Just wanting to confirm which SNAIC I should purchase.
Today a second hand Flatcap XS arrived - it was sent with a 5 pin black SNAIC and Powerline Lite as expected. I want to connect the FC to my XS3.
I assume the SNAIC 5 goes from the pre-amp out on the XS3 to ‘Power Out A’ on the FC. Do I then need to buy a SNAIC 4 to return the signal from ‘Signal Out A’ to the power amp stage of the XS3?
As they are not cheap, I want to make sure I order the correct SNAIC.
As above a SNAIC 4 pin both ends is what you need. The Flatcap XS (and HiCap) were sold with a SNAIC 5 included as usually you would have a SNAIC 4 with the power amp such as a NAP200 for example.
Thank you both for your replies. I have noticed new cheap ‘SNAICs’ on eBay but I will keep looking for a genuine version. Alternatively a new genuine cable appears to be just under £200. Unfortunately (but not surprisingly) an XS3 does not come with a 4 pin SNAIC when new.
The SNAIC 4 arrived today - prompt delivery. Rigged up the FC this evening. It’s possibly too early to be definitive but there are no negatives so far - no hums/noises etc. I do think things sound bigger and more spacious for a given volume setting - possibly more refinement too. Bass punch/presence is more pronounced at lower volumes which is nice, especially for later night listening.
Will see how everything settles but first impressions are positive👍
To my ears and in my system (etc.) adding an FC XS to a Naim XS3 is a positive. The notable improvements are:
even better clarity/more detailed sound.
greater refinement, particularly in the higher mids/treble where, when paired with the Titanium domed Tannoys, the XS3 could be a bit ‘sharp’ for my ears with certain recordings.
larger/more spacious stage.
a more full sound in the lower frequencies at quiet volumes.
We all have differing views on this but, to me, adding a Flatcap seems a good way of improving on an XS3 if you already own one. YMMV
I understand, but right now I’m just enjoying what I am hearing - definitely more detail/space/clarity on tracks I familiar with. I’m loath to fiddle with it all TBH.
Many thanks - will do. After all the research I’m a bit wiser about what the different power supplies are, what they do and their respective price points.