Supernait 3 - Addition of HiCap DR

LOL — but I had PRECISELY the same thoughts. If you like ATC and they work in your room, you would be in a very fine place with the mentioned black boxes. And imagine if you found a little bit extra space — just one half width… Even greater options… :scream: :scream: :scream:

Possibly, but I can’t upgrade the power amp section, so a HiCap will have to do. Let’s see. My speakers are rather sensitive DeVore Fidelity 3XLs over 90dB sensitivity and never drop below 6Ohms, so the power amp certainly isn’t stressed, even when the SN3 is cranked up.

Haha. I see where you are going. But don’t forget the S1 is one box! So I can still stay within the limit. This was also discussed.

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Well, the logic step to upgrade the SN3 is with a HiCap for it’s pre-amp section because it decouples it’s onboard supply for the power amp stage and provides cleaner power for the pre-amp stage. A win win situation ‘d say and it shows as soon as you plug it in.

Maybe my dealer will call tomorrow to say it’s here! All this chat has got me very excited to hear it all in action.

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Don’t forget that you will need a SNAIC 4pin also.

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Yes, on order too! Thanks.

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I don’t think that i’m talking about the amount of wattage here but rather the quality of wattage. In that Youtube video Jason upgrades the HiCapped SN3 with a NAP 200, which on paper, is less powerful than the SN3’s own…

Funny I watched both videos. The long one says they added a NAP200, but Jason says it was a NAP250 in the other (shorter) one-on-one video. For demo purposes I would think adding the NAP250DR would make more sense. Regardless educational videos for sure.

Oh and I can’t imagine my SN3 without a HiCapDR and nope I didn’t even try to experiment without it. Sounds really good IMHO

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Yes it can be a little a confusing but even in the manual it states a NAP 200 for an upgrade, I could be wrong though, i’ll dig it out tomorrow and have a read.

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You are right. The manual says NAP 200 for an upgrade. Says the same thing in my old XS2 manual. It makes sense as the Power will be isolated. As good as the SN3 is, separates are better (just like the YouTube video).

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I recently added a HiCap DR to a SN3. Pretty minor improvement to my ears. For me, frankly, it wasn’t worth the cost. Maybe it’s still settling in (about a month in). The jump from ND5XS2 to NDX was bigger IMO.

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I didn’t really like what a HCDR did to my SN2. It added weight to the bottom end and a bigger sound over all, but I felt like it took away some Prat and speed… It was more bouncy and fun without the HCDR… More mature sounding with. Listened with it for three months. Moved it on.

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That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. I think that if the rest of your system is not running optimum then maybe a HiCap DR will bring very little differences. In mine it’s not huge but it’s definitely improved and more articulate than without it in. The decay from certain instruments (especially acoustic guitar) and with other background individual instruments are better defined and easier to follow, the noise floor is lower and the presentation as a whole is more delicate and tangible. Well, that’s what i have found anyway. The only way is to try one for yourself and hear what happens for yourself. For me it was worth the extra outlay. Plus it puts in place a good foundation if one wants to start pursuing a separate pre-power further on down the road.

P.S Without the HiCap i can hear what some here mean when they talk about the boogie factor but on that same token there is less articulation and depth going on and being able to draw the attention for longer periods with different genres of music.

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Yes, you’re right about the quality of watts too. My speakers are often partnered with 10wpc valve amps, and I used to have a NAP100 which was more than powerful enough to drive them, but when I substituted a NAP250DR the change in the sound was very easy to hear. Definition, authority, bass, it sounded like I’d upgraded my speakers to a much bigger model.
My speakers’ designer John DeVore has used a very expensive analogue front end and phono pre amp with a Nait XS Flatcap at shows and got rave reviews for sound, so I decided to follow in his source first footsteps. I am very pleased with the results so far, and a little preamp boost via HiCap will be welcome I am sure.
But no email from my dealer saying a HiCap turned up this morning…dream on.

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Congrats on your system Monkey Jim. Well considered in my opinion. As far as Naim systems go, you’ve got fairly sensitive, easy to drive speakers and with not a lot of low frequencies to drive. Upgrade at some point to a 552/100. :wink:

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I am still hoping to report on the benefits of a HiCap DR on a Supernait 3 on this thread, but Naim aren’t playing ball on delivery. It was ordered in mid May, my dealer is exasperated. Looks like it’ll be another few weeks at least. Anyway, if I get something you’ll see it here first.

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Worth the wait, maybe a chance to grow something nice to eat or paint a fence and watch it dry!

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I have just acquired a supernait 3 - ex dem at an advantageous price. Not connected it up yet - will do so over the weekend and box the unitiqute up

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Congratulations Tim on finding an excellent deal!

…where are you putting the SN 3?

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