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At £8,837, this is not a cheap punt—it’s priced like a serious piece of reference amplification, and the obvious alternative at this level is usually a new mid-to-upper-tier integrated or a much smaller separate amp. Against the used market, though, that figure looks credible rather than wild: a current NAP 500 DR is new at about £26,999, and second-hand examples are often seen around £11,000 on enthusiast forums, so £8,837 sits attractively below that kind of going rate.
The appeal is straightforward: the NAP 500 has long been Naim’s flagship stereo power amp, valued for grip, scale, pace and control, especially with demanding speakers. For a buyer, the upside is getting into true reference-level Naim performance without paying new-money territory. I’d still want to confirm whether it’s the original or DR version, service history, and that the power supply, cables and packaging are all present, but on price alone this reads as a strong buy opportunity if the condition is honest.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Naim Audio, a cornerstone of British hi-fi excellence, traces its origins to 1973 when Julian Vereker, a self-taught engineer, racing driver, and music enthusiast, formally incorporated the company in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Vereker's journey began earlier, in 1969, experimenting with tape recording and sound-to-light boxes before designing his first power amplifier in 1971. Amid the British hi-fi industry's recession, he secured a pivotal contract with Capital Radio, blending entrepreneurial grit with a passion for authentic sound reproduction that challenged conventional wisdom.
The brand specializes in premium integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, digital streamers, DACs, and compact music systems, often featuring built-in amplification for streamlined setups. While not delving into speakers—beyond a historical foray—or headphones and turntables, Naim emphasizes modular, upgradable components that prioritize pace, rhythm, and timing (PRaT), a signature sonic philosophy rooted in the "source first" approach alongside contemporaries like Linn.
Naim holds a commanding position in the high-end market, revered by discerning audiophiles for its handmade, innovative systems that deliver emotional musical engagement over mere specifications. Now part of VerVent Audio Group following a 2011 merger with Focal, it exports to over 45 countries, sustaining a cult following for resilient, influential designs that transcend economic cycles.
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