Hi i have a v1 of the XS amp i bought used. It sounds quite good but I’m wondering is it better to upgrade to a v3 especially so I get headphone output and I think input for Turntable. Or just buy a Hi cap in which case which is best suited as it will be used again or source a used NAP180 or 250 or a similar model and used XS as preamp.
Im driving PMC FB1i in a large ish room. Not playing them to loud.
What are your thoughts as its been years since I had a system and only just got this setup. My source will be probably upgraded with a newer DA converter possibly pre amp as well.
That’s a lot to unravel. You are asking about competing options.
The first question I’ll answer is using the xs as a pre amp. I wouldn’t, it is it’s weakest feature. You would be better to keep it as an amp and get a pre amp to feed it such as 82 or 282. Again I wouldn’t do that either unless you are thinking of moving on to separates anyway. For me the best option is to stick with your original thoughts and go for either an xs 3, or my preference would be at roughly the same cost a Supernait 2. If you then wanted a turntable later you could get a phono stage to connect between the turntable and the SN2.
The entirely separate question of a pre amp and the dac can be answered once you have decided on your first move from the XS to something else.
So either you are looking for separates or an integrated?
I have always had integrated amps and the Nait CD 2 I had was OK but the Nait i got next was better. Just I had to sell it along with a quad cd player and the PMC TB2 PLUS speakers I had when I needed cash in a hurry.
I think it depends on what I’ll be able to get away with as wife will have her say. The x s 3 she wouldnt even notice the change. Extra boxes I’ll need to justify. Personally I’d like pre power but in practice it think the x s 3 may be a answer. Is it a noticeable step up in sound quality, I can’t afford new so would be used purchase and don’t want to waste my local dealers time unless buying from them. Basically Sound have always been helpful.
I do feel the soundstage is very shallow compared with my earlier setup. But I’m loving the greater sense of scale and dynamics.
FWIW I’ve never heard either the XS or XS2 for that matter but I do own an XS3. It is good on its own but I found that a FC XS was a worthwhile upgrade. To clarify, the FC powers the pre, effectively creating a ‘quasi’ pre/power. I use the XS3 with Tannoy Revolution Signature DC4ts + 4 active sealed subwoofers fed at high level from the speakers terminals.
When I had an XS v1, I tried adding a FlatCap and then a HiCap. The FC gave a small improvement in SQ, just a bit more of everything the XS did well, without altering its fundamental character. The HC was quite different, resulting in a an exaggerated sound picture which one dealer on the forum described as “manic”. I bought the FC.
Later, I swapped the XS for a SN1 and found the HC essential … I would not have bought the SN without it. My conclusion: it’s worth taking care matching Naim power supplies to amps (and sources) and ideally listening first. Just my experience of course.