs a NAP 250DR? Or is that underwhelming sensation in posts real? Someone help me demystify this one. Thanks!

Atlas Hyper speaker cable
Blue Heaven power chord (i live in Switzerland and could not use the UK power chord i had on the SU).

Posted on: 28 July 2018 by The Strat (Fender)

Surely the successful pairing of the 272 with a 300 (and it is very successful) means that source first is a busted flush?

Posted on: 28 July 2018 by hungryhalibut

One swallow doesn’t make a summer.

Posted on: 28 July 2018 by HiFiman

I think it's down to the speakers my 250DR driving the Proac Tab10 will be the last amp/speakers I will use for the foreseeable future it's that good. The sound stage is off the chart, detail, punch and PRAT is the best I have heard in the last 20 years of Naim ownership within my home.

Posted on: 29 July 2018 by antony d

from my experience

I planned to move from 200 to 250DR last year having heard the 250Dr on demo at my dealer

so when I called - i was given the choice of moving to 250DR or a SH non DR 300 which i jumped at, i had my 200 for 12 years and loved with warmed it brought to my system (LP12/NDX/282/HCDR - was delighted with the uplft in control, focus, rythem amd depth of the non DR 300 gives and now with DR fitted - real WOW!

agree with other comments on source and pre with 300 it won't improve the source signal - ideally either 272 or NDX would be my advice - balance and source and balance to system

i think the 300 is one of the best amps in the line up either non DR or 300DR