282/SN3/HiCapDR Connection Advice Required

Hello all, I’d appreciate some advice.

I’ve just bought a 282 to use as a preamp using my SN3 as a power amp.

I have a HiCapDR.

It’s all connected up, but I’m hearing no change in SQ
I’ve seen diagrams for connection to SN2, but not SN3, and emailed Naim, but I’m not sure I’m fully understanding their response

Here’s how I’m connected.

SN3 is connected to HiCap DR via SNAIC4 and:
Power Amp in on SN3
Socket 3 on HiCap DR

282 is connected to HiCap DR via SNAIC5 and:
Upgrade 1 on 282
Socket 4 on HiCap DR
And connected to NAPSSC power box

This works, but with no improvement in sound.

If someone could provide a step by step idiots guide I’d appreciate it!

Thanks in advance

When you say the 282 is connected with a Snaic4, I’m assuming you mean a Snaic5. Connect upgrade 1 to Hicap socket 4, with a Snaic5. Connect Hicap socket 3 to the SN3 with a Snaic4. Make sure you put the latter in power amp mode, following the instructions in the manual.

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These improvements are subtle, they just get blown out of proportion by the fan base, give it some time and you’ll hear what it’s all about.

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have a look at this

and pls remember SNAIC connection are DIRECTIONAL - you see small ring on the cable - it goes from source side - when you miss it you hear it :slight_smile:

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Yes, I meant SNAIC5, I’ve edited now.
I have it set up as you suggest, but I’m not hearing any difference!

Thanks, I’ll check the cables.
I didn’t know they were directional.

Remember that the SN3 is a very, very good integrated amplifier. Most people add the 282 as a stepping stone to the 250DR, and that’s possibly what you need to get. But…… whatever you do, try it first. If you don’t find a very significant improvement with a 250 in place, lose the 282 and stick with the SN3. I’d do the trial now, to inform what you do with the 282.

Remember, if you can’t hear a difference, it’s not a shortfall on your side, you simply can’t hear a difference. Which means you save money, which is always good. Sometimes we don’t realise how good what we own actually is.

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I have same set up (but SN1).

I found the SQ improvement noticeable.

One q please: If the SN is in poweramp mode, does it disable SN remote? I found it problematic and have sent my SN back to naim for service (was due one)

Thanks

It would, so that the remote controls whatever is now the preamp. It couldn’t be otherwise.

Well said HH. I’m constantly amazed at how good the SN3 is with proper setup and a high quality source. Yes for sure it can be bettered, but at a cost.

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Thanks HH

That’s good to know

I’ve found that if I take the SN3 out of the HiCapDR it is a significant improvement.

So the HCDR powers the 282
SN3 running on standard power supply.

282 connected direct to SN3 via SNAIC4!

The signal is supposed to go from hicap to supernait via snaic 4. This does not carry power.
Hicap socket 4 to 282.
Hicap socket 3 to supernait.

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Yes, absolutely, but I found I got better results connecting the 282 to SN3 directly.

I would not do that. The SN3 power amp in socket is supplying a single 24v rail via the SNAIC4 to the 282 along with the two 24v rails from the Hicap via the SNAIC5, possibly stressing a couple of the regulators. Connect the SNAIC4 to the SN3 via the Hicap to prevent this.

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As James points out, you are double powering the 282 with the hicap and the supernait if you connect the sn to the “standard” socket on the 282. You need to disconnect the snaic 4 between 282 and sn to avoid damaging the 282.
Alternatively power the 282 with the supernait only, and completely remove the hicap from the equation.

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Thanks both for the advice!
I’ve disconnected now and I’m running both through the HCDR.

I didn’t realise I could cause damage the way I had set it up.

I tried taking the HCDR completely out of the equation (so 282 connected directly to SN3 via SNAIC4 and SNAIC5) and I just got silence, with the mute button flashing on the 282

You need both link plugs back in on the 282 for this setup and just a SNAIC4 connected from 282 standard socket to SN3 Power amp in.

Thanks, I’m not sure I follow though?
Surely if I put the link cap back in it obscures the standard socket too?
I was also under the impression that the 282 needed the PSU input to function (SNAIC5 upgrade 1)?

Thanks in advance

No problem- Put the link plugs back in as below.

The SN3 will provide a single 24v power rail to the 282 standard socket via the SNAIC4.

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