Audio T Verdict
The current Naim NAP 250 is the sixth-generation New Classic stereo power amplifier, introduced in 2023. It provides a fully regulated Class A/B output rated at 100W per channel into 8O and 190W per channel into 4O, with true balanced XLR inputs for modern Naim preamplifiers.
It is an amplifier rather than a complete music system. A source, volume-controlled preamplifier, passive loudspeakers and suitable speaker cables are required. Two balanced XLR interconnects, an optical system-automation cable, a Power-Line Lite mains lead and Naim speaker connectors are supplied.
This model should not be confused with the previous NAP 250 DR. It uses different input connections, provides more rated power, supports automated standby and does not require the 3.5m minimum speaker-cable length associated with some earlier Naim amplifiers.
Naim NAP 250 Power Amplifier
The NAP 250 is the stereo power amplifier in Naim's New Classic 200 Series. Its job is to take a volume-controlled analogue signal from a suitable preamplifier and provide the current and voltage needed to drive a pair of passive loudspeakers.
The sixth-generation design combines a large linear audio power supply, Discrete Regulator technology, balanced input stages, Statement-derived NA009 transistors, fan-assisted thermal management and low-consumption automatic standby in a full-width aluminium enclosure.
Designed For
- Naim New Classic preamplifiers with balanced XLR outputs
- The Naim NSC 222 streaming preamplifier
- The Naim NAC 332 analogue preamplifier
- Compatible legacy Naim preamplifiers using the correct adaptor cables
- Passive loudspeakers suited to a 100W-per-channel amplifier
- Systems requiring true balanced input connections
- Single NAP 250 stereo installations or planned multi-amplifier systems
Important Limitations
- A separate preamplifier with volume control is required
- No streamer, DAC, phono stage or headphone output is built in
- No preamplifier power-supply output is provided
- The NPX 300 and 555 PS DR do not power the NAP 250
- DIN and RCA preamplifiers require the correct adaptor cables
- Legacy adaptor cables are not part of the standard supplied accessories
- The 16.8kg chassis needs stable support and unrestricted ventilation
Current Sixth-Generation Model
Naim first introduced a NAP 250 in 1975, but the name has been used for several materially different generations. This page is for the current 200 Series version with two rear-panel balanced XLR inputs, optical system automation, selectable standby behaviour and the New Classic case design.
Earlier NAP 250 and NAP 250 DR models use different signal connections, power ratings, speaker-cable guidance and operating arrangements. Their manuals and cables must not be substituted for those of this sixth-generation amplifier.
Not the Previous NAP 250 DR
The current NAP 250 is not a cosmetic revision of the discontinued NAP 250 DR. It is a new 100W-per-channel platform with balanced XLR inputs, system automation, automatic standby, music sensing and revised speaker-cable requirements. Check the rear-panel connections whenever identifying an existing amplifier.
100W per Channel into 8O
Naim rates the NAP 250 at 100W per channel into an 8O load at 0.1 percent THD+N. Into 4O, the published continuous figure rises to 190W per channel at 1 percent THD+N.
The published short-term capability is 300W into 2O under the stated burst test, with a peak-current figure of plus or minus 28A into 1O for 1ms. These figures describe controlled test conditions rather than a continuous recommendation to use unusually low-impedance loudspeakers.
Fully Regulated Class A/B Design
The NAP 250 uses a fully regulated Class A/B power-amplifier architecture. Naim Discrete Regulator supplies serve the amplifier circuitry, including the balanced input stage, to provide stable low-noise power as musical demand changes.
Eight Naim NA009 power transistors derived from the Statement development programme are used: four within the regulated power supplies and four in the output stages. Ceramic mounting insulators are employed to reduce capacitive coupling.
True Balanced XLR Inputs
Two XLR sockets provide one true balanced input for each channel. The balanced input impedance is 47kO, and two matching XLR-to-XLR interconnects are included for connection to a compatible preamplifier such as the NSC 222 or NAC 332.
Left and right connections must remain channel-matched from the preamplifier to the NAP 250. Naim's supplied XLR plugs are inserted with the Naim logo facing upwards.
