Supernait 1 vs Supernait 3

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I’m sure this has been done to death but….

I bought a SN1 not long ago and liked it so much I took the plunge and bought a SN3. When I got the SN3 there was a niggle that I preferred the SN1 but thought as it’s new and I only had the SN1 for a short while I wrote it off as memory.

The buyer returned the SN1 saying it didn’t work and when I got it back, plugged in and found it to be working fine I’m surprised how much better it sounds to me than the SN3

It just seems to be much more engaging, has a much more open and dynamic sound than the SN3. It reminds me of the 202/200 I had many years ago and really liked.

The SN3 seems to be very polite in comparison, very good at detail but lacks the emotion and dynamics of the SN1

Really wasn’t expecting that outcome.

2 Likes
2

I’ve not compared the SN3 to the original, but I did enjoy the original Supernait, especially when partnered with a CDX2 and a HICAP. That was a combination that performed beyond the sum of its parts.

I still feel that with it’s combination of plentiful digital as well as analogue inputs (including two tape loops and a powered AUX2), lots of pre/power split possibilities including provision to integrate into an AV system, a dedicated sub out, a 3.5mm input and a headphone amp output, it is the absolute 'Swiss Army knife" of a high end amp, and still so relevant.

1 Like
3

I’ve connected up the HiCap I was using for the prefix and it does seem to have added extra weight to the bass.

1 Like
4

I bought my Supernait new
When SN3 was introduced I had one on a weekend demo and quickly decided I prefereed the Supernait. I thought it easier to listen to, maybe some would say a bit laid back in comparison, but I found the SN3 a bit too agressive, maybe its my speakers (my own design, build and tuning)

The only thing I didn’t like with the Supernait is its poor DAC, but with an NDX and using its DAC, and only for TV sound, I don’t need the Supernats DAC, so all’s well with the world.

2 Likes
5

I like the MM stage in the SN3 but running the prefix/troika off aux2 on the SN1 it’s dead silent compared to the same on the SN3

Similar but I’m just using an ND5XS for streaming/DAC duties now. I will probably connect the TV optical to the SN DAC though (cable too short to reach the ND5 so the SN DAC is handy)

1 Like
6

I really liked the SN1 I have never directly compared one with a SN3 which I think is also very good and in particular when paired with a Hicap.

The SN1 was a very nice amp and did if you needed one had the advantage of a built in DAC.

7

This is where I started my true Hi Fi journey. I remember very well removing a really good and high spec Yamaha A/V receiver and installing the SN1.

It was driving my Spendor A6 speakers at the time. I couldn’t believe the difference in weight and drive to all music played.

I can understand how anyone would enjoy the SN1. Very fond memories indeed.

8

The SQ difference between the crap Supernait DAC vs the ND5 DAC is significant.
Just buy a new correct length Toslink, the cost is peanuts. There’s no SQ differences between ‘cable’ bands, just get a metal Toslink connector in preference over a plastic.

9

It’s only for the TV so I’m not bothered about the difference between DACs for that.

Already have a lifatec optical cable.

10

Exactly as for me ….. only TV. (Sony Bravia)

My Supernait DAC had really sub optimal sound, low level hiss, sort periods of louder cracking and the odd no sound.
Connecting the NDX (DAC) made an amazing difference, no more hiss and odd burst of noise and off periods.
OK the sound is nowhere near streaming quality, but it a lot better than the TV units sound. Something the Supernaits DAC didn’t get close too

11

Surely that’s a fault rather than a DAC with inherently poor sound quality?

1 Like
12

That could well be so, but I spoke with another SN owner who had the same/similar when he tried his CDX.2 digital output into the SN DAC.

I had the SN serviced a few years ago and they did update the software, what software I can only guess it’s the DAC, and no mention of it being defective.
Maybe I might try the TV into it again (but why do that when the NDX DAC is a far better spec)

13

A SN1 in full domestic duty

IMG_5321
IMG_53211920×2560 967 KB

4 Likes
14

This is exactly how I hear it.

I auditioned both the SN2 and SN3 when each were released but every time I ended up preferring SN1. The later models have more refinement to my ears but lose the ‘boogie factor’ that the SN1 has in spades.

15

Good to know because this is what I plan to do with a prefix and SN1.

16

I enjoyed my SN1’s time in our lounge, but like Richard Dane, felt it needed a HiCap to really show what it could do. I also agree with views above on the DAC. I’d already added a nDAC to my CD5XS by the time I got the SN and, unsurprisingly, the DAC in the SN couldn’t compete.

I’d moved to 272/250 by the time SN2 came along so never compared it with SN1.

Roger

17

What DAC would you guys buy to add to a SN1 to vastly improve the sound even if the TV was the only source? Thanks

18

For TV …. something low cost, loads of sub £200 to choose from.

Something better, for higher end source, maybe a Chord Qutest.

19

I found the DAC in the SN quite reasonable - no, not up to that of the Naim DAC, but perfectly good for Bluetooth, computer sources, TV etc.. and I never experienced the issues that Mike has described with his. Of course, with anything AV related, best to stick with the TOSLINK inputs to avoid nasties. IIRC it used a Burr Brown PCM1792A and is basically similar to the DAC in the Unitis. At the time I considered it equivalent to a standalone DAC of around £3-500.

For a respected professional opinion, Martin Colloms’ review from Hifi Critic, might be helpful;

20

Connected the TV to the SN last night and it was fine, no lip sync or popping/noise issues and the sound was good enough for me.