I was wondering what was better 6 mono power amps or 3 stereo - what are the pros and cons? I was considering a sonus faber stradivarius but the naim sales chap says nothing beats a DBL ACTIVE - any thoughts?? pros and cons??

Wow, this is an age-old discussion. You're bound to find literally hundreds of discussions on this when you search the archives of this forum.

In a nutshell, the "old" way of thinking was that active was always superior. With the new range, many people (but not all) feel that a single passive amp is better than the equivalently priced active setup.

As always, the question is "what do your ears tell you?"

Graham

Two considerations here. Firstly are you talking about 250 v 135 or 250 v 300/500. Naim now make dual monos in one handy box (plus separate PSU)

The second is one of mains. This is very contentious but the theory is that if you have a separate spur for each box then monos will have more control, but if you have only a single spur or ring main you might be better off with stereo amps.

In some respects the second point is only a minor consideration especially if you are thinking of buying the new range of Naim power amps.

For the record I still prefer what active does over passive regardless of what's used but I admit to being in the minority. I also choose olive 250s active over passive 300 when I upgraded and have no complaints whatsoever

Tom

Actively enjoying it all

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I still prefer what active does over passive regardless of what's used but I admit to being in the minority. I also choose olive 250s active over passive 300

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I agree.

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As always, the question is "what do your ears tell you?"

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When I was debating where to go I took the opportunity to listen to an active system comprising a 52/six pack/isobariks, and I liked what I heard.

It was then space (with an element of cost) that led me to a similar active system using 3 250s rather than a six pack. I am happy with my choice and I know that Traveling Dan is happy with his six pack.

I would imagine if you asked, there would be members local to you who would be willing to let you listen to their systems, then you can form your own choices.

Enjoy the journey.

Brad

Hearing is believing

Don't be surprised if you prefer the sound of one NAP500 to 3xNAP250, 6xNAP135 or 6xNAP145.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
The Hi-Fi Doctor

many thanks for your comments - I appreciate your time and thoughts

regards,

Erik

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Originally posted by Tom Alves:
The second is one of mains. This is very contentious but the theory is that if you have a separate spur for each box then monos will have more control, but if you have only a single spur or ring main you might be better off with stereo amps.

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contentious ??? . Not 'arf!!!

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naim sales chap says nothing beats a DBL ACTIVE

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well, you`d expect him to say that wouldn`t you?


IMO mono amps (it is the dedicated power supply that really matters) are best

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Naim now make dual monos in one handy box (plus separate PSU)

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Tom...which Naim amps are "dual mono"????
Laurie S

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Tom...which Naim amps are "dual mono"????

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I agree, the 300 and 500 are clearly NOT dual mono as they share the same power supply. The only Mono amp Naim makes is the 135 (145).

and the 300 & 500 are better than 135's, so that's the single mains supply theory out the window then..

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and the 300 & 500 are better than 135's, so that's the single mains supply theory out the window then..

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Again ...this term "better" being bandied around......as if it were an objective appraisal............I know from research that a more demanding amplifier system can sound WORSE on an inadequate power supply, so it is possible for a 300 to outperform a pair of 135s if you degrade the mains supply sufficiently

Laurie S

if a single 300 sounds beter than a pair of 135s, then how can more 135s sound better than a single 300 ??

I know only one thing here.... I seriously wish I had the problem of deciding whether to have 6 x 135's or 3 x 500's.... & my mains are sorted, so no problem there..

I suspect you are really asking how active 135s compare with the new-style 250.2 and better?

With the "classic" amps, the official recommendation was always that a single better amp would beat multiple lesser amps, until you got to the level of the NAP250. Apparently it was the regulated power supply in the 250 that made it worthwhile. With SBLs, opinion is divided whether 135's passive or 250's active is better.

Within the new range, the 250.2, 145, 300 & 500 all use regulated PS's.

The current recommendation is that overall the NAP500 beats active 135s, but that the latter has particular areas where it still rules the roost.

I've only ever heard Sonus Faber speakers in very round-earth systems at shows, so cannot comment on them, but active DBLs have a definite magic if they're working well. I have no thoughts re changing to a NAP500 at present.

FWIW, Naim reckon a pair of NAP135's still beats a 250.2 or NAP145s.

cheers, Martin

E-mail:- MartinPayne (at) Dial.Pipex.com. Put "Naim" in the title.