Risking wallet damage by asking this question, what does the hicap do to the SN3?
More of everything! The sound is more open and cleaner with tighter bass and lovely highs. Do a search on here … it’s well documented.
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Go for the new sn3 with no second thoughts.
I auditioned the xs3 with the flatcap & compared to the sn3 (without the hicap dr)
The sn3 is by far a better amplifier in all aspects: clarity, punch, speed, bass, even without the hicap dr.
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Go for the refurbished SN3 and save the $500 for a hicap DR, you know you will end up there, If you demo with the hicap you’ll end up buying it as well 
I did!
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Yes, I recently added a Hicap to my SN2 and the improvement was similar (massive) to upgrading from the XS3 to the SN2. The SN2 has much more bass and controls it well. My speakers, Spendor A6, are an easy load, but still the upgrades are significant. I buy most of my gear second hand so wouldn’t have a problem with refurbs.
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Get the new one.
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