SN2 vs SN3

Yes, I have the same impression, although for me it is more a balance related question; perception would seem SN3 to sound less than SN2, however, it also seems that this perception may be due to that sharper, more “into the face” SN2 sound versus the more balanced, round and relaxed sound of the SN3. In fact, in my configuration, sonometer in hand and at the same listening distance, they are basically the same marks on the SN2 and SN3 with the pot at around 9 o’clock, between 78db and 83dB depending on the peaks. Additionally, with the pot at about 9 o’clock, when I leave the room, in that listening “from the next room” almost sounds louder the SN3 than the SN2 sounded, or very even, only, again, a flatter and relaxed sound from the SN3 in front of the more sharp sound from the SN2.

I don’t really know which one I like best, whether the sharp sound of the SN2 or the more relaxed sound of the SN3; depends on the type of music, EDM I think better the SN2, the SN3 I find more all-round.

You also have to introduce into the equation the running in and settlement, which, as it goes, changes the initial sound of SN3, from relaxed to sharp and energetic, although without reaching the SN2 sound signature, but increasingly closer (according to my memory), albeit with a much greater delicacy and subtlety, and, in my opinion, with a more precise tonal timbre, closer to the actual timbre of instruments and voices, in the piano test you can see it much more realistic from afar.

Cheers.

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We seem to align well in what we hear then. My SN3 is from August so should be well run in by now. I find it a bit strange if the same team signed off the SN2 and SN3 because to me they are more different than similar. Talking about the SN3 as delicate is pretty much in target yes :+1:

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@Blackbird

has your SN3 crossed 150 hours of music ?

If i remember SN2 preamp has DR already - so is there a need for Hicap DR ?

The difference is the speakers and the room i guess for @newcomer and @Blackbird

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Hi @Blackbird, yes, I believe our findings are very similar. The SN2 was a great amp and a decent upgrade from my XS2. I didn’t have the SN2 and SN3 available at the same time for direct comparison so I am working on memory. I also upgraded my ND5 XS2 to the NDX2 at the same time so I actually played music from an SSD connected to my Oppo 105 Blu-Ray player to gauge the differences.

The SN2 and Oppo gave what I thought was an excellent sound. Very musical and with great drive.

The SN3 and Oppo gives a clearer sound which I put down to the increased slew rate of the SN3. It is a slightly lighter sound because it has greater control of notes. The SN3 gives greater insight into the music but also keeps everything together which for me is a winner for me.

Putting the same tracks via the SSD connected to the NDX2 gives more detail again and instruments are even easier to follow.

Here’s a thing, when it comes to what people refer to as pace or timing (God only knows how someone has got away with the acronym prat and got so many people to refer to it!) I can’t really say that I understand it. Surely recorded music plays at a particular pace which is ‘on time’? I have never had any system that sounded wrong or slow or such. I do however understand what I personally would refer to as a tight sound which is where notes of all instruments can be clearly separated and have a clear start or leading edge - the NDX2/SN3 combo certainly does this.

Another point is speakers. I noticed these improvements with my Neat SX1 speakers - bass was tight but not well defined. Spending a lot of time with Kudos Super 20 and now Titan 606 speakers has taught me a lot about bass. These speakers have great detail without being harsh at all in the mid and upper registers and have great clarity and separation in the bass. Direct comparisons with my Neats show that the Neats make bass sounds whereas the Kudos play bass notes. Timber and nuance is much more in evidence, particularly the 606s.

Listening to reggae was at first a little light but prolonged listening shows just how much detail there is in the bass that I had never heard before. I don’t have an SN2 for comparison but the SN3 certainly works well with these speakers. It has made me understand that some of the bass that I used to hear was actually bloat which masks detail.

While not reggae, the track Overstand From Thievery Corporation’s Culture of fear album is playing now and the bass is very deep, clear and nuanced with plenty of bounce - very enjoyable!

It is the subtle things that the SN3 does that I would suggest to you are long term improvements over the SN2. As always these are just my opinions, offered in good faith and based on my system, in my room with my ears.

If I had to make the decision for you I would say SN3 :grinning:

I won’t comment on the Hi-cap as I have no experience of it and it is not a path that I will pursue.

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Have you been running the Harbeth SHL5 Plus with the SN2, if so what do you think of the combination? Thanks…

All my feedback is with SHL5 Plus. Naim is a great match with Harbeth to me. If I could ask of something it would be more power because I’ve heard what that makes with them. Not sure if Naim can get me that without making robbery…

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I’m sorry to write to report that the SN3 integrated follow in troubles…, around 100 hours playing currently…

I’m relaxed this afternoon, trying to listen to music … I swap the selection to an EDM playlist and…, impossible with the integrated…: as soon as I turn the potentiometer around 10 o’clock the thermal protection activates, CD button selection flashing and amplifier dropps out… Room temperature in 15 ºC, and sonometer in hand from the listening point, at 3 meters, just without reaching 80dB; three times in the last half hour…, I don’t even want to think in the matter as winter goes by… The truth is that the SN2 had a lot more claw, but also short… Very disappointed with Naim integrateds, good, yes, and good SQ, but very unstable and very short power in this configuration.

