Rick, fear not - the SN2 is a cracking “little” amp. Keep in mind that what you read here is a case of exception from the rule if I may say: most SN2 owners love the integrated. Personally, I went from Nait 5i to Uniti and then to SN2 - happy with it. See how you like it and if it feels wrong, move it on;) Vik
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After this thread, which has been really interesting so thanks @murphy1 
, I must book a dem of the SN2 against my XS2. I’d always assumed that the SN2 would be the natural next step when funds allow…hmmm, looking forward to hearing it in light of the above!
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Happy to hear that you’re happy now! That’s what’s important 
Hi Rick, I hope your happy with the s/n2, I’m now convinced that the one I had was faulty, the xs2 is so much bigger and bolder sounding, more punch, wider soundstage and more of an in the room sound, listening to them both side by side the xs2 is a country mile ahead, I think my next home demo will be 282/200 when funds allow.
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I’m now convinced my s/n2 was faulty, I will try another in my system at some point just to satisfy my curiosity, too many people speak so highly of it to be as bad as mine was.
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Almost sounds as if the SN2 was internally wired out of phase… Sure sounds as if something was wrong.
The amount of times I checked the connections thinking I’d got the speaker plugs upside down or something, so could be.
There’s nothing worse than the anti climax of when an exciting upgrade sounds worse, glad you’ve got the magic back!
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@murphy1
Your description of the XS2 is exactly how I find mine…a little beauty! I am intrigued as to how an SN2 may improve/develop this presentation. Or (gulp) not…
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I think it has a lot to do with the speakers. I bought the NS2 because my Special 40 need more current and drive and the Rega wasn’t delivering.
As someone who has tried out many Naim amps I would agree that upgrades do not always live up to expectations, sometimes the improvement is just more subtle than we where expecting and others it changes the whole dynamic presenting music in a way that we are not used too. Last night I was listening to the Linn Jazz internet radio staion on my upraded Uniti 1 and I cannot remember it sounding massively better on any of the Naim amps I’ve owned and I’m really enjoying listening to all of my music. It sounds as though you’ve found a perfect combo in your room and I’d stick with it and spend that extra cash either on your record player or your record collection.
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My dynaudio contours should have performed better with s/n2 but didn’t, in fact the nait 5 drove them better prior to the xs2, I will try another s/n2 before I’m done as I’m sure that one had issues, it wasn’t just under performing it was all that I know a naim amp isn’t.
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The xs2 is indeed a little beauty, see if you can home demo a s/n2 for at least a couple of weeks if your interested in one, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
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The whole xs range is rather nice. I think it was a mistake to axe the XP5xs (and by extension remove this upgrade option from the ND5xs2) and the pre/power combo.
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I managed to purchase my new NAIT XS 2 amplifier to compliment my ND5 XS 2 with Neat SX2 speakers yesterday and I am really over joyed with it’s performance so far. I have been up since 6:00am listening to it and it really has my foot tapping to all of my favourite music. I have this playing right now and my partner and I are having a few beers to celebrate owning such a wonderful system!
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If you’re enjoying it now, just wait a couple of weeks, it’ll blow you away, it really is a special amplifier. great choice of music too.
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McCartney at 6am on a Sunday, I bet your neighbours love you.
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Morning beers are the best. Enjoy!
I just passed from xs-2 Hi cap dr to supernait2 + Hi cap dr. With the proac d15 the improvement is noticeable . More natural sound, without harshness, it invites to increase volume always more.
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My neighbours are not disturbed as I have had headphones on in the early hours - McCartney is being played now at a respectful volume. I have never disturbed my neighbours in the ten years I have lived here. The XS 2 has a superb headphone output by the way. One of the main reasons why I never went for a SN2 is bcause I don’t need all that extra power