Following on from my post last week I’ve now aquired a NAP 250 DR to replace my NAP 200 DR (which I’m keeping for a bit longer yet). I originally bought the 200DR to replace a 200. However, my lack of knowlege meant that was a wasted upgrade with the HiCap apparently as I wasn’t using the DR bits of the 200DR in that configuration.
Anyway, that’s the background. I’m now thinking if I should DR the whole of the amp setup by getting a HiCap DR to replace the HiCap. I could maybe use the latter with my headline maybe instead of the NAPSC (can I do that?). Would the upgrade from HiCap to HiCap DR be worthwhile?
And the final bit of this post. The DIN to 3 pin XLR supplied link cable with the 250DR (probably the original Naim supplied cable) isn’t shielded which I thought it probably shoud be considering it’s on the main and final bit of the signal path. Does anyone supply a 3rd party shielded 4PIN DIN to 3 pin XLR cable?
My view would be 2x HiCap for the 282 or better still a Supercap will give you a better value upgrade than just non DR to DR HiCap only.
I did a quick search, there’s lots of information about comparing different power supply options for the 282. Some prefer 2x Hcap to a SCap, but if course if you can stretch to the SCap it opens the door to a possible 252 later. That might deserve better loudspeakers….and so it goes on!
There’s no need to change the Naim supplied XLR cable. Save funds for the PS upgrade.
Make sure your current and any future PS are up to date with servicing. It makes a difference.
Bruce
I’ve had a bit of a trawl through some previous posts and didn’t know, up until then, that I could use 2*HiCap. I’m not sure about going the SC route as, like you say, it could lead to 252, new speakers and a significant financial outlay. If I just upgraded to SC then it may be a bit of overkill over and above just using a HiCap within the current setup. Conversely, the upgrade to a HiCap DR might be so incremental as to not be worth the bother; I don’t know. Many comments seem to suggest the 2xHiCap isn’t worth the bother over a single HiCap.
The Naim XLR cable, although basic, was found by Naim to sound very good. I’d not be looking to change this.
There are masses of opinions on how best to power the 282. I found 2 x Hicaps to give much more weight, clarity and authority to the 282 than 1. The Supercap does add some further refinement but you are only using 4 of its power rails - unless you are pretty much set on getting a 252 it’s a bit of a waste.
Selling your HC and sourcing a single DR version is the obvious thing to do IMO….
As you will see from my profile, i run a 282 with a 250 DR along with 2 HiCapDR’s. When i purchased the 282 i already had one HiCap DR, so for me it was a no brainer just to buy another HiCap DR. But i also borrowed a SC DR to try that out as well shortly after. As you can tell, i am firmly in the camp that 2 HC DR’s sound better than an SC DR.
As for the question about the signal lead, i actually use a Vertere Red Line lead between the 282 and the 250 DR. I find it gives much tighter bass, better mids and more detail along with a much wider soundstage. Plus all my other interconnects and power leads are Red Line and therefore gives me complete Red Line loop.
Hi there @Devil_20
Interesting question and see there are two nuances to this (1) changing a HiCap to DR variant (2) use in the context of your system with NAC282…
So, happy to attempt some objective feedback on these specific points.
First, some context. At home, we have three HiCaps variants : HiCap (olive) ; HiCap2 ; HiCap DR. In fact, we have two HiCap DR’s in the house. Over the years, we have collected and used Naim NAIT XS2 ; NAC72 ; NAC282. ( We also enjoyed a SN3 for about 18 months). So, lots of opportuntities to experiment with different amplifers, with different HiCaps variants. Which I definately did.
HiCap2 to HiCap DR ?
My observation to share is that in every case - for each amplifier - using through different variants HiCap (olive) to HiCap2 to HiCap DR, there was a noticeable change in Sound Quality (SQ). I would say slight improvement, lower noise floor, better control of bass notes, more weight and authority to music, enhanced micro detail. So, for example, although we use or NAC72 with the same era olive HiCap, it is much improved when we occasionaly swap in the HiCap DR.
Whilst there might be a consensus amongst forum users here, not everyone agrees this idea is a given in all situations. In some cases, (for example, with SN3), some users prefer using without a HiCap, or with an earlier generation of HiCap. So, we all hear things differently. Ideally, check for yourself and form your own opinion, if you can.
I would say, for your NAC282, changing from one HiCap2 to one HiCap DR, you will appreciate a modest improvement.
Which PSU to use with a NAC282 for best effect ?
Now the question - or nuance - of what psu’s to use with NAC282 for best effect ?
One HiCap is your start point. As suggested, changing from HiCap2 to HiCap DR will offer a modest improvement to SQ.
Having used one HiCap DR, two HiCap DR’s and a SuperCap DR, my own thoughts are two matched HiCap DR’s are maybe the sweet spot here. ( Note : “Matched” = Best to find two HiCap DR’s made within a year or so of each other).
FWIW, my opinion is that moving from one HCDR to two HCDR is a nice step, a significant improvement to the SQ, with a NAC282. Then, moving onwards to a SCDR offers further improvements, but the changes are maybe not so significant, ( compared to changing from one to two HCDR’s), maybe more nuanced with the resulting SQ benefits. When you consider the cost - or cost per pound - or value for money - so my opinion is two HCDR is a sweet spot. ( Yes, SCDR is brilliant, top of the tree, maybe best SQ, but law of diminishing return kicks in ).
