Hi everyone, I’m currently using a B&W 704 S2, Nait 5si and Eversolo DMP-A6. I’m quite happy with the setup but was wondering if upgrading my amp would be good value for money and if this step would be noticable a s hearable. The SN3 is most likely out of my budget instead of playing with the idea of a new XS3 or a used SN2. Was anyone in a similar situation? I near future I am not going to change the source. Thanks in advance
I was kind of in your situation before. I went from the Nait 5si to the XS2 to SN3. If I could go back in time I’d tell myself to maximize my Source first then possibly a XS3 or SN2 but to also pay attention to my speaker placement.
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Second hand always bring his share of risk.
But this is the pool I’m swinging in since I’m into Naim gears. It did bring me to a level of SQ I couldn’t had reach otherwise and I never regretted it.
Make sure you always do your checks and don’t hesitate to let a deal go away if you are not 110% comfortable with it.
As for those units I never heard them myself, but each step I did climb with Naim, it did made an uplift with my music listening so I would guess SN2 would be my choice. You might need a recap on it though.
My source is also a DMP-A6. I went from 5si to SN2. It was a huge improvement and highly recommended. I have since upgraded to a SN3, and although I prefer it, the step up wasn’t vast. The DMP-A6 is an excellent streamer/dac. With the recent advancement in dac technology, diminishing returns kick in fast.
If you have or will have a turntable, you can love the MM entry on the XS3.
Or you can by an XS2, and with the extra money by the wonderfull nDAC to go with your Eversolo.
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IME I have no doubt you’d hear the benefits of a better amp, your loudspeakers need IMO an SN2 / SN3 but only you can decide whether it’s worth or not (you need to test the gear).
To improve your system I would consider the following options:
- XS3 if you want to buy a new product
- SN2 (used) if it’s in good condition
- 202/200 DR (used). There seem to be many in the second hand market, so prices could be interesting and this would give you more flexibility in the future if you want to upgrade your system. IME 202 / 200 (not DR) sound only slightly different to a SN2 / SN3. With the 200 DR and an external PSU for the pre (FlatCap and HiCap) things get very interesting.
I’d also consider optimizing what you already have choosing the right cables, a proper rack if you don’t have it, dedicated mains and room treatment.
In the end only you and your ears can decide and it depends on what your priorities are (one box solution, upgrading the system in the future, etc.).
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I went through a similar upgrade a few years ago.
I was running a NAIT 5si and B&WCM6s2 (predecessor line to your B&W 700 series).
They were a good match, but always felt that the speakers were ‘controlling’ the amplifier.
I then upgraded the amplifier to an XS3 (ex demo) and there was a significant improvement. Better attack in transients. In particular bass definition and brass instruments in classical recordings were more life-like.
In short the XS3 was driving and ‘controlling’ the speakers much more efficiently.
I’ve upgraded my streaming source since then to an ND5XS2 and been rewarded with that upgrade via the XS3. I’ve recently changed speakers to Graham Audio LS6/F and the XS3 drives those very well. I’m very happy with the current setup.
So I’m certain you’d find an improvement. Whether an XS3 or SN2/3 I would suggest on budget and which you prefer by listening.
I’ve never heard a SN3 (and resisting the temptation so far).
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Memories… This combo was my first step into Naim…
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First of all, thanks for all your comments and advice based on your experiences. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting so many responses, but the community here seems to be quite strong.
Long story short. I jumped into hifi (or fell down the rabbit hole) just a few months ago. I borrowed (paying full price) a Hegel H120 and a NAD M10v2, but ended up going for the Rotel S14. And it was awful.. I was in contact with the dealer and distributor and felt like a tester of the Rotel firmware and software. Because of its streaming “capabilities” and distorted sound and other bugs I discovered I returned it after few months with full refund. Then I decided to go with a separate solution and never go with “all in one” again . And as I wrote I’m quite happy with it, but I’m playing around with the idea I started this thread with. I bought my Nait 5si as a new one with full 24 months waranty
Buying a used SN2 amplifier can be (probably) risky and I’m not sure if I’ll find all (potential) problems with it when listening to the seller setup (at his home). A listening audition is also possible for me at my home, but not sure if I am able to discover problem (if there are any) during ~1hour. All I know is that the “second hand market” is currently the only place where I can get an SN2 for a good price (1750 EUR). I can either go with a used SN2 or a more expensive XS3 ex demo (2200 EUR). The question is whether SN2 is so much better than XS3 and worth the risk.
