SN2 vs SN3

GTaudiophile,

I’m glad the SN3 is up and running and sounding good.

However, a little tip for anyone who is keen to get their kit up and running just after having been delivered during this season of cold weather; When you get something delivered at this time of year in the Northern hemisphere, chances are it will be very cold. Give it an hour or two, or even three to warm up to room temperature. Otherwise you can find the components inside can get condensation forming on them and if powered up like this can lead to either immediate or early component failure.

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I do have a nice set of naim, the SN2 with NDX (1)

Also i have a big speaker which can be bi-amped. => DiY floorstanders for Naim Supernait 2

What will me a nice (read: best) upgrade ?

SN2 => SN3

or

SN2 + NDX (1) + NAP 250 DR

or

NDX2 + NAP 250 DR

For now it is already playing very well :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

NDX/SN2/250 doesn’t really make sense other than as a stepping stone to NDX/282/250, which would be a good spot to aim for.
NDX2/250 needs a preamp. It’s technically possible to do without one and put the streamer in ‘variable volume’ mode, but listen carefully before you commit to that option.

I guess might be good idea for dealers to recommend this ?

Definitely, although I would hope that they would be well aware and would also be delivering and setting up the kit for the customer.

It’s mostly an issue when distance buying or selling and kit is shipped by couriers who keep it in freezing conditions all the way to your door.

Richard, this was also a problem years ago with video recorders being installed when they were cold, condensation would occur and the tapes would stick and break we had a couple of Panasonic VHS recorders that had moisture sensors to indicate this.

Even Proac recommend this is their manual for their speakers

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This is common sense.

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For those knowing electronics yes. The major part will have no idea.

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I’ve only had two somewhat brief listening sessions with the new combo. Stuff definitely not broken in. I guess - initially to my ears - the SN3 has dialed in a little more detail/nuance/control and dialed in a little less warmth/bass versus the SN2? It’s hard to say as I’m not doing a apples:apples comparison here. New home, new speakers, and new amp versus old home, old speakers, old amp.

I don’t think anything is broken with my unit. Balance works. No hum. Yes, the volume increments on the dial do seem different than the SN2.

More feedback to come.

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From the Naim stables

Maybe amp 300 dr with 282 pre ?

SN3 would be a lateral move I guess…

My SN2 sounds great too …

Is it worth going from F260 to contour 20?

Contemplating this myself?

Thanks

In terms of cables not touching anything (rack, wall, other cables etc) would those foam pipe protectors work, even if they touched?

Thinking about how to rearrange my Gordian knots, without radically changing the room
( read: utmost wifely displeasure) :slight_smile:

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Yes, it’s best not to be too anal about these things. Hi-fi is for fitting in with your lifestyle and enjoying music, not sweating stuff. Do the best you can and enjoy the music with your wife.

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Thanks @Mike_S…yes, I agree. I put my wife through a lot with all my records, CDs, books, fountain pens, telescopes and Zuni fetishes collections. So it’s small beer to not mess her…our…living room around too much :slight_smile:

And…just realised I meant to post in the ‘tweaks’ thread, lol!

Callas seems to think so you might want to talk to him

I guess it depends. My living / listening room shrunk due to a move and the 260s were just too big.

I only have about 10-15 hours on the Contours at this point and I’ve read they need 100 hours to break in. Ditto for the SN3 probably.

What am I noticing so far?

Well, some of that I am noticing was also apparent during various auditions I made. Imaging is better for sure. As is detail and nuance. This could be because of both the better tweeter and perhaps an even quieter, blacker background. Anyway, I am noticing more details. The quality of the bass rolloff is also sublime. I won’t judge them on overall bass performance yet, however.

The Focus line is very… focused. Contour puts you a few rows back I think.

I’d definitely say that low-volume listening on the Contour is improved over Focus.

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Thanks. I still like my 260 but you are right low volume listening could be better. Even driven by 282/250dr

87dB 4ohm. They would get going a lot with more power I would assume. On low, medium or high level. Try it :blush:

Oh dear

More Naim Watts cost lot of money

At this point I’m looking for another speaker

Or indeed something like acoustic energy AE actives

1000 gbp with built in amplifier

Or

ProAc DT8… or Spendor d7.2 much easier to drive. Even the focal electra are easier to drive

And cheaper than nap300/500

As much as I love Dynaudio sound… these do need power !