Naim NAP-250 Amplifiers
Naim NAP-250 Amplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Jan 22, 2010]
Jake the Snake
Audio Enthusiast
First off, Naim equipment is not for everyone, and tends to stray from the norms of audiophilia in terms of soundstage, imaging, etc, and instead places emphasis on how well the gear conveys what they feel is the most important aspect of music: rhythm, timing, pitch and timbral accuracy. Don't expect holographic imaging and a soundstage that appears to disappear well behind the speakers, etc etc... DO expect to enjoy listening to heaps of music that you haven't pulled from the shelf for years, because this gear will bring all the energy and life that went into the recording into your listening space.
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[Aug 06, 2005]
Marcos
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Excellent tonality and control over the speakers. Wonderful dynamic range.
Weakness:
Somewhat pricey compared to products from the East. The (new) Naim 250 probably stands alone in the lineup as displaying a somewhat warmer, richer sound than either the 200 or 300, which occupy the spaces above and below in the Naim lineup. Unlike the 150 or 200, it sports a regulated power supply, which is extremely important when driving even moderately "difficult" speakers, as the 200 can get grayish and compressed as the amp starts to get near its limits. Not so with the 250, which hangs in with the grip of a bulldog and bends the speaker to its will. Sonically, it is fluid, euphonic, effortless, detailed, but not bright... all the good stuff. And it's built to last by people who get paid real wages, so it's going to be more expensive than many products coming out of the East. Is it worth it? If your speakers are easy to drive and you don't favor louder music, the cheaper $2800 NAP 200 may fill your needs admirably. Some prefer its possibly more "airy" tone. However, its unregulated power supply quickly shows itself when the going gets rough. The 250 is a classic and will probably last as long as you care to keep it. It seems expensive, but, IMO, lesser-priced amps just do not exhibit the control over the speakers that the 250 does. Similar Products Used: Naim 150, 200. |
[Oct 22, 2003]
mnglwd
AudioPhile
Strength:
Bandwidth, pace, rhythm, timing, like you'd expect from Naim.
Weakness:
Notwithstanding "Naim watts," I hit the thermal protection limit during a party with moderately high volume levels. My Stratos never even noticed how hard I pushed it. I picked up a NAP250 off of Audiogon to replace my two year visit with the Odyssey Stratos. The 250 added an octave of bass and moved the soundstage forward a foot or so, but with a greater sense of air. The 250 was more detailed and more musical, if that's possible to you. I like to test equiptment with the chorus of "Misguided Angel" off of "The Trinity Sessions" to how well the two voices are separated. The 250 did a great job resolving the male harmony voice and was much better than the Stratos. With all due respect to the previous reviewer, comparing a 1979 250 to modern amps is a little out there. Naim recommends recapping every 7-10 years, so who knows what a 24 year old 250 sounds like vs. tubes vs. a battery amp. The NAP500 comparison slayed me. |
[Feb 14, 2001]
Richard Francis
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Effortless power & clarity
Weakness:
compatibility with oher manufacturers products. Used with a Nac72 & Hi-Cap. This amp oozes power & musicality with ease. Sounds best when warm so leave it always powered up. This brings the "Naim warmth" & depth also increases. Treble is there, but doesn't scream at you. Midrange reproduces all the detail you want & bass pleasantly swamps my room, without the headache factor. I appear to be suggesting this is a laid back amp, in fact it is very fast which I guess gives it that musical sound we are all after. The more I listen to the amp the better it sounds. If only I could afford another two so I could go active! Similar Products Used: Naim NAP140 |
[Jan 27, 2002]
Steve
Audiophile
Strength:
Powerful/Good Drive; Musicality; Compact; Runs Cool.
Weakness:
Not too many Well, after years of hankering after a Naim NAP250 Power Amp, I finally got one and now understand what all the hype is about! |
[Nov 08, 2001]
Lino Deera
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
The sound of this Power amp is great
Weakness:
none This is the best power amp i've ever heard, I use it with a nac 72 (pre) HiCap...Shahinian Compass speakers. Similar Products Used: NAP 150 |
[Jun 10, 2001]
ScottV
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
dynamics
Weakness:
power Bought a NAC32, SNAPS, and NAP250 used. |