The truth is that I cannot accept that, with a this level system, I must “conform” with listening to “background music”; and I see no way in adding the NAP 250 DR, it do not deserve any confidence to me…

I think that’s how far I’ve come.

I have written to my dealer to inform him and to propose him to return it back and change to ATC SIA2-150, which also worked very well in the configuration and without any problem of lack of power; a good SQ too, but different. I don’t want to go down the separate and climbing path, and I think it would solve little given the room dimensines and volume.

I would have preferred things not to be like this, but Naim amplification does not result in this configuration; very happy with the NDX2.

We’ll see…

Greetings to the forum.

It is a shame but obviously the integrated don’t do it for you.

As you say, without going down the separates route, your options are another brand.

It will be interesting to see what you go for to match your NDX2 and Proacs.

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@ChrisSU I think runs an NDX2 straight into a NAP250, so swapping out the SN3 for a 250 might be worth looking at?

Hummm … large room + k6 + good volume = more than 80w and probably more than 125w …

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I only tried it for a few minutes to see how it worked. It worked perfectly well, and certainly didn’t sound bad, but I didn’t spend long enough with it to assess it as a long term solution.

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my guess is your speakers will like in the range of 150W to 200 W atleast on 8 ohm and the amp must be happy driving 2 ohm loads if needed for long periods of time

SN2 / SN3 - as good as they are cannot suitable for all rooms and all speakers.

If you wish to continue SN3 then change the speaker to standmounts and supported by subwoofers i guess - but that may not be the road you might take.

Good luck @newcomer and please keep the forum posted…

best regards

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How far away are you sitting from the speakers and how far apart are they from each other?

Hi all.

Very displeased with the situation: the SN2, although it also showed its limits, at least worked perfectly and raised the volume reasonably without problems; the SN3, besides that the sound has not finished convincing me fully, incapable and minimally maintaining the type in the face of the slightest volume innuendo. I don’t know if it will be so by design and construction or is my unit which, again, may be defective. But disappointed.

Basically an 2’5 m. side equite triangle, according to ProAc specifications. I don’t think the problem is that, but rather the limited power of Naim’s top of the range integrateds, they fall short at all times in a 45 m2 and 150 m3 room.

Contemplating Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600 (220W channel 8 Ohms / 400w channel 4 Ohms) as an option. W’ll see…

Cheers.

The Watts aren’t exactly as essential as they sound, you can but a very cheap amp with high watts… the quality of components and craftsmanship is much more essential. I had a Roksan Blak (150W per channel) powering my Dynaudio Special 40s, maybe there was more ooommph but nowhere near the control, was almost muddling instruments. I think your SN3 is probably faulty, why not call naim or your dealer?

Also heard the SN2 and SN3. In my view tte SN3 is streets ahead. Found the SN2 dull. The SN3 much more engaging, certainly not lacking bass compared to the SN2 either like some have mentioned earlier, actually found the opposite to be true…

Again always depends on matching the speakers to the amp too I guess…

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In my setup the amount of bass on SN2 is much more than on SN3. Can it be faulty then? I have not read a review claiming SN3 have MORE bass. However more defined and detailed and that to me is true. It’s also true the SN3 reveal more detail. The SN2 is overall warmer and beefier.

Have you tried adding a Powerline? Again it’s different on different speakers, setups, cables etc… I would suggest not putting all your faith in reviews and trusting your ears :slight_smile:

The power amp has been improved on the SN3. Maybe the control of the bass is newer to your ear. Beats headphones have ‘more’ bass, doesn’t necessarily mean better base. On the SN3, with songs with bass (electronic music etc) it is definitely not lacking. My speakers have a nice low end though so again all depends on setup.

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I’m fully aware of more bass is not same as better and that is why I don’t want to make any fast decisions in which one I prefer in my setup :blush: My main problem I’d say is that my setup could benefit from more power. The SHL5 Plus need loads of power to wake up by experience. I do find the sn2 adding more power overall compared to the sn3 but might be due to the increased bass response on sn2 and the difference in signature meaning I want to increase volume more on sn3 to give me similar experience as with the more powerful tuned sn2.

I will try playing white noise and measure dB at 9 o clock to see if that give any hints.

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