As for the rack, it’s a more difficult topic from an aesthetic point of view and (of course) conversations with my wife 
Unfortunately I’m limited by space (the space to place the amplifier is only 15 cm high), as you can see in the attached photo. Please ignore the rubber puzzle as its my small daugther playground
As for the phono, I don’t plan to go that route. Only streaming (Tidal).
As for the cables, I’m using Chord Epic X speaker cables and a Chord ClearwayX RCA cable between the Nait 5si and the Eversolo DMA-A6.
As for the speakers, they stand on the ground delivered with the speakers but without spikes or rubber feet. Do you think I should use rubber feet as I have wooden floor? Will it make any difference?
Thank you.
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When I passed from small P3ESR speakers to « medium » ProAc D2R the bass game in my room and floor changed. Nothing dramatic but something less fun was happening.
I went from spikes on dimes to Gaia (IsoAcoustic) and I was surprised by the positive impact.
Certainly not a big change like changing an amp but it definitely fixed my loose bass and floor vibrations and also the sound stage is better.
As mentioned earlier, I bought those second hand so if a was not pleased with the result I could sell it back without lost. But I think any good dealer could let go with 2 sets for home demo and take them back if you don’t like it.
Edit: The company recommend to put their other products (Oreo?) between the speakers and the stands, but the look of it was not good for me.
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Looks very good and I’m sure it will sound excellent too. I have had an XS3 and did like it a lot but not sure it would give you sufficient uplift on what you have. Only thing I would look at is using NACA5 speaker cable if your dealer has some see if you can test. Other than that enjoy your excellent system.
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I followed the recommendation by using the Orea’s between the stands and speakers(D2R’s as well). I’ve grown accustomed to the look. Highly recommend regardless.
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@hifi_joe_1986 Dear Joe, below is a quote from “HiFi Review” about your speakers:
“These are demanding speakers as far as amplification goes. Their claimed sensitivity is a perfectly reasonable 88dB/W/m, but take a close look at the tech specs, and you’ll see that the 8ohms nominal impedance dips to a 3.1ohm minimum.”
Going by the minimum impedance of your speakers, I suggest you would at least need to listen to an SN2/3 or think seriously about separates and consider a 200 or 250 DR amplifier.
Warm regards,
Mitch in Oz.
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Instead of a rack, you might want to consider dedicated supports such as the QPlus Supports or the Nordost Sort Kone. These devices won’t have an aesthetic impact and you seem to have the room to accomodate them quite easily.
If you are going to keep your Stereo Boxes on a shelf you may want to consider “Component Isolation products”. One company that I have used is Herbie’s Audio Lab which is located in Texas, US but they do ship internationally.
I have used their “Tenderfoot” Component Isolation product when placing a piece of hi-fi gear on a table or cabinet.
I currently use their Giant Titanium Cone/Spike Decoupling Gliders under my speakers and rack.
They do have a review section on their website.
If you do a search here using ‘Herbie’s Audio’ on the forum you will find some threads discussing their products.
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nice to hear that there are users with Eversolo/Naim combo as price/performance of Eversolo is outstanding and it good companion for Naim amplification. Having previously Rega Elex mk4/Eversolo A6 I first went to SN3/EversoloA6 (and that was a really big step) and then SN3/EversoloA8 (also step but not so significant as first one) then went to SN3/HCDR keeping A8 and also this step was a great one. So very simple advice would be to focus on naim aplification (if possible used SN3 and then adding HCDR) and keep Eversolo.
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If you’re in the U.K. I suggest going to your local naim dealer and trying out some of your options also quite a few dealers take part exchange on old kit so have second hand Naim boxes to demo. Second hand from a dealer is checked by them and normally comes with some sort of warranty for peace of mind. Also if you found an amazing deal on a second hand site there is the option of sending your boxes back to naim for a service which whilst costing extra can still be cheaper than buying new.
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I am also interested in your experience. I have Eversolo A6ME\ Naim SN3.
Hi, so adding HiCap DR to SN3 would be the best as first step, then of course you may try A6->A8 but first HiCap DR that would give very positive result. Moreover adding HCDR will open the path to NAC282/NAP250 combo so from investment is secure 
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What kind of RCA cable do you have between A6 and SN3?