SNAXO 242 for Kudos Titan 606

Hi-Fi Corner
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If I manage to find a used SNAXO 242 and it is not configured for use with Kudos Titan 606)s

Will Naim still make the necessary changes if I return it? @Richard.Dane

I am looking to replicate the Bristol HiFi show active setup with: NDX2/SN3/NAP250DR/2xHCDR/SNAXO242/KudosTitan606’s

Met Jason @ Acoustica show, he told me you can get away with using 1 off HCDR. We didn’t discuss the SNAXO 242 issue.(Thought it was just a Cermet pot twiddle, it’s not!)

Obviously there are alternatives e.g Kudos Sigao and Exposure VXN 2 way X-over

Would prefer to keep it all Naim if possible, not seen a 242 for T606 on the usual auction sites yet.

Also keeping the cost as low as possible.

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In Singapore there is a site that sell 2nd hand called “carousell”. Do a search on 242 and you can find there is one already configured with T606. But you have to chat with the guys to ship to you though.

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I appreciate the cost constraints but active systems show up every part of the chain. In my active development, which started at a basic level, I found the best possible p/s needs to go on the SNAXO ie a supercap if you can, and working backwards the preamp was the next most important component. Just my observation.

I assume you know you need a 2nd power amp, ideally a 250 too?

Bruce

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IIRC the Kudos SNAXO is a bit different to the ones for Naim or Linn speakers, and not just a case of a small change in crossover points. Your best bet is to contact Naim support and ask them.

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Thanks Bruce, yes I know ideally you use two Nap250dr power amplifiers.

The Bristol HiFi show set-up was a Supernait 3 feeding the LF and NAP250Dr feeding the HF

I already have a HiCapDr on my SN3 this would move to the SNAXO

Can’t afford a Supercap at the moment. The beauty of doing this setup is you can just upgrade components as funds come available.

I will be running the T606s on SN3 & HiCapDr until I can pickup a NAP250Dr

Then when a SNAXO comes available will add later.

Could add a second HiCapDr or Supercap as you mention at a later date.

Very much funds permitting.

I recognise my suggestion is the poor man’s solution, but it sounded Tip Top @ the show.

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Useful to know.

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Thanks Mech, That’s good to know. I will check it out.

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Thanks Richard, I did meet Derek from Kudos a couple of weeks ago at the Acoustica show, who said he had a brand new SNAXO but couldn’t remember which model 242 or 362 which would be configured for either 606 or 808’s. I emailed him but he hasn’t responded yet. May be nearer new price which is out of reach at the moment.

I will keep watching for a used SNAXO 242 T606 on the usual sites.

If I can’t find a Kudos version I will give Naim support a call.

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Checked out the site, the guy is asking S$2500 which equates to £1500 for the SNAXO plus shipping. I think I will wait until a UK seller has one for sale. But great recommendation !

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You can bargain.. it is common here in Singapore haha.. ask him to reduce probably. It is such a un-common product I am sure he is eager to let go off. I believe he sold his 606 also already if I not wrong.

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Just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. A bare NDX2 and a Supernait really isn’t enough front end to feed active 606s. I’d suggest that going down the passive route with a 555PSDR on the NDX2, and a 282 and 250DR to replace the Supernait would be more rewarding musically.

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I get that funds are tight, I just hope it works well enough to justify the complexity. Have fun, and you are right to see it as the start rather than the end point of a journey into active systems.

Bruce

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I think he has heard it at a show?

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Right but who would configure a set up like that? Like the whole source first philosopher doesn’t apply! As long as a hifi owner is happy with his set up then I suppose it doesn’t really matter. But??

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Yup. It goes against a lot of the standard advice re active systems especially but if it works for him then that’s all that counts.

I am curious how you connect the SN3 as both preamp, and then ‘after’ the SNAXO as one of the power amps.

Bruce

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Kudos did show it themselves on shows.

NDX2 into Hicapped Supernait 3 Into Hicap DR + Snaxo into Nap 250 for HF and into Supernait 3 for LF.

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… using the power amp in …

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Ok. Interesting. Derek G is a huge fan of active that’s for sure. This was no doubt a way to illustrate the benefits of that. My top spec LP12 with 52/SC/135 and Nsats sounds superb. I know which route I would take.

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I was indoctrinated by Derek Whittington back in ‘80s. He said to go as far as you can passive before going active. Before anyone points it out, I have an active system with ‘just’ and Atom HE, but it was designed for this role. The OP’s idea just seems suboptimal, irrespective of Kudos demonstrating it. Sure it will work, but it rather begs for significant spending on electronics to properly balance the setup. If spending £20,000 plus is on the agenda it’s certainly a way to start.

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Thanks HH, I have discussed this with my supplier. The 555PSDR is a great idea. It’s currently small steps though, so the purchase of a NAP250DR will be next.

He did suggest the 282 with a 250DR to replace the SN3.

But that would mean a new Phono stage.

A good PSU for the NDX2 could come later. XPSDR or 555PSDR

I really wanted to get the Titan 606’s as an end game loudspeaker. So funds are limited at the moment.

I can go active with the components I already own and for the price of a NAP250dr and SNAXO242.

I suppose it’s about best bang for your buck! The Bristol Show setup was Tip Top using exactly what I would be using.

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