The NAP 250 is a stereo power amplifier by Naim that delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms at 0.1% THD+N and 190 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms at 1% THD+N, with a 300 watt burst into 2 ohms. It was released in 2023. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 2 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Naim NAP 250 has an MSRP of $8,999.
There are 3 Naim amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Naim Power Amplifier Series
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Naim NAP 250 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Naim provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.013% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 100 watts into 8-ohms (1.4 Hz-100 kHz) at 0.013%
- 190 watts into 4-ohms
- 111dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 100 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Naim NAP 250?
100 W into 8 ohms, 190 W into 4, rated down to 2 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Naim NAP 250 is rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 91 to 120 watts band. The next band up is 121 to 180 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 61 to 90 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the Naim NAP 250 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Naim NAP 250 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Naim NAP 250 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Naim NAP 250, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Naim NAP 250 has total of 1 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 1
Outputs
Bluetooth Connectivity
Naim NAP 250 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Naim NAP 250. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the
iFi Zen Blue V2 and the
Audioengine B1.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
Naim NAP 250 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Naim NAP 250 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Balanced connections
Naim NAP 250 has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
Naim NAP 250 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Power nearly doubles into a harder load, 100 watts into 8 ohms rising to 190 into 4, which points to a power supply with real current in reserve.
- ✓Rated down to 2 ohms, so even a speaker with a punishing impedance dip is within its brief.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 111dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
- ✗Damping factor of 36 is low, which can loosen bass control with speakers that have a strong impedance peak.
- ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.
Naim NAP 250 External Dimensions and Weight
Naim NAP 250 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 3-5/8 x 17 x 12-1/2 inch (92.1 x 431.8 x 317.5 mm ). The unit weighs
16.8 kg (37 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Naim NAP 250 is approximately 1371.0cm2 / 212.5inch2.
- Width: 431.8mm (17")
- Height: 92.1mm (3-5/8")
- Depth: 317.5mm (12-1/2")
- Weight: 16.8 kg (37 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1371.0cm2 / 212.5inch2
- Volume: ~12.6 liter / 3.3 gallon
Available colors
Naim NAP 250 is available in Black color options.
| General |
| Brand |
Naim |
| Full Model Name |
Naim NAP 250 |
| Release Date |
2023 |
| Amplifier Type |
Power Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class A/B |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
100 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
190 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
1.4 Hz-100 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
36 |
| THD |
0.013% |
| Minimum Impedance |
2 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
111 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
1 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Headphone Output |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
92.1mm (3-5/8") |
| Width |
431.8mm (17") |
| Depth |
317.5mm (12-1/2") |
| Weight |
16.8 kg (37 lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
How much power does the Naim NAP 250 have?
The Naim NAP 250 delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms at 0.1% THD+N and 190 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms at 1% THD+N, with a 300 watt burst into 2 ohms. Its output almost doubles into 4 ohms, which points to a strong power supply that can hold its composure with demanding, low-impedance speakers.
Does the Naim NAP 250 use vacuum tubes?
No. The Naim NAP 250 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the Naim NAP 250?
The Naim NAP 250 uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Does the Naim NAP 250 have a built-in DAC?
No. The Naim NAP 250 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the Naim NAP 250?
No. The Naim NAP 250 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the Naim NAP 250 have Bluetooth?
No. The Naim NAP 250 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the Naim NAP 250 have a headphone output?
No. The Naim NAP 250 does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the Naim NAP 250 cost?
The Naim NAP 250 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $8,999.
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