Hi guys, Despite the issue with the volume knob, I’ve finally got my hands on a SN2. I had considered other amps, including the SN3 but at the moment it’s not possible.
I wanted to go analogue especially owning a decent turntable and I’ve just bought a new CD player and still getting used to the sound. I know most will say there’s no sonic difference or any issue with the Nova digitising analogue signals, and I agree, and having owned one it’s a masterpiece of engineering. I just wanted to go in a slightly different direction.
Mind you, after just five hours using the SN2, It’s just superb with the very fulsome bass with exquisite timing. The sound is so tuneful and involving and I’m comparing with the Nova now. I’ve got a Naim Powerline plugged in the back too which used to live on my Nova so that must improve things a bit. To my lugs, the Nova is cleaner and more analytical, but the SN2 is fuller and ‘swings’ a bit more. It’s early days but I’m smiling.
I haven’t used the record player yet but I’m looking forward to spinning a few discs later.
So, I’ve got myself into a bit of a pickle because I don’t have a streaming device anymore and I’m on the lookout for some kind of combination which may rival the Nova for under a grand.
The NDX2 is s much better stresner than any of the combinations you sre thinking of. You get what you pay for. There is slso great compatibility with the Naim spp. if you csn’t afford it now, perhsps wsit until you can. .
If you are enjoying your new SN2 but need a streamer, then I would give my vote to the Eversolo DMP A6. I have been using one and find it to be an excellent streamer, DAC, and a very good user interface. It can also play CD’s or rip them to a stored memory (requires an external CD reader obviously).
Ok, so I went a bit mad and got an NDx2 with delivery tomorrow..
As you can imagine I’m rather excited about the prospect of finally owning this product. I had dreamed of owning an NDS some years ago but now I can’t wait to play some NAS based music and some Hi-Res downloads. I’m assuming the sound quality will rival, or even better my old Nova ?
Oh, and I played some records last night. One in particular stood out. 10cc ‘The Original Soundtrack reissue and to my ears my REGA P8 has got a new lease of life with smoother midrange and a more engaging listen. The track, ‘I’m not in love has never sounded better after so many crappy remasters this track produced what it should sound like, warm, dynamic and insightful emotion. In a word, superb on the all analogue SN2..
I’ve got a Powerline into the SN2 but I was wondering if it would serve me better if I plugged it into the NDX2?
As for the SN2, it’s so so good. For example, my missus wanted some Bee Gees on so I put, ‘Size isn’t Everything’ on CD from the 90’s I think. I have not played this album for years due to, what I thought, poor mastering on a 90’s digital recording, but this time most of brightness has gone and replaced with huge scale, layers of detail not heard before and when I crank up the volume, the bass in some of tracks especially kick drum is so thumpingly awesome right into my midriff. Whether one likes or hates the Bee Gees they have such synergy and know how to make a record sound great. Laughing as I write this bit but this amp does know how to wobble speaker cones but keeping them controlled so much I can feel the grip in the air. Wow, the Nova did not quite do that as good as it was.
Put a HiCap on the SN2 and a 555PS on the NDX2 and you’re sorted! (Till at least Christmas anyway )
I ran a similar setup myself, I went from an ND5 XS2 to a NDX2 on my Supernait (would have been the 3 by then, not a 2). They pair very nicely, adding those external PSU’s isn’t mandatory by any means but be prepared to do so eventually, you’ll be rewarded accordingly, in the meantime, enjoy that lovely new source in all its naked glory
Mr.M, Thanks for your comments. Next year I’ll be undertaking a major refurbishment of my lounge with the Hi-Fi taking centre stage. By that I mean my main system will be inside the chimney breast space of which there is loads of space for more boxes. At the moment I need to keep the box count down, not to mention my cash spend too, so I look forward to sketching a plan for that project. I intend to fit a new electric supply just for the hifi gear.
As for the NDX2, it should be a major improvement over the Nova had and I’ll probably upgrade some of the network cables. I have an English Electric EE1 plus between router and source which improved sound quality in a subtle but worthwhile way. English Electric have an ‘audio grade’ router which I might look into but not right now.
I’m really looking forward to getting the NDX2 up and running, and I’m having some friends around at my place tomorrow so I know a few of them will be very interested to hear the new toy. I’ve left the amp on overnight and it’s sounding soo good.
Sounds like a plan, my comments were somewhat tongue in cheek, upgrading is a contagious pursuit!
A dedicated mains spur is certainly a value for money contribution to your system. There’s plenty of post on that topic here with a quick search. Find a sympathetic electrician and make a clear plan up front
Amazing isn’t it when you have a good system even tracks you thought were horrible actually aren’t so bad. I LOVE when this happens. You are in for a treat with the NDx2/SN2 combo.
Give it a try. I would have thought it has significant impact on both, but going source first makes sense. You know you will need another one soon…. Or look for alternatives - plenty of info in this forum but I would recommend Furutech from experience. Enjoy!
Hello to all, My NDX2 landed today so i abandoned the house work, as you do, and sat it next to the SN2. Setting up was a breeze and soon Trevor Nelson was in my living room. Just a few minutes of listening to R2 was a revelation in itself, but with haste I found my NAS with 1800 cd’s ripped and started with James Taylor, Stretch of the highway. Oh oh oh my, this is unbelievable ! The song is a favourite of mine by JT and I’m hearing more details and JT’s acoustic guitar is utterly beautiful. To be honest I’m stunned really can’t believe this is so good. Wow, I’ll just put another tune on and see ya later
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