Sorry to open a new topic, but I can not find any relevant. Thre are many same thread but all closed…
Which is the better way in the sound and efficiency context?
Two HiCap DRs or one SC (non DR)?
Personally when I had a 282, I preferred it with a Supercap compared to two Hicaps. This was before the DR versions were available.
In your case, and given that the 282 can only use a maximum of 4 power rails from the power supply (4 from the Supercap, 2 from each Hicap), I’d go for the option with the superior regulators.
Before going too far down this route, you may want to look at sources. Something like an NDX2 would be worth a look.
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The old threads on this are worth reading if you can.
Many of us put a Supercap on 82 or 282 (very similar preamp in a different box. I had tried moving to 2 similarly aged (serviced) Hicaps and found it fractionally better, if pushed to guess, but I was not convinced I could pick it blind.
I was encouraged to get a Supercap. The Supercap was again fractionally better, less uncouth and a bit cleaner, but as value for money it seemed quite a lot of cash for not much gain.
However, I was wrong. It was actually a fantastic purchase because it naturally led to 52 (or 252, depending on whether you like Olive more than old Classic boxes). Suddenly the whole upgrade thing made sense and the Supercap seemed a bargain.
That was all in Wimbledon. I kept the 82 and one Hicap and it is playing now with 250 and ND5XS2 here in Tasmania. It sounds great.
If the Supercap ever comes out here, it will be because the 52 is coming too.
Other people with other ears and other tastes and other room have other views, of course.
I hope that helps.
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I think the difference between a Hicap or Supercap on a NAC282 is a matter of taste as much as anything else.
To me, they do sound different but I am less certain which is best both have their qualities.
I am also not entirely sold on the value of 2 Hicaps for a NAC282. I do not hear a huge difference between a single unit or a pair.
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Dear Folks,
Thanks For Your Recommendations!
But, I highlight in my question the 2 HiCap DR against the SuperCap nonDR…
Focus on DR nonDR, not HiCap vs SuperCap.
Because the budget is about same in the two situations. Which is more grateful?
My answer covered your question but I would lean to a DR power supply but as they will sound different to each other it is still a matter of taste.
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Given your specific question then id suggest 2 HCdrs are better, due to the bettter regulation.
The transformer and main caps in a SC are the same as in a single HC.
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I don’t think many of us have compared 2 x HiCapDRs vs Supercap 2 on 282.
I had 2 Hicaps on 82 then moved to Supercap 2 which was a marked improvement.
Normally one would go 2 x Hicaps DR to Supercap DR as DR technology is better.
So that is my experience. Until you get to 52 or 252 you won’t make full use of the Supercap’s power rails. You will only use 4, which is the same as the 2 x HiCap DRs.
You may well find the Supercap 2 superior to 2 x HiCaps DR. But I am not sure anyone has made the comparison on here. Noone posting so far has made the specific comparison.
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I’ve basically done the same as @Dan_M. I had two Hicaps 2’s on an 82 and changed to a Supercap non DR… The supercap was heaps better.
Whilst my hicaps weren’t DR, I’d still be surprised if they were as good as a supercap non DR. It wasn’t about the noise floor dropping and how quiet the power supply was, it was the flow of the music that was much better. Tracks made much more sense, with subtle details revealed which the hicaps simply couldn’t begin to reveal. Sounded much more refined and rounded and the punch just felt more ‘real’ rather than hyped with two hicaps.
The supercap also opens the window to the next step up, should you want to go that far. I did and have now gone to 252, but to be honest, the 82/282 with a supercap is a superb pre on reflection! My take would be to go Supercap!
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I enjoyed my Supercap 2 for many years until I went 552DR with 500DR.
The 82 and 52 both sounded brilliant with Supercap 2. I had mine serviced when it was due. There is a lucky new owner out there somewhere. Was made in 2012 just before DR and was immaculate.
Nice kit.
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The third option not being considered is neither. A single HCdr and put the funds aside against a future upgrade/system or buy music.
While I’d prefer a single SCdr to dual HCdrs, the dilemma of HCdr pair against a SC would make me decide to not decide. I suspect that the single ground reference for the DC provided by the SC outweighs the DRs but hard to be sure. I’d definitely opt for do nothing.
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I do not want to open a new thread…
I had a strange experience today morning.
My system sound is unpleasant. So flat, unfurnished bass, destitute of dynamic, no midrange detail. Yesterday it was superb voice.
There is no change anything.
NAC282 / HiCap 2 (non dr) / NAP 250 DR… What happened?
When was it last serviced? Maybe HiCaps need a service?
Could be mains issues and may sound better another day?
The ‘main’, dou you mean the electrical grid? Do you think it is noisy, or over/under voltage? If it is what could I do?
Could a tired HiCap do this sympthome?
See how it sounds tomorrow…
Mains is the main electricity supply or grid.
I asked when it was last serviced because the HiCaps should be serviced every 10 years.
It could be the problem, but not necessarily.
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Thank You Dan!
OK, tomorrow I gonna test and report.
Bytheway, I turned of the system for today.
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Naim kit should be left on 24/7. I would leave it on.
Turn the 250 off for 5 mins and then back on again.
As you powered down the whole system. Power it up and give it a day to warm up.
You can generally leave it all on, though power amps can be brought up just an hour ahead of time. Bit if the power amp is also on 24/7 it’s common for a power cycle every couple months to “revitalise” it.
I share the same opinion as many of you. Nac 82 with 2 Hicap is less interesting than Scap. Hicap with its small box concentrates more electromagnetic radiation and the 24v is less ‘pure’ than Scap’s 24v.
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Yep absolutely, This is how I use them. Never turn off. Now only I turned off because of sound issue.
update:
I bought the 250DR about two weeks… Before it, I had a 200DR. I did not use the HiCap for one or two years. I will check the SN at home.