If you wish for the best, that’s SCDR, with a NAC282.
If you wish for the best value for money, that’s two HiCap DR’s, with a NAC282.
Just an opinion, from my own experiments and experiences at home, over recent years.
Hope this all helps you. Good luck with you journey.
Best wishes
R
Some good replies there. I think getting a SC will be off the table for now as I’d be buying a lot of redundancy in there unless I was looking to upgrade to 252 at some point. I think I need to buy a HCDR anyway but not sure if using that with the HC2 would be unbalanced with them not being the same topology. If it did I could always sell it and get a second HCDR. I think based on the above it wouldn’t be a gamble just biting the bullet and getting an HCDR anyway because I’m going to need one anyway.
I need to go and check out the Vetere cables now. Naim may claim the supplied cable is good enough but it’s worth at least trying the alternative and keeping the one I prefer.
The good news is, that whatever I choose to do, it’s a net zero cost because I’ve got a lot of accumulated hifi that I need to offload to clear some space in the loft if nothing else, otherwise I’ll have to consider opening a hifi business. 
No you don’t!
There are lots of after market options, but most users stick with Naim for good reasons. If you are changing various boxes then I would encourage you to get them all serviced, installed and settled for a while before considering tweaking cables. Too many changes at once can make it hard to tell what is helping, and sometimes what is not.
Take your time, sort the boxes first would be my advice. Then enjoy some music. Then…maybe the peripheral things.
Bruce
Yeah fair point @BruceW. I’ll do that. None of the boxes need servicing as I made sure I got relatively new units each time, to avoid that very thing. The oldest is the NDX but that was one of the last ones made and all the amps are less than 5 years old except for the HiCap. That was serviced about 3 years ago. I don’t really use the NAT05 much nowadays because FM is as good as dead and I prefer my modded Quad FM4 anyway. CD player-wise I’m using an Emotiva ERC4 or a Primare D30.2. I’m using standard Naim Interconnects except for the RCA to Din outs of the tuner and CD players which are using Gothic Audio interconnects. I’ll change the HiCap for a DR and see how I get on with that first. You’re right. You can only eat your elephant one mouthful at a time.
Totally agree. The boxes need sorting FIRST and let them settle in and get very used to the sound before making any further changes. The only reason i mentioned the Red Lines is because i had let everything burn in and settle down before even thinking about cables. Plus of course the OP had asked the question.
I had the HC used on my SN1 upgraded to HCDR by Naim and it was probably the best value upgrade I ever did. But that was with a SN not a 282.
Roger
HICap olive/classic=great PS
HICapDR=significantly better.
282 with 1 HiCapDR=super.
282 with 2x HiCapDR=energised.
282 with SCDR=exceptional.
Tried them all. HICaps no more!
Honestly, I think a lot of tosh is spoken about the SCDR upgrade. It is not subtle in the least. Yes, it is expensive, but this is not a cheap hobby. However, it takes a bit of time to bed in. Mine really shone after about a week. All my PSs were well within service schedules, but the oldest, the SCDR, was better by miles. And so versatile, particularly at volume extremes,
I have a 282 into a 250 dr. Initially it had one hicap dr. Then I added a second and it made a significant difference ( for the better!). The sound became more full/ rounded, with an improved bass. I’ve seen similar comments from others.
Thanks for this. I think you are in the minority who found two HCDRs to sound better than a single SCDR with 282/250DR. I think there is someone else here who found that to be the case.
From this thread,
Kitfit1 - 2 HCDR > SCDR > 1 HCDR with 282/250DR
Ratrat - SCDR > 2 HCDR > 1 HCDR with 282 (power amp unknown)
Loki - SCDR > 2 HCDR > 1 HCDR (amps unknown)
WBC - 2 HCDR > 1 HCDR with 282/250DR
From ChatGPT (sorry as this is the only comparison I could turn to although it might be unreliable)
From this table, the “Sound Character” and “Treble” with 2 HCDR appeal to me more than SCDR. I’m currently on one HCDR with 282/250DR and don’t wish to add another one as the Naim are not my primary amps (I currently have four amps). FWIW I once tried 2 Hicaps from another manufacturer from Israel with the 282/250DR and preferred a single HCDR over those 2 Hicaps.
The main Asgaardian listening chamber has 282 and 250DR. The latter is with Darran currently, temporarily replaced by a newly serviced 250.2, which, 282/SCDR-fronted, sounds sublime.
I too went HCDR, then 2, then a SCDR on my 282. Cant say the SCDR brought anything that the 2 HCDRs didn’t do.
I get the single earthing thing, but look inside a HCDR and then inside a SCDR. All those extra DR modules only really benefit a 252 or Superline. Of course, as with me, a SC tends to lead to a 252. But that’s another discussion.
Hardly a minority, your own post shows a 50/50 split lol. The reality as always is down to the owners own system and ears. For that reason there is no right or wrong answer, it’s down to personal preference. Plus of course the OP was only asking about HiCap’s and HiCap DR’s, not SC’s.
Mention a HC or 2 on a 282 and the SC issue always pops up.
I’ve learned a lot on this thread. One thing I have decided is to replace the HCap with a HiCapDR but the thing I’m not yet clear about is if I use the two together to power the 282 will there be a channel imbalance with this kind of setup.