I just thought it could be nice spending other peoples money, as max budget isnāt mentioned.
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This is my experience too. I was really happy with SN3 + HCDR fed by XPS DR and NDX2, it is truly excellent, but could not help myself and moved to a used 282/250DR which I expected to be a significant step upwards. The 282/250DR did some things better than the SN3/HCDR - it certainly has more power if that is what is needed, but I felt I had also lost some musicality too. That said it was used and may have needed a service. I have since moved on to a 252/300DR which really is a huge improvement in every respect and I think will be my end point.
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Thanks for all the comments, Iāve added them to my āupgrade fileā but Iāll carry on loving my SN3 for now!
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SN3 is a great amp in its own right. I can listen to my Nait 50s and switch to my SN3 and never feel Iām being short changed. They each have their own strengths but they are both super communicators and an endless source of enjoyment.
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Yes, the only really direct upgrade for the SN3 in the Naim range at present might be ā¦ the N50 ā¦ if you could call it that ā¦ which, of course, it isnāt.
Changing to separates letās call it more of a different concept?
I only sold my SN3 as the NSC222 came out and I did prefer it to the NDX2, which caused a few adjustments.
I completely echo @Adam1 ās comments above.
I started my Naim journey with the SN2. It has a lower mid bass hump which gives it a powerful, weighty and warm sound. It wasnāt the best at resolving detail and occasionally it could sound etched or glassy but it is a really enjoyable musical amp and I can understand why some prefer it over the other Supernaits. I part exāed mine for a SN3 which I love. The SN3 goes deeper in the bass register and resolves detail better. The SN2 sounds like a beefier warmer amp. The SN3 also has a punch and warmth and is evenly balanced across the frequencies. The SN3 has a larger sound stage allowing you to follow instruments more easily. Not once did I think it needed a HiCap. Itās a brilliant integrated amp.
When I bought the Nait50 I was surprised at how good it sounded. The Nait50 sounds leaner when compared to the SN3 and I miss the warmth of the full sized Supernaits. The Nait50 has the deepest and tightest bass of all 3 amps and resolves detail beautifully. Itās balanced and presents the sound in a really pleasing and coherent way; there is space to pick out everything that is going on but crucially you donāt get drawn into analysing the sound, rather you enjoy the whole musical presentation. It feels effortless and more alive. I donāt think itās a better or worse amp than the SN3. I prefer the Nait50, my wife prefers the SN3.
At this level, these are great amps and itās down to personal preferences and what complements the rest of oneās system. The reason I have the Nait50 and not the SN3? I found myself craving listening sessions. I realised I was listening to music more with the Nait50. Not better or worse, but for my tastes, just listening to music a lot more. Simple as that.
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Really interesting thoughts, thanks Leap
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100%ā¦. So good I bought 2ā¦.. Theyāre incredible amplifiers and were a steal during their discounted pricing periodā¦
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What a blast from the past!!
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Hi
Pre Cyrus Mission Cambridge 778 and a special build Cyrus PSX.
The 778 ran hot but when the PSX was installed it stayed cool and my mate has it now.
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Had the Cyrus 2 and PSXR, last version. Build quality was off the charts for back then. It was my last mistake of trade in as opposed to keep.
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I bought my NN50 a few months back, brand new with a full factory warranty, for about 47% off.
Hard to go wrong at that price when IMHO the Nait 50 was well worth its full $3599 US price.
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Pretty good description. I owned the SN2 as well before upgrading to the SN3.
The SN2 seemed a bit more bass-heavy but the SN3 added refinement and better sound stage; more balanced, better range. Adding an HCDR drops the noise floor, tightens up the bass even more, adds a little more refinement. I have never disconnected my HCDR since getting it. I also added a turntable, so the SN3 is necessary since the SN2 lacked a native phono output. I never looked back at the SN2.
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Love that summary.
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