Supernait 2 power supply upgrades

Hi-Fi Corner
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Hi Folks! I hope you are all having a musical day! I’m seeking a little bit of advice from people with similar experience. I’m considering adding a power supply to my Supernait 2. Should i get a hicap2 or hicap DR. What is the difference between the 2? Especially with the supernait 2 and considering the price difference between the hicap 2 and DR models.
Am I right in thinking that as the SN2 has discreet regulators on the pre amp stage, a hicapDR is the logical way to go?

(Current system for ref: Supernait 2 / ND5XS2 / chord Qutest w/ MCRU power supply / Pioneer DB-UB9000 / Dynaudio Special 40 / NACA5 / Chord Shawline Interconnects
Thanks in advance!

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Get the dr one.

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I also have the Supernait 2 and ND5XS2. Last week I added a Hi-Cap DR to the SN2 and the difference is not subtle! I’ve no idea how the different Hi-Caps compare, but I can wholly recommend the DR.

As always, ask your dealer to set up a comparison. They’re unlikely to have the SN2, so take your own or do the comparison on a Supernait 3.

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The benefits of an offboard power supply are considerable, albeit subjective, and I think you will find that a non-DR Hicap in good condition will still deliver compared to the Supernait built in supply.
Having said that, I have never heard a Naim preamp of any generation that didn’t respond well to a DR power supply, so if you can find one at the right price, go for it.

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I put a HiCap DR on my SN2 and was impressed by the performance upgrade. Highly recommended.

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thanks

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Thanks for the advice! Thats kinda what I was hoping to hear!

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thanks!

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Adding any HiCap will make a difference. But the DR version will perhaps hold its resale value better…? Maybe see what you can find, at a price which suits you…?

Whether the difference is to your liking, is… another question entirely… :expressionless:

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Okay, I’ve gone for a Hicap DR. I found a goods deal on a used 2022 model. Thank you all for the help and info!

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The HiCap DR should come supplied with a SNAIC 5 but you’ll also need an additional SNAIC 4 to fully connect up with.

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Yes, I’ve also purchased one of them to go with it. Quick question. Do I need to plug the hicap directly into wall socket mains, like the SN2 etc or can I plug it into a surge protected power extension ? Will this affect the sound ?

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Whatever you do, avoid surge protection with Naim kit - it will kill the sound stone dead.

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Will do, thanks !

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HiCapDR is a hit! its really given my system more of what I was looking for. Better detail retrieval, tighter imaging and better instrument seperation. You can see a lot further into the mix, and the bass! Whoo mamma! Superior in every way.

Thanks all for the advice!

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Congrats.

My Naim dealer described the difference as being like Popeye after he’s eaten his spinach.

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…Or similar to Doctor David Bruce Banner turning into Hulk, according to some folklore :rofl:

Seriously though, enjoy, lovely upgrade.

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