Supernait 3 (integrated amp, currently without HiCap)
NDX2 streamer (powered by XPS DR)
CD5si
KEF R3 Meta speakers + KEF KC62 sub
Vinyl is my primary source and I feel I’ve maxed out the Planar 8 with the upgrades I’ve added (other than swapping cartridge to the Apheta 3), both of which gave me noticeable improvements. I’m also very happy with the streaming side of things and have no intention of changing that.
The immediate next step I’m considering is adding another HiCap DR back onto the Supernait 3 (I currently have my only HiCap powering the Superline). I really enjoyed the uplift the HiCap DR gave the SN3 before I swapped it over to the Superline, so I’m curious how worthwhile it would be to restore that arrangement with a second HiCap. I’d also like to understand how that fits into a longer-term upgrade path.
Looking ahead, I’m considering whether to go down the separates route:
Either
NAC 282 + NAP 250 (with NAPSC and additional PSU(s))
Or
*NAC 252 + NAP 300 (again, understanding the power supply implications)
If I did move in that direction, I’d only ever consider adding one SuperCap DR in the future, purely due to their cost.
For context: I’ve no plans to move into 500 series territory (beyond my budget), and ideally I’d prefer not to upgrade the turntable unless I’m told it would bottle neck the separates. Power supplies and an appropriate rack have already been taken care of.
I should also add that I enjoy upgrading and have been doing so steadily for a few years now. My approach is always incremental — I tend to live with each upgrade for at least 6–12 months before considering IF there should be a next step. Given the ever-increasing costs at this level, any future upgrades must now be logical and carefully planned to avoid wasted steps.
I know there’s no single “right” answer, but I’d really value the perspective of those who’ve explored these routes.
I enjoy upgrading and am aware that I can get an uplift by upgrading. I’m fortunate to be semi retired and listen to my system for at least a couple of hours most days.
I assume you are happy with your speakers, or are you limited by your room/setting? Depending on what you are after in terms of improving SQ I’d consider upgrading your speakers before looking at better amplification.
As a first step try the hcdr/282 in to the sn3 using it as just an amp. Then decide if the 250 would be worth doing, or wait and go to a 300DR. That will then leave you with a future upgrade path if thats your thing ( it has been mine) , with the possibility of a 252.
Thanks for your suggestion Mr Fixit. I’m fortunate to have a listening room that I can arrange to suit the system. 6.66m x 5.41m x 2.4m. There has been much faffing around with REW in terms of speaker and sub placement to address room nulls and peaks and I believe it’s now at optimal positioning based upon how it sounds and confirmed by REW graph readings. I know it could be further improved by the professional installation of acoustic panels but that is a path I do not wish to pursue.
For a noticeable upgrade on the speaker front, what would would you consider to be an appropriate price band for speakers if the system were to remain as is?
Thank you Bruss. So rather than buying the second HCDR, get a 282 and use the SN3 as a power amp? I’m assuming you got a noticeable uplift when you added the 282 to your SN3?
I haven’t had an sn3 but yes there is a vast improvement when feeding an xs 2 with the 82 I have. I would expect the sn3 to be compromised more in the pre section and would benefit similarly from a separate pre amp. If you are thinking towards the 282 anyway there is nothing to lose by trying this first.
Thank you. I really appreciate your thoughts based on your own experience. Am I correct in assuming that the HCDR would have to go from the SL to power the 282? If that is the case, buying a second HCDR at this point would not be a waste of funds?
Just read your thread and caught up.
Good luck with your next steps
Maybe some experience from summer 2024 might help. At the time, was in a similar position with system building and transitioned from SN3 + HCDR to 282 + HCDR
You may already know…
FWIW the 282 is a flexible pre-amp that offers as many as 4 levels for anyone collecting, upgrading and building a system.
282 + 200 DR, ( power from the 200 DR amp)
282 + HCDR
282 + 2x HCDR **
282 + SCDR
As you have one HiCap already ( used with SuperLine), you can maybe explore what two HiCap’s offers in your own time.
Being in exactly this same situation, we’ve tried this - moving a HiCap over from SL duties for a while - we thought the second adds something worthwhile to the 282.
So lots to explore, if you enjoy upgrading in steps.
Good luck
BW
R
** Note : Small detail - Maybe just find a second HCDR, to match the first, within a year or so?
Speakers are very personal/subjective and as you are aware room dependent. Upgrading amplification is somewhat easier of course, but in my experience with such great sources they deserve speakers at a similar level - it’s all about balance IMO. That said, I am unfamiliar with your speakers or your tastes, so I’d suggest having some demos at dealers to get a feel for the relative improvement of speakers versus amplification upgrades. HTH.
Thank you for that. I’m most grateful for your guidance.
Another HCDR would bring my SN3 back up to par and also wouldn’t go to waste if I go on to add a 282. One powering the 282 and another powering the SL. You optioned a 282 with two HCDR’s what benefits does this offer. Can the 282 utilise two HCDR’s?
At the end of the day, it’s your ears, your room and your money. Advice on this forum will be worth what you paid for it . But in general most here will try and help, although it will be based on their experience and not yours. Enjoy the ride.
The answer is yes but the better answer is to jump to a supercap rather than two hicaps. Others may disagree.
. But in general most here will try and help, although it will be based on their experience and not yours. Enjoy the ride.