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Naim Nap 500 DR
The NAP 500 DR is a remarkable showcase of Naim Audio amplifier technology, which was perfected over a period of six years. Our highly skilled technicians in Salisbury spent days on the dedicated assembly, while specialist part suppliers collaborated to make this product possible. The NAP 500 features the NA009 transistors and Naim Audio DR technology. These, along with other minor enhancements, allow the NAP 500 to provide an even greater musical pace, rhythm, and timing.
Features
• 140W per channel output into 8 ohms; capable of prolonged output into 2 ohms with no discernible impact on performance.
• Bridged power amplifier configuration for maximised open and closed-loop speed, with ten stages of local regulation per channel.
• Two-box configuration with 500 PS power supply for optimum rejection of electromagnetic interference.
• 1,100VA toroidal transformer provides 12 raw DC supplies for the power amplifier.
• 25kg brushed, black-anodised chassis with distinctive heatsink plus variable speed intelligent fan system for discreet extra cooling if required.
Craft and Technology
The NAP 500 delivers 140W per channel and can output to 2 ohms without any performance impact. It has a two-box configuration with a separate 500 PS power supply for ultimate performance. Each channel includes ten stages of local regulation, and the 500 PS provides twelve raw D.C. supplies for the power amplifier.
The bridged configuration in the NAP 500 amplifier allows for high speed, less intrusive protection circuitry and reduced interaction between input and output signals. It also features the new output transistor, NA009, designed for maximizing bandwidth and reducing distortion. The circuit topology minimizes power supply dependency and thermally-induced noise.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
93/100
Value for Money
87/100
The NAP 500 DR brings explosive dynamics, iron-fisted speaker control and a vividly open, neutral balance to demanding music. HiFi News found its complex-detail resolution and peak-level composure exceptional, while its articulate, fast bass and sparkling treble make large Naim systems feel thrillingly alive. It is a formidable flagship for listeners who prize scale, pace and musical involvement.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers lively, sparkling dynamics with no apparent compression at peak levels and retains complex detail under heavy demands.
Provides exceptional speed, articulation and speaker grip, particularly with Naim NBL and DBL loudspeakers.
Offers an open, neutral midrange, pure sparkling treble and articulate, well-extended bass.
Features beautifully machined alloy casework and excellent internal build quality.
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Cons
Soundstage width, depth and image focus lag behind the very best high-end rivals.
Its performance is strongest in a complementary Naim system; outside it, the reviewer found its overall balance less competitive.
Considered excessive for smaller loudspeakers, and its premium cost limits its appeal to committed enthusiasts.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
HiFi News found the NAP 500 exceptionally involving, combining open, neutral presentation with major dynamic drama and secure control at high levels. Its stereo image remains notably stable under pressure, although the reviewer felt some rival amplifiers offered greater depth, bass weight and more cerebral spatial fidelity.
Transparency Resolution
92/100
The review highlights improved neutrality, a more open treble and an ability to hold tightly onto complex detail regardless of output level. This points to a clear, composed presentation that does not blur when the music becomes demanding.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
HiFi News heard improved neutrality alongside deeper bass and a more open top end than earlier Naim amplification. The overriding impression was one of excitement and drama, making the amplifier especially engaging rather than detached.
Dynamics
96/100
Dynamics were described as lively, sparkling and capable of producing edge-of-the-seat excitement. Crucially, the amplifier did not compress at peaks and retained its grip on complex material irrespective of power demand.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
Its stereo soundstage was described as solid and immovable even when the musical going became difficult, supporting strong listener involvement. However, the reviewer considered it short of the highest standards in some more cerebral aspects of fidelity, and found the costlier Krell FB600 superior in this area.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
The enclosure uses beautifully machined, anodised alloy panels finished to a high standard, while internal build quality was explicitly called excellent. Although the amplifier warms up in use, the review found it still really cool after extended running, suggesting effective thermal management.
Value for Money
87/100
At roughly $26,999 to $34,999, this is plainly a costly amplifier, and the review positions it chiefly as a compelling upgrade for committed Naim-system owners. HiFi News nevertheless judged it to establish the state of the art for Naim systems; a higher-priced Krell was noted to better it in some spatial and bass-related respects.
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Authorized dealers for Naim Nap 500 DR
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Adventures in HiFi — in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 272 more verified dealers