Hi all.
Im absolutely delighted with my ND5 XS2, Supernait and PMC Twenty 23’s. However, i thought Id splash out on the Hicap DR ( pre owned ) as the icing on the cake and a brand new 4 pin snaic only to find im not entirely sure its improved the sq or just made it different? Is it me or am i missing something? It seems that it’s softened that impressive ( Naim sound ) and even reduced the PRAT a little. It is still a thing of beauty but I am on the fence. Should i need to run it in for a week or two? Has anyone else found them selves prefering without?
First, how long has the Hicap been running, and is it correctly set up? I would give it a week or two of use, and leave it powered up, before deciding.
Second, never assume that what some people will claim is a guaranteed upgrade will be an upgrade for you. You wouldn’t be the first person to prefer a Supernait without a Hicap, even if the vocal majority say otherwise.
Also consider your room and loudspeakers. The changed sound may mean that small changes to speaker positioning or room layout are required.
After a couple of weeks, take the Hicap out and see if you feel the same way.
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My mate preferred his SN-3 without and cost him nothing as he had a spare.
I didn’t try because I didn’t want the signature sound softened.
I’m happy without. 
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How old are your pieces?
Maybe they are due for a service?
If not, let them play for a week or two, before you listen carefully.
My experience is that HCDR increased details and perspective on my SN3.
If I disconnect it, it sounds softer.
I really like the hicap addition.
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Which supernait, 1/2/3? I assume 1 as you didn’t mention the number.
It’s definitely an improvement on the 2, but I’ve read mixed reports here regarding the 1.
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Hi, thanks for imput. It is the supernait 1 ive had for years and has recently been to Naim for a repair and came back sounding wonderful. I then recently added the ND5 XS2, now that was a game changer! Bloody brilliant.
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Hi, thanks for reply. Thats interesting, seing as its had the oposit affect on mine. Almost like putting a less compatible interconnect in the mix.
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Hi there. Is it possible i could have it set up incorrectly? The diagrams are a little tricky to follow but have paid attention to cable directions etc.
This may have been biased by the fact that I was also auditioning the 282/hcdr/250dr but when I tried the sn3 + hcdr I found it to be a very subtle difference from just the sn3 enough that I was fine keeping my sn3 bare until I could afford the full upgrade to 282/hcdr/250dr. The jump down from the 282 combo to the sn3 + hcdr was much more stark.
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Now thats a rabbit hole i couldnt hide from my Mrs…
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Honestly I would suggest getting a second hand dac either ndac or chord qutest (depending on the sound you prefer) for the nd5 xs2 would be a better improvement than a hicap.
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Agree with that last idea 
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There’s a 4 pin and a 5 pin snaic so these can’t be mixed up. As long as you gave the orientation correct according to the bands then it’s correct.
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Hi Anderz,
I added one recently to my supernait 1-I am very pleased and a great upgrade
Best
Thank you for that. Do you know what!? IM AN IDIOT! I thought id got directions of cables correct but i hadnt. All as should be now and guess what? The weight and prat has returned. Who knew that cable direction would be so important.
Thank you.
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Here comes another debate (shortly to become a shouting match) on the reality or otherwise of cable directionality!
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Well, i wouldnt have believed it but i can now categorically say its 100% critical ! It makes no sence to me but im clearly a moron. Lol
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Nah, you’re fine. If I’m being honest I did the same thing a few short years ago. Wrong direction with one of my cables.
I do think the SN3 w/HicapDR is fantastic but w/out the HiCapDr the SN3 is amazing as well. I ran my SN3 bare while having my HiCapDr serviced and for a brief period of time I thought why do I need the HiCapDr. Once the HiCapDR was serviced, I changed my mind again. Can’t go wrong either way IMHO
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Thanks for the reassurance. Lol. Ive been messing on with hifi for years and loved the cyrus gear with amazing resuls adding psxr power supplies. I was expecting a bit more from the hicap but now we are wired correctly im sure i wont go back to bare supernait.
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The direction of the cables does seem to make a difference in my experience but I could not explain why. Either way, if your system now sounds right that’s a result!
Sometimes it can be good to withdraw and reattach din plug cables as it cleans the contact surfaces and can positively affect sound quality.
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