I’m hoping some clever folk on this forum can help me. Current set up is CDS2, 72, 110 (Olive) and Hicap. Running to a pair of IBLs. I would like to up the power going to the IBLs but maintain the shoebox size amp. I have have three questions.
I am right in thinking a need a snaxo 2:4, obviously 2x110s or probably 2 x 140s and just one high cap and another set of speaker cables…in other words is any more kit needed?
The crossovers on the IBLs are removed and I wire one amp into both speaker HFs and one amp into both LFs?
Is it worthwhile? Anyone have a similar set up?
Apologies i know these are elementary questions to many of you…unfortunately not to me!
IBL’s love being active. As you say you’ll need another 110, a snaxo 2-4 (or better, a 242. An SBL version will work for IBLs), a hicap and extra set of speaker cables. If you could find an IXO then that will replace the Snaxo/Hicap combo but won’t sound as good. Ideally, with a snaxo 2-4, you want the power amps to be well matched so if you get them serviced together that would help. Less important with a 242. Although there’s not much point in going active if all the components aren’t in good order.
Connection will depend on which Snaxo version you use. Early 2-4 would be amp1 = left, amp2 = right. Later 242 would be amp1 HF left and right, amp2 LF left and right.
Nap 140s would be great also. I ran 180s for a while.
It will be brutally revealing and lightening fast.
Note that some liked to re-wire earlier SNAXOs to run “horizontal” a la the SNAXO 242. Hopefully whoever did this made a note of it for any poor unsuspecting owner further down the line. But I would assume not, so be careful and ask questions of anyone selling one secondhand, as it will save you some tears later.
Good point. Always connect to the LF at the speaker end first and test that before connecting the HF. Sending the HF signal to the LF speaker won’t result in an expensive pop.
Possibly. However the OP stated a preference to retain shoe box style amps. Also, if the crossovers are getting tired, like mine, then you bypass a weak link.
This is great info guys. Thanks. There is the multiple box issue and also as I’m starting with only one HC ….there is a significant cost. (2 amps a Snaxo and another HC + cables/wire). All good food for thought. Thanks again
Some of the early HiCaps had a single output on (I think) socket 3 which would power a very early (Chrome Bumper) NAXO, so the same HiCap that powered the PreAmp could also (I think) power the NAXO (I could be wrong on that point though.) However I think these NAXOs are hard to find now and an olive 2/4 is the most common type to find which would need its own HiCap as you point out.
I looked for one of the older manuals I had and found this diagram which could help with the wiring (but pay heed to the very good advice about vertical/horizontal configurations and importantly checking each output on a bass driver first!)
Earlier (pre '93) HICAPs had a single rail 24V output (one a DIN4) as well as a dual rail 24V output (on a DIN5). You can use either one, but never both together.
In the manual diagram you show there are two HICAPs. The first HICAP powers the NAC62/72 and takes signal from the preamp, then outputs the preamp signal to the second HICAP which powers and takes signal to the NAXO 2-4.
OK. Decision made. I’m going for it. Active IBLs. Over the next couple of months I will try to get hold of the components required. The Nap 110 on the middle shelf will make way for the Snaxo, HC and 2x140s. Power bar underneath will be at full capacity
Richard, that would very much be my preference too. As I also have a CB 110 in my stash (so I already have 2) but I don’t know of anyone who can convert it to Olive. My Olive 110 was converted by Naim many years ago.
Is it still a NAP110 or a NAP110 converted to NAP140? It’s important as if you are going active then the power amps should be the same unless you go for the SNAXO 242.
