Being something of a hi-fi dinosaur, I’ve been really happy with the classic 72/HC/140 combo for almost 30 years but I’ve got the chance of purchasing a Supernait 2 for an excellent price & the usual upgraditis has kicked in. I appreciate most of you will give me the “if you’re happy with what you’ve got, why change?” line but I would be very grateful for any constructive guidance from anyone who might have made the change from 3 boxes to 1 (can I use the HC with the Supernait?) Unfortunately can’t do a demo. Using a CD3 through a pair of Spendor S3/5r2’s. I’ve searched the forum for similar topics with no joy.
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You will have forgive my very poor descriptive ability where sound quality is concerned. I made this exact switch. I had (still have) the 72/HiCap/140 combination in my main system driving Epos ES11s at the time. I tried an SN2 at home and preferred it. Better clarity, more separation. More HIFi? Anyway I made the purchase and I am still happy. I moved the olives to a second system as I couldn’t part with them. Short version, for me, the SN2 is ‘better’ than the 72/HiCap/140.
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You need to make sure both set ups jave had a recent service. A 72 and HC could be pushing 35 years old.
I pressed my 72 into service whilst the 282 was being service. Ok, so it was powered by a SCDR, and the NDX2 has a 555DR. It sounded very good for a serviced 1991 device. The main thing i missed was the 282s remote !
For clarity, my 72/HiCap/140 had all been serviced prior to the comparison with the SN2.
Thanks for the replies…much appreciated. Yes TGR, all 72/HC/140 units have been serviced by a brilliant local guy. MattnSolly…thanks for the comparison…just what I was looking for. Like you, I doubt I would actually sell the olives. I’m going on 75 & a good, much younger, hi-fi friend would love them!!!
I expect a preference to a SN2 is more watts power tickling those Spendor speakers.
For a proper comparison with a 72 & hicap a NAP 250 is really needed 
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A serviced 250 is cheaper than the SN2
But that is just my personal choice,
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Okay, so a few thoughts, based on personal experiences …
We have 72-HC-140 all serviced in 2021.
Also, enjoyed a second system, based on SN3 + HCDR.
So, having experimented with lots of different permutations, would suggest best upgrade from your current position might be NAP250 Olive.
If you do decide to try the SN2, maybe try 72 + HC + SN2 as power amplifier only, also good option.
Good luck.
R
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Some things to consider.
- The sound quality will be different, but not massively. Many users are very happy with an Integrated Amp and love the sound.
- How old is the SN2 and / or, when was it last serviced.
- You’re wanting to reduce your box count
.
DG…
Stick with the 72/hc/140 unless they’re in bad shape cosmetically. Absolutely classic combination.
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I would go 72 HiCap 250 personally. I think it will outperform an SN2 by some distance! Have had 82 HiCap Olive, 250CB and it sounded superb.
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I may have this wrong but I believe the 102 was basically a 72 in a full width box with a remote. The 202 is the classic version of the 102. The 200 replaced the 140. When launched there was a very long thread comparing the SN2 to the 202/200 with preferences swinging both ways but most agreed they were close. So there is no reason to automatically assume the 72/140 is better than a product several years (decades?) its junior. I am just as susceptible to nostalgia as the next person but there is such a thing as progress.
Thanks again for all the kind replies. As the 72/HC/140 seemed to be regarded on this forum as such a well balanced set up I always thought any potential upgrade was either to change both pre & power or go supernait, hence my question. It never occured to me before just to upgrade the power amp to a 250 as I thought this natural balance would be upset but your replies have definitely got me thinking. Would a good 250 really make a noticeable difference & still work well with the 72 as some of you have suggested?
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Yes
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I’d actually put the 72 on a par with a 282 (I moved from the latter to the former as part of my journey).
The 140 is good and musical, but other than looking the part with a 72, I think holds back the combo.
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The 72/HC/250 is a fabulous amplifier. It’s perfectly matched. I had one for many years. It’s just works, in a way the 102/250 really doesn’t. If you have the space and are happy without a remote, I’d take the 72/250 over a Supernait any day. It’s a real classic.
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The 72/hicap/250 is the most iconic classic combination of all.
It’s a follow on from the legendary 32.5 snaps 250.
The 72/hicap is hugely capable, even to control 135s (passive or active)
The NAP 140 is fine in it’s cute little shoebox size, but it is what it is with the diminutive (compared to a SN2) power output, plus the 140 has an on-board power-supply which becomes a bit of internal clutter disadvantage when employing a hicap.
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The 72/HC/140 is a nice classic setup and sounds great. A supernait of any kind should not be underrated though its also a great bit of kit too. I have never compared the two directly but have heard both amps separately. The Supernait 2 should be better than the Olive combo but I think that may be down tp the power amp of the Supernait more than anything else. Personally, I like the original Supernait rather than the 2nd generation and the 3rd better still.
As I think has been mentioned above another consideration is a better Olive power amp upgrade like a 250 but I like the 180 too. Either could elevate the Olive setup to new heights and beyond the grasp of the Supernait.
Nothing wrong with being happy with what you already have mind.
I am not sure I understand your last comment all NAPs have an onboard power supply bar a few high end units like the NAP300 The Hicap is for powering the NAC right?
The NAP 250 needs a separate power supply such as a hicap or SC.
The 140 and 180 have an on-board power supply so can connect straight to a pre-amp.
(Still far better to use a hicap tho’) 
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