Two XLR Sockets Do Not Mean Two Selectable Inputs
The sockets form the left and right channels of one stereo balanced input. They are not two source inputs and there is no front-panel input selector. All source selection and volume control take place in the connected preamplifier.
Legacy DIN and RCA Preamplifiers
The NAP 250 can work with compatible earlier Naim preamplifiers and suitable third-party preamplifiers through model-specific adaptor cables. Naim publishes a 34kO input impedance for a single-ended connection made through a legacy adaptor lead.
The standard box contains balanced XLR-to-XLR leads, not every possible DIN-to-XLR or RCA-to-XLR adaptor. The correct cable depends on the preamplifier output, channel arrangement, signal ground and pin assignment, so it should be confirmed before purchase.
No Preamplifier Power Output
The current NAP 250 does not provide a DC supply for a Naim preamplifier. This differs from certain earlier Naim power-amplifier arrangements where power and audio shared a DIN or SNAIC connection.
The NSC 222 and NAC 332 have their own power arrangements and feed the NAP 250 with audio through separate XLR cables. An NPX 300 can upgrade compatible source or preamplifier products, but it does not connect to or power the NAP 250 itself.
Speaker Cable Requirements
Naim recommends NAC A5 or Super Lumina speaker cable, installed in the correct direction and with equal left and right lengths. Unlike some earlier Naim power amplifiers, the current NAP 250 has no mandated minimum cable length.
The user manual nevertheless advises avoiding runs shorter than 2m and gives a recommended maximum of 20m per channel. Both channels should be equal in length, correctly phased and fitted with suitable amplifier and loudspeaker connectors.
No 3.5m Minimum for This NAP 250
The longstanding 3.5m minimum quoted for some Classic Naim amplifiers does not apply to this sixth-generation model. Naim advises equal runs, avoiding sub-2m lengths and keeping within a recommended 20m maximum. The exact installation should still follow the current NAP 250 manual.
Custom Naim Speaker Connectors
Two custom Naim loudspeaker connectors are supplied pre-installed in the amplifier's speaker sockets. Naim describes these as providing the intended impedance-matched electrical connection and maintaining applicable safety compliance.
Speaker cables themselves are not included. Termination at the loudspeaker end depends on the speaker's binding posts, while the amplifier end should use the supplied Naim connectors prepared by a competent installer.
Optical System Automation
The supplied 3.5mm optical system-automation cable links Remote Out on a compatible Naim preamplifier to Remote In on the NAP 250. This synchronises standby operation and logo brightness without creating an electrical ground path between the control connections.
A Remote Out socket on the NAP 250 allows the control signal to be passed to another compatible power amplifier. A longer 3.5mm optical cable can be used where the equipment layout requires it.
Automatic Standby and Music Sensing
In the default Auto Standby mode, the NAP 250 enters its low-power state after 19 minutes without an input signal. Standby consumption is below 0.5W, and music sensing can wake the amplifier when a signal is detected.
The rear-panel Instant On setting keeps the sensitive audio circuitry powered and disables automatic standby. Music sensing is also disabled when system automation is controlling the amplifier or when standby has been selected manually.
Linear Audio Supply and Standby Supply
Two internal power-supply systems serve different purposes. A large toroidal transformer and linear supply power the audio circuitry, while a separate efficient switch-mode supply enables consumption below 0.5W in standby.
A soft-start sequence manages the initial demand of the large transformer and reduces the chance of tripping a household circuit breaker at switch-on. The supplied mains lead is a Power-Line Lite rather than Naim's full Power-Line upgrade cable.
Thermal Management and Ventilation
The amplifier uses a responsive heat-sink design and an intelligent eight-step fan system. Fan assistance is intended to operate when sustained high output raises the internal temperature.
Do not cover the heat outlet or install the amplifier inside an unventilated closed cabinet. The NAP 250 should not be stacked directly on another product, and space should be left around adjacent components.
Equipment Support and Placement
At 16.8kg, the NAP 250 requires a stable support rated for its weight. Naim recommends a dedicated hi-fi rack, with a compatible preamplifier positioned on a separate level above the power amplifier where practical.
Keep the NAP 250 and large power supplies a reasonable distance from sensitive source components to reduce the possibility of magnetic interference or audible hum. The supplied interconnect length also limits the maximum separation from the preamplifier unless approved longer cables are used.
