Which is preferred SQ: 2 HiCap DR's or a Supercap DR

Hi-Fi Corner
1

OK, this has come up lots of times with view both sides, and never a consensus (as if we ever do :smile: ) so thought a quick show of hands may conclude where the support is - Thank You!
Update - this would be for an NAC82 or NAC282 - I would imagine the answers would be the same

  • 2 HiCap DRā€™s
  • 1 Supercap DR
0 voters

Iā€™m just thinking about box reduction more than anything from my 2 HiCaps, but want to judge if this might be a bad move as of course there is no demoing these now

2

With either a nac252, superline or even possibly a snaxo (unless using lesser NAPs), only a supercap will do?
The question is imho biased, without a system config.

edit: iirc the supercap isnā€™t fully utilised by a NAC82 and hi-caps x 2 is the same shelf space as a s-cap, so interested to know how this amounts to box count drop, if measured by shelf space?

3

Supercap non DR
Martin

4

Box count, not space.
Advantage of a SC for me would be a spare powerline to sell, and overall service cost would be less, and possible SQ improvement. It would allow a 52 in the future, although thatā€™s probably not happening.

Made some edits to help clarify, thanks

5

Martin

Curious about this. What do you prefer about nonDR vs DR?

1 Like
6

Appreciate the logic, fair if I donā€™t vote, I went from one h-cap to a supercap, interestingly on NAC82.
From there when dealer offered ex-dem (or maybe a trade in) 252, I was set, I thought.
The 252 wasnā€™t for everyone, but I enjoyed it, until an exdem 552 fell into my orbit, in a deal that was a no brainer.
Just a thought, did the 52 have its own ps for a time (initially) or could it always be powered by a supercap?

7

I think there was a NAP52PS in the early days - or at least a very similar name, replaced by the supercap which covered more kit

1 Like
8

I guess it has been mentioned occasionally on the forum, hence my observation.
Iā€™ve never been frustrated by upgraditis, as it seems to be called. I settle and then enjoy for a long period, perhaps until a service presents an opportunity. At some stage downsizing et al will have to be faced, but Iā€™m holding out.
I was though enthusiast for a NSC222 in the kitchen diner, tricky room acoustically, a Nova + S400s were lost; NC kit just sorted it all (bought unheard but I didnā€™t say that!)

Good luck with whatever you decide.

1 Like
9

AI has the answer to everything- data in China but Iā€™ve taken one for the teamā€¦

When comparing two Naim HiCap DRs to one Naim SuperCap in terms of sound quality, the choice depends on your system setup, preferences, and the specific components youā€™re powering. Hereā€™s a breakdown to help you decide:

Two Naim HiCap DRs

  • Advantages:

    • Dual-Mono Configuration: If youā€™re using two HiCap DRs to power separate channels (e.g., one for the left channel and one for the right), this can provide better channel separation and a wider, more detailed soundstage.
    • Flexibility: You can allocate one HiCap DR to power the preamp section and the other to power a critical part of the system, which can improve overall performance.
    • Cost-Effective Upgrade: If you already own one HiCap DR, adding a second can be a more affordable upgrade path compared to jumping to a SuperCap.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Complexity: Managing two power supplies can be more cumbersome, and youā€™ll need the appropriate cabling and setup.
    • Space: Two units take up more space than a single SuperCap.

One Naim SuperCap

  • Advantages:

    • Higher Power Reserve: The SuperCap has a larger power supply capacity, which can deliver more current and stability, especially in demanding systems.
    • Simpler Setup: A single unit is easier to manage and requires less cabling.
    • Refinement: The SuperCap is designed as a higher-tier product, often offering a more refined and controlled sound with better dynamics and lower noise.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Cost: A SuperCap is significantly more expensive than a single HiCap DR, and even more so compared to two HiCap DRs.
    • Less Flexibility: While itā€™s a more powerful unit, it doesnā€™t offer the same dual-mono flexibility as two HiCap DRs.

Sound Quality Comparison

  • Two HiCap DRs: If configured correctly (e.g., dual-mono), this setup can offer exceptional channel separation, detail, and soundstage width. Itā€™s particularly effective in systems where powering different components separately can yield noticeable improvements.
  • One SuperCap: Generally, the SuperCap provides a more refined and authoritative sound, with better dynamics and a quieter background. Itā€™s often preferred for its simplicity and overall performance.

Which is Preferred?

  • If you value dual-mono operation and want to maximize channel separation and detail, two HiCap DRs might be the better choice.
  • If you prefer a simpler setup with higher power reserves and a more refined sound, one SuperCap is likely the better option.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your system, listening preferences, and budget. If possible, audition both setups in your system to see which one aligns better with your expectations.

3 Likes
10

@Straydog1
Being a bit provocative to be honest, we just love our 82 non DR SC, it rocks like wow, but I have seen comments in the past mentioning they prefer non DR, wonder if JV was involved in DR? Interesting
Martin

2 Likes
11

Iā€™ve never seen a voting discussion yet where the OP gets the options right first time - Iā€™m certainly no exception to that :smile:

1 Like
12

Both have the same transformer and capacitors, main difference is SC feeds seven regulators, while HC feeds just one. With the HC you get a dedicated transformer and pair of capacitors per channel, I donā€™t see how the SC can be better suited.

13

Ya canā€™t get to a 52/252 with two HiCaps. Just sayinā€¦

4 Likes
14

You neglected to mention, a SC provides a single path to earth, whereas two HiCaps will unfortunately provide two paths to earth for the same preamp. Thatā€™s not ideal.

Also I donā€™t think power reserve comes into this at all. The output is non variable DC and. The current output on both is only suitable for 0.3A. The over specced transformers certainly deliver stable current well isolated from mains but these are not power amps so ā€œpower reservesā€ wonā€™t be an issue. Both HiCaps and SuperCaps have sufficient large capacitors after rectification if that is what you are referring to. But that primarily plays a role in smoothing as there are no appreciable transient draws in their use case.

15

A SC on a 282 will connect with two cables, so two paths to earth for the same preamp.

16

Thatā€™s not quite true. Because the SC has one earth. Itā€™s not different from the multiple grounds in any product that meet in the same place. There is ultimately a single path to earth for the product. When using two HiCaps there is one earth per HC. One HiCap carries signal ground to earth plus the standard reference and itā€™s own safety ground, the other carries only reference and safety ground. With a Supercap, they all meet in the same place - itā€™s a single path to earth. .

17

But the 282 has two. The minute differences in cable length, resistance and connection efficiency will inevitably cause a ground differential. The SC may have have one reference to earth, but the 282 has two, whether connected to two HCs or to a SC. Two cables carrying ground, two references to ground. Itā€™s unavoidable.

18

ā€œNAC52PSā€. Could only be used with the 52 pre apart from a few that were re socketed for the Prefix (never come across one of these though).