I just got a SuperNait 3, and have a question about using an external EQ of sorts - my speakers (B&W Matrix 802 Series 3) shipped with a “bass alignment filter” - I don’t know how sophisticated it is, but the gist is that it enhances lower frequency extension noticeably and I would like to continue using it.
With my past pre/amp setup, I could just stick this in between the pre and my amp with single-ended RCA cables. The SN3 has a preamp out (5-pin?) and power amp in (4 pin) - is this as simple as getting high quality DIN-RCA cables (Blue Dragon) going in the appropriate direction? My understanding is that the preamp output includes power delivery (which is itself confusing to me) - does that make my intended use-case impossible?
Does anything become easier if I add a PSU upgrade (HiCap DR) into the mix? SN3 → DIN → HiCap → DIN/RCA → BAF → RCA/DIN → SN3 power amp input? That’s a lot of $$$ just to add the BAF into the mix, not sure it is worth it.
No, you can’t connect the BAF between the in and out sockets on the SN3, as the preamp would then be unpowered.
I imagine that if you added a Hicap you could connect the BAF between the Hicap and the SN power amp. That said, I suspect the B&Ws are a poor match for the Naim and that they’d benefit from a significantly more powerful amplifier. I’d probably be looking at a more suitable pair of speakers. Hopefully those more familiar with older B&Ws will be able to advise.
Ah, I did not realize that is how the preamp section of the SN3 receives its power. So then something like a HiCap would be mandatory if I wanted to try this - that is extremely helpful to know, thank you!
The SN3 is actually one setup that brings more to the table with my Matrix 802/3 than many others with more wattage (including some large, 100+lbs, painful-to-move McIntosh amps) - I think the Matrix line is a different beast than any of the newer stuff, but my experience the past 5 years with these has been a fairly easy to drive, efficient speaker. Even the little Schiit Aegir I’m replacing with my Naim SN3 has done a wonderful job.
I will start the HiCap DR search now, I have been considering one anyway. Thank you for that input!
Please don’t take my post as a guarantee that it will work, though I can’t imagine it wouldn’t. It may be wise to speak with Naim Support before getting the Hicap.