Logo Brightness and Reset
The illuminated Naim logo has three brightness levels. With system automation connected, brightness can follow a compatible Naim preamplifier; otherwise it can be adjusted using the rear-panel brightness button.
Holding that button for three seconds performs a full reset, so normal brightness changes should use brief presses. The rear micro-USB connection is reserved for service updates and is not an audio input or device-charging socket.
Switching Sequence
Complete all signal and loudspeaker connections with every component disconnected from mains power. When powering the system, switch on source components, external supplies and the preamplifier before the NAP 250, with the volume turned down.
When changing cables, place the NAP 250 in standby and disconnect it from mains power. Never connect or remove speaker or XLR cables while the amplifier is operating.
Supplied Accessories
The box contains the NAP 250, documentation, cleaning cloth, Power-Line Lite mains lead, two XLR-to-XLR balanced audio interconnects, one optical system-automation cable and two Naim speaker connectors pre-installed in the amplifier.
A preamplifier, source components, loudspeakers, speaker cables, legacy input adaptors, equipment support and full Power-Line mains cable are not included unless separately stated by Audio T.
Key Features
- Current sixth-generation New Classic NAP 250
- Fully regulated Class A/B stereo power amplifier
- 100W per channel into 8O at 0.1 percent THD+N
- 190W per channel into 4O at 1 percent THD+N
- True balanced XLR inputs
- Naim Discrete Regulator power supplies
- Eight Statement-derived NA009 power transistors
- Responsive heat sink and eight-step intelligent fan control
- Optical system automation for standby and logo brightness
- Automatic standby with music-sensing wake
- Three-level illuminated-logo brightness
- Power-Line Lite, two XLR cables and automation cable supplied
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the current NAP 250 or the older NAP 250 DR?
It is the current sixth-generation New Classic model introduced in 2023. Its balanced XLR inputs, system-automation sockets and New Classic casework distinguish it from the discontinued NAP 250 DR.
Does the NAP 250 include volume control?
No. It is a power amplifier and must receive a volume-controlled signal from a compatible preamplifier such as the NSC 222 or NAC 332.
Are XLR cables included?
Yes. Two XLR-to-XLR balanced interconnects are supplied, one for each channel. DIN-to-XLR and RCA-to-XLR legacy adaptor cables are separate.
Are the two XLR sockets separate inputs?
They are the left and right channels of one stereo balanced input. The NAP 250 has no source selector.
Can it work with an older Naim preamplifier?
Yes, where a suitable model-specific legacy adaptor cable is available. The correct DIN or RCA output, pin arrangement and cable must be confirmed before connection.
Can the NPX 300 upgrade the NAP 250?
No. The NAP 250 contains its own internal power supplies and has no external power-supply input. The NPX 300 upgrades compatible source and preamplifier components instead.
Does it power a Naim preamplifier?
No. The current NAP 250 has no preamplifier DC power output. The connected preamplifier requires its own mains or approved external power arrangement.
Does it require 3.5m speaker cables?
No. This model has no mandatory minimum. Naim recommends equal left and right lengths, advises avoiding runs below 2m and gives a recommended maximum of 20m per channel.
Are speaker cables supplied?
No. Two custom Naim speaker connectors are included, but the required equal-length NAC A5, Super Lumina or other approved speaker cables are separate.
What does the optical automation cable control?
With a compatible Naim preamplifier, it synchronises standby operation and logo brightness. It carries control data rather than audio.
Why might the cooling fan start?
The intelligent fan assists the heat sink when sustained high output raises the amplifier temperature. The ventilation outlet must remain unobstructed.
Can the micro-USB socket play music?
No. It is reserved for service updates and is not a USB audio input or charging connection.
Why Buy From Audio T?
The current NAP 250 can connect directly to New Classic balanced preamplifiers or integrate with selected legacy equipment through specialised adaptor cables. Audio T can confirm the complete signal path, channel assignment, speaker compatibility and cable requirements before installation.
Your local store can also demonstrate the NAP 250 with suitable loudspeakers, prepare equal-length NACA5 cables, install the supplied Naim connectors, configure system automation and plan correctly ventilated Fraim support.
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