Nac122x / Flatcap2x / Nap150x vs Supernait 2

In terms of performance/ sound quality only, what can one gain from going from multibox combo to the integrated?

The pre-power has enough power to make all my speakers sing, but can the SN2 be a bit more refined?

The SN2 contains discrete regulation which imo makes Naim more Naim.

I like what DR does but I think it’s fair to say it has its detractors.

Servicing of pre-power and FC2x should be considered if sound is unrefined, which is what your questions imply.

Ultimately you are going to have to hear a SN2 with your speakers and form an opinion about whether it sounds refined.

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Thanks for the input :slight_smile:

That is the main problem, I can’t listen to a SN2 in my system. Unfortunately there is only a buy-and-try possibility…

My Naim combo have been recapped a year ago and the slight unrefined aspect sounds like part of the sound signature and nothing else. Plus, is only noticeable in comparison with other amps.

Lacks a bit of clarity / organisation and air on the top end… to achieve the perfect balanced sound. The rest of the presentation is pure class.

So my question, to anybody with that experience, was can the SN2 offer more than the 122x/fc2x/150x… but I understand that this can be a complex answer.

Could you tell us what your speakers and source are please? You say the 150X has enough power to make your speakers sing, but if it sounds a bit unrefined it may in fact be struggling.

Hi, i made the very same up grade, going from your present system to a SN2 back in 2016. From memory, the separates were a lot of fun and certainly had a boogie factor with the type of music I enjoy. I also remember care was needed regarding the snaic cable management, which was a factor in achieving the best possible sound. Moving on to the SN2 was definitely a leap in sound quality. The amp had a better grip on the sound with a better definition in the lower frequencies.
Another point as Christopher has mentioned is that the SN features the DR technology which is an upgrade on the separates. However, if you so wish, you can actually use your Flatcap to power some of the SN, and although this renders the DR tech obsolete, for me it was actually an upgrade, as it widened the soundstage.
Another point to consider is should you wish to upgrade again in the future the SN can be programmed to work as either a separate pre amp or separate power amp, a definite bonus. Hope this help, it really is a wonderful amp..

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Closer Acoustics Full OGY (93 dB), Magnepan LRS+, Totem Model 1 and Duevel Planets.

The “problem” and at the same time his best qualities are more evident with the Closer Acoustics. The synergy is there I have no doubt of that, but…

This helps a lot, thanks!

As you well refer, Naim gear can be picky and demanding on some aspects of the setup, like cables. For example, in the system that I refer above (Closer Acoustics) the use of the A5 speaker cables turns the sound too dense and thick. Using the Klotz 225 (recommended by the speaker designer) makes things much engaging and well sort of.

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The sources are several CD players, transports and dacs, including the CD5x.

The Nap 150x is very far from struggling, and it is clearly not lack of power. It seems to be intrinsic to the Naim combo design especially with the super transparent Closer Acoustics Full OGYs.

Don’t get me wrong, my question is because the synergy is almost perfect… and I want it all :slight_smile:

… and was wondering if the SN2 could do that. That’s it (and the desire to have two components less)