Is it possible to connect a 2nd HiCap DR to my Stageline S, which is connected to my S/N 3 aux 2 socket when I have a HiCap DR connected to my S/N 3 with a 4pin snaic and 5 pin snaic. If it is possible, can anyone guide me in which cables and sockets to use please? I haven’t bought the 2nd HiCap DR yet, but I thought one might improve the Stageline S. Thanks very much for any input.
You can. You would power the Stageline S with the second HCDR. You would return the phono signal to the any unused (non-powered) input on the back of your Hicap-ed SN3 with a Naim 4pin to 5 pin DIN interconnect.
An alternative might to be chop in your Stageline S for a Naim SuperLine and run that from AUX2 on your Hicap-ed SN3. You would have to look at prices and establish for yourself which is the most cost-effective.
Chris
1 Like
Thanks Chris, that’s great news, and thank you for your easy to understand explanation. Superline’s are hard to come by used, and a bit beyond what I wanted to spend on a new one, because, as I understand it, the Superline would then need a separate psu as well. I can go ahead and get a H/C DR now, thanks to your reply. Much appreciated.
The advice above is sound but you may find that powering the Stageline from its own Hicap does not make a significant difference. The Stageline is effectively being powered by the Hicap you already have connected to your Sn3.
If you can it would be a good idea to borrow a 2nd Hicap to try before you buy one. Mind you prices for them are not as expensive as they were.
1 Like
Thanks Robinho, that’s sound advice, no pun intended. I’ll try to borrow one. Thank you. A 2nd HiCap is a lot more affordable than a Superline to replace the Stageline. Thanks again.
But if a Superline makes ten times the difference for twice the price……
1 Like
A Hicap DR is useful for a lot of Naim kit. I was about to sell both of mine after I bought a Supercap. Fortunately, I kept the newest one. After finding a used 4-5 cable, I now use it to power my Superline. My 282 is currently away for service, so I have no choice but to use the Hicap to power the SL. Previously, I used the powered aux 2 from my 282 to feed the SL.
Sure, but a Superline is not as cheap as twice the price of a Stageline new or used. Superlines are an excellent phono stage but at around £3k for a new one it flipping should be.
Used Superlines are hard to come by and can be pricey especially compared to Stagelines that can be bought used for around £200.
I meant twice the price of a Hicap. I doubt adding a second Hicap would do that much, so it’s definitely a case of try before you buy.
Thank you. If a used SuperLine is too much perhaps a Prefix S is worth fitting to your LP12. I have not heard a Prefix myself but they have many fans here.
You’re quite right Robinho, Used Superlines are like hen’s teeth to come by, and still £2k ish for a decent one. I’m in a bit of a quandary what to do next for the best. This upgradeitis disease is very costly and frustrating. I guess my best port of call is to try to demo stuff at home from an accommodating dealer, if possible. Thank you all for your very helpful comments and advice.
1 Like
What is the spec on your Sondek, please? You might find that the second Hicap ready cash could go quite a long way on improving that first, and just sticking with Stageline S on AUX2. (No hardship, tbh.)
C.
Christopher, the spec is Ekos tonearm with Dynavector 10x5 mk2 low output cartridge, Cirkus and trampolin 2. and whilst I have no complaints with it, I just thought a HiCap might improve the Stageline S. Someone did tell me that he thought a superline was a bit overkill. i’ve not been able to prove or disprove that argument yet.
Superlines are excellent phono stages but at the risk of putting a spanner into the works there are serial makes of Phono stage that will give them a challenge. If you are planning to spend a chunk of money it would be worth exploring the market. I can think of several models that are very good some at used hicap prices (circa £1K) or a little more.
BTW I am a fan of the Stageline too a device which represents the best bang for the money. There is not much to challenge them in a Naim system for the same money used or new.
I had looked at the trichord with psu, which, second hand is cheaper than a superline, and a Cyrus Signature phono, as I have an old Cyrus integrated and psxr psu, but someone who is a Naim diehard, thought I would lose the Naim PRAT, so I am where I am unfortunately. I guess I’m going to have to borrow a Superline, if I can, but then that needs a psu I believe, as well, so it’s getting a bit crazy for me. I even saw a Rega Aria used which was affordable, but that soon sold as well. I’ll have to be patient and see what transpires. As I said earlier, my system sounds pretty good as is, but I’ve always wanted to be better, if it can be.
Superline doesn’t need a psu. Will work happily off AUX2. Good to start with but gets even better with a psu (according to reports here), but doesn’t need one.
It is up to you of course but if you close off anything other than Naim you may miss something you would like. I understand the pull of the Naim brand I have had Naim boxes since the 90’s but I am open to other ideas.
I recommend looking at the Graham Slee range either Reflex C or Ascension models the latter has configurable loading etc like the Superline and the former fixed like the Stageline. They offer a home loan/trial service by post.
There is a Superline up for auction on eBay from an authorised Naim UK dealer. The auction ends Sunday 24/11.
It is not necessary to have a separate PSU for the Superline, you can power it in the same way as you do currently with the Stageline from your SN3.
1 Like
Thanks Christopher and Robinho, I was given to understand the Superline had to be connected to a psu such as Supercap. That does change things slightly, so it makes one more affordable. I did use a Graham Slee amp with my Thorens 160 Super, so , yes I can explore other avenues. Thank you for clearing that up. Much obliged.
1 Like
Was going to say that Superlines do come up every so often, and to check the usual places, @Robinho was clearer though 
A new Graham Slee Accession, with PSU, in MC form, comes in fairly close to used bare SL money. I haven’t compared it with similarly priced equivalents, or the SL, but my Accession sounds really good.
1 Like
That’s true but the OP already has a Hicap powering his SN3 pre-amp circuits and so the Aux2 in turn is powered by the Hicap just now.