Naim has long embraced two upgrade paths: the usual substitution route—replace an inferior component with a newer or better one—and progressive power-unit augmentation for components already installed. Setting aside for now the former route: Among many other changes, these…
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For this modular audio component set—a review of the matching NSC 222 streamer preamp with a matching NPX 300 power supply is forthcoming—we first cover the standalone NAP 250 100Wpc stereo power amplifier, a new version of Naim's 200-series amplifier, now so extensively revised that it must be regarded as a new model.
Sound quality
For this assessment, the 200-system electronics perched on a four-tier, vibration-controlling Naim FRAIM rack. Standard NAC A5 speaker cables were used, among others (see the Associated Equipment sidebar), along with Naim Powerline Lite power cables, standard Naim interconnect cables, and on occasion, the Super Lumina alternatives. Power was supplied via dedicated low-noise, audio-specific spurs from an incoming mains connection for audio, hardwired to an exclusive breaker box.
For this assessment, the 200-system electronics perched on a four-tier, vibration-controlling Naim FRAIM rack. Standard NAC A5 speaker cables were used, among others (see the Associated Equipment sidebar), along with Naim Powerline Lite power cables, standard Naim interconnect cables, and on occasion, the Super Lumina alternatives. Power was supplied via dedicated low-noise, audio-specific spurs from an incoming mains connection for audio, hardwired to an exclusive breaker box.
The music source was the reference-level, "fully loaded" Naim ND 555 streamer powered by dual…
Sidebar 1: The Odd One Out? (Cables and Connections)
Ever since the company began trading in the early 1970s, Naim has embraced certain core engineering values. For good or ill, these have significantly differentiated their product line from the mainstream. Importantly, some of their connector choices have deviated from established hi-fi–industry practice.
Such ostensibly awkward decisions were not made on whims or merely to be exclusive. Take Naim's well-researched, early choice of the DIN specification, often combined with proprietary connection topologies and cable assemblies,…
Sidebar 2: Specifications
Description: Balanced, two-channel power amplifier with soft startup. Analog inputs: Stereo pair XLR balanced; "legacy" single-ended adapter lead supplied. Loudspeaker outputs: 4mm sockets spaced for Naim Connector. Input impedance: 47k ohms balanced, 34k ohms single-ended. Gain: 29dB. Damping factor into 8 ohms: 36. Power output (nominal): 100W into 8 ohms (20dBW), 190W into 4 ohms (19.3dBW). Burst power: 300W into 2 ohms (18.8dBW) at 1kHz for 20ms. Frequency response: 1.4Hz–100kHz (+0, –3dB). Sensitivity: 1V (Gain: 29dB) for full output. THD+N: 0.013% at 1kHz…
Sidebar 3: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: Linn LP12 turntable with Keel chassis, Karousel main bearing, Radikal motor control, and Naim ARO tonearm. Naim SuperLine-SuperCap DR phono preamplifier. Lyra Delos and Hana MH cartridges.
Digital sources: Naim UnitiCore network, Roon Nucleus+ servers; Naim ND555 Streamer-DAC with 555 DR power supplies.
Preamplification: Townshend Allegri Reference control unit, Naim NSC 222.
Power amplifiers: Naim NAP 250 DR power amplifier, D'Agostino Progression 350 stereo power amplifier.
Loudspeakers: Magico A5, FinkTeam KIM, BBC LS3/5a…
Sidebar 4: Measurements
I measured a different sample of the Naim NAP 250, serial number 518784, than that auditioned by Martin Colloms. I performed the measurements with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system after preconditioning the amplifier by following the CEA's recommendation of running it at one-eighth the specified power into 8 ohms for 30 minutes. At the end of that time, the cooling fan on the rear panel had turned on but the sidemounted heatsinks were very hot, at 127.1°F (52.9°C), and the top panel was only slightly cooler, at 116.4°F (46.9°C).
The Naim NAP 250 preserved…
How do you know you're beyond help as a card-carrying audiophile? For me, it happened during a recent trip to Italy. Several times a day, my thoughts drifted to the Focal Maestro Utopia Evo speakers that had been delivered two days before I left for Europe. At one point, I considered FaceTiming the housesitter to request a live view of the listening room, where the Maestros were playing music, breaking in.
Chrissakes! Couldn't I just enjoy la dolce vita? Savor the belly-busting meals in Treviso and Civitavecchia, surrender to Tuscany's soul-soothing landscapes, thrill to Rome's old-world…
Maestro, musique!
Through the Maestro Evos, the bass on Metropolis's "Planners and Thinkers" (16/44.1 FLAC, Soundtrack Classics/Tidal) slammed so deep and turned so seismic, it was almost scary. My room is built on a concrete slab with rubber subflooring, but damned if my chair didn't shake. I'd accidentally clicked the "loop track" button in Roon and was powerless against the repeats. The sound was so satisfying that I let the recording play four, five times in a row.
I also got bruising bass on "Prism" by British trip-hop outfit Submotion Orchestra (16/44.1 FLAC, SMO/Qobuz…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Three-way bass-reflex loudspeaker with two 11" woofers, one 6.5" Power Flower midrange driver with NIC motor, and one inverted-beryllium-dome tweeter. Frequency response: 25–40kHz, ±3dB; 21Hz, –3dB. Crossover frequencies: 280Hz and 2.2kHz. Sensitivity: 93dB/2.83V/m. Impedance: 8 ohms nominal, 3.1 ohms minimum. Recommended power: 50–600W.
Dimensions: 58" (1473mm) × 18" (457mm) × 30" (762mm). Weight: 256lb (116kg).
Finishes: Carrara white, black lacquer, ash gray, British racing green, metallic blue. Cream and light walnut, brown and dark…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: 15" MacBook Air M2 running Roon 2.0. Lenovo ThinkCentre laptop running Roon ROCK. Auralic Vega. Naim Uniti Atom controlled with iPad Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. HiFi Rose RS520.
Preamplifiers: Benchmark HPA4, Margules SF-220.
Power amplifiers: Krell FPB 200c (recapped). Margules U280 SC 30th Anniversary monoblocks, Balanced Audio Technology REX 500.
Integrated amplifiers: Anthem STR, HiFi Rose RS520.
Loudspeakers: Tekton Moab. Focal Scala Utopia Evo.
Cables: Full loom of Clarus Crimson. AudioQuest and Kimber Kable for…