What do the Hi-Caps actually power?

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Slightly vague title, and a forum and google search haven’t presented the answer..

I have a 282 with napsc and 2 x Hi-Cap DRs

From my understanding the napsc powers the switching and digital logic of the pre-amp, keeping the internal power supply of the 282 for the audio side

Now, adding one Hi-Cap presumably negates the internal torroidal transformer of the 282 in favour of a larger external one in the HCDR, providing potentially more stable supply to the audio side of the 282.

Now, when adding a second HCDR, what happens ? Does one HCDR power one audio channel, and the second HCDR the other channel ?

Or something else entirely ?

Thanks

2

There is no transformer at all in Naim pre-amps. The Hicap powers the audio ciruitry. The NAPSC as you correctly assume powers the pots and switching.

3

I went directly to a SC, but with 2 Hicaps does that mean it powers like dual mono L and R, or 2 different sections of a stereo pre unit?
Martin

4

The FAQ to the rescue..

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5

Many thanks Richard

With both HCs helping to power the aux2 socket also, does this almost negate the need for a separate, dedicated HC supply to a Stageline ?

6

Not really as the windings and regulation are shared. When you move up to the NAC252 and a Supercap then there are are dedicated windings and regulators just for AUX2.

4 Likes
7

Many thanks for the explanations - much appreciated

Happy enough with 2x HCDRs to my 282, and a HC2 to the Stageline S (for now :wink: !)

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8

That statement is true for all Naim preamps that predate the NC range.

The NAC 332 does have a transformer inside it:

As does the NSC 222:

nsc-222-streaming-preamplifier
nsc-222-streaming-preamplifier1500×1500 368 KB

4 Likes
9

Still can’t get the fake heatsinks, surely a waste of resources, materials and ultimately cost?
Martin

10

I would guess they serve a function as Naim designs have always used the casework to dissipate heat. With so much regulation and the increase in ICs even pre-amps could get quite warm these days.

2 Likes
11

Some dealers report issues with these as they are so sharp, causing nicks and cuts.

DG…

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12

On reflection maybe it makes sense to have just one case, heatsinks used or not, but it does seem odd to me, thanks
Martin

13

One case to get manufactured. For low heat items the fins are redundant. But fins in my experience tend to require care when moving; only downside i can see.

2 Likes
14

I can relate to that! We have three LK280 power amps with similar side heatsinks. They are very heavy, and I’ve scraped my knuckles several times :grinning_face:

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