Indeed we are!
Does the XPS DR power the pre-amp of the SN3? It’s not a PS I know anything about, apart from its almost equivalent price w/ SCDR. I thought it powered DACs and/or something other than pre’s.
I am fairly unschooled in the techy stuff
XPS is for powering an NDX2.
Supernait default is HiCap but a Supercap can as well although given its price relative to the Supernait not a lot of folks go that route.
Thanks @Mr.M
But wouldn’t the price thing also apply to NDX2 (no idea of its cost, btw) and XPS?
Why would one be seen as more valid an expense than the other?
The Supercap was ultimately designed for the NAC 252 pre amp and uses it to its full advantage as they were designed for one another.
The Supercap can be used on the Supernaits but it doesn’t use it to its full advantage due to how it’s connected. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer any improvements which I am sure it does.
Thanks @popeye.
I didn’t know the origin of the SC, or rather, that it was a specific intent. I presume then, a Burndy ( as with my SuperLine/SCDR) would be necessary for its full use.
Now… imagine if SN3 was Burndy-ready! Heh…
Yes.
G
Ahh that’ll be the Supernait 500.
When can I pre-order?
You can order when Naim decides to rethink their entire lineup, presumably, due to lack of sales for separates.
It’s on the same list as the 272 v2 apparently…
Yeah that’s the spirit! Why not try it if you can afford it (likely awaiting service on your NAC/NAP)
I agree. On my system and on that YT video it’s about the same. If you can detect it with headphones on, you will clearly hear the benefits of adding the HiCap DR. My Neat Motives pick up on it with immediate effect. It’s an excellent add on piece of electronic lego to the NDX 2/SN3 combo.
If I was to summarize the differences, the XPS DR lowers the noise floor, giving more resolution, detail and a wider soundstage. The HiCAP is more about solidifying the presentation and bringing more cohesion. Source first would point towards doing the XPS DR first and I think it adds more, but it’s more then twice the cost of the HiCAP, so either or both are good options at their price points.
I am looking forward to hearing that solidity and cohesion you mention! My HiCap, ordered in May has still not arrived. Hopefully it will come before the summer factory shutdown.
You should receive one soon. My dealer has told me that the waiting for new components is around the 8 week mark in present times. Hopefully it will be really worth the wait and you will be really happy with the HiCap DR. I will be interested to hear what you think, especially as you run a really top source with same amp. I took mine out and felt it was a downgrade so back in it went and i’m slumming it with only a NDX 2.
Also keen to hear your thoughts as I’m looking to add one to my SN3…
Dealer’s been in touch this morning, but only to say still no news and Naim apparently not giving any clues about waiting times now. Anyway, as I’m over eight weeks now, it shouldn’t be too much longer. On holiday from the end of next week, so if it doesn’t arrive soon there’ll be no reports for a while.
Honestly, I could easily live with what I have, but adding a HiCap is such an easy upgrade. Getting the best balance of performance and simplicity from a system without a pre and power is the aim. With the kind of easy to drive speakers I like, I don’t need bags more power (although the better amps don’t just bring extra power I know). But a Supernait can already do wonders with DeVore and Harbeth speakers, and the pre is the weakest point in the system, so if the HiCap tickles the pre’s performance a bit, that’ll be a very nice upgrade.
If anything happens, I’ll certainly be back to tell the story.
Crikey, Naim must be rushed off their feet, either that or lack of parts & staff. I hope you get your unit real soon. Enjoy for for now. It’s just icing on a already rather toothsome cake! The SN3 is all you need. I don’t hanker after a pre-power whatsoever. I used to run a active system. Bye then!