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.
Yes, you need a Snaic 4, with 4 pins at each end. You can often find them on eBay, just make sure it’s genuine.
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.
An update out of courtesy. I’ve ordered a new genuine 4 pin to 4 pin SNAIC which should hopefully arrive next week.
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👍
Good show. You should find improvements in sound over the next few days as the Flatcap settles in.
It’s been on for about 3 hours now - definitely more refined and spacious.
Ok, time for an update.
To my ears and in my system (etc.) adding an FC XS to a Naim XS3 is a positive. The notable improvements are:
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
Ok, now remove it and listen to the bare XS3 again.
I might do, if I can bring myself to switch it all off and swap the wiring again😉
It’s the only true test of an upgrade.
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.
The Flatcap is a really nice upgrade. Why bother removing it? Just enjoy it.
Thanks HH. Yes I am very pleased with the results.
Nice, enjoy your upgrade.
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.
