Naim or Octave with Dynaudio Confidence C1

Although the 202/200 are musical amps, they are not considered to be the most successful in the Naim line. If you find the C1's to sound good on them, chances are likely the C1's will sound better with the higher range models. The 282 is considered to be at the sweet spot in the Naim line providing good sound at a sensible cost(although higher up there is the 252 and the 552).

The Supernait lacks the refinement of the separates. I should add that all current Naim amps(except the 5i) can be upgraded by adding an external power supply to the preamp stage.

Best bet is to audition both Naim and Octave side-by-side.

Handsomeck, I have not tried the 282 in my system(202/200) although I've listened to the 282/250 in another system. If you browse through the Naim forum, the general consensus is music becomes more real and believable when going up the Naim ladder. You are correct that the next model up represents a significant increase in expense, usually two times or more the cost. That is one reason I will stay put with the 202/200 for the time being. If I ever want to upgrade(not at this point of time though), the 282 is where I would want to stop.

The 250 is an improvement to the 200 if the speakers require the additional current. However, from what I was told the 250 is voiced differently from the 200 apart from having a more robust power supply that's fully regulated. Some may prefer the lean sounding 200 over the 250 that has a warmer and fuller presentation.

Since Xti thought the Octave amps sound better, it is prudent that you compare both before making your decision. Naim amps do sound good but I feel the higher range amps are costly for what they are. There may be others which provide good sound(not necessarily the same sort of presentation) at a lower cost.

I just looked up the Octave V70se and noticed it is a tube integrated amp. I am quite sure the Octave will sound quite a bit different from the Naim amps being tube. Hence it is best if you are able to listen to both and find out for yourself which house sound do you prefer, the Octave or the Naims.

Good luck.