To all newbies and / or poor Naim enthusiasts: The FlatCap2 is outstanding
Posted by: Todd A on 27 December 2000
Well, I was fortunate enough to get my FlatCap2 just before Christmas and I can report that it is simply outstanding. Any newbies or poorer Naim fans (like me) need hesitate no longer: go forth to your dealer and order one.
The improvements to my decidedly low-end system (CD3.5, Nait 5) were near-immediate and stunning.* More clarity. More detail – much more detail, especially “low-level” detail. Larger sound – I just don’t know how else to put it. PRaT remains intact, if not improved. The last remaining digital nasties are eliminated, rendering even overly-lit recordings listenable; in other words, the sound is softer on top without any loss of detail. In three words: more analog sounding. (NOT analog sounding, MORE analog sounding. Wanted to clear that up before some people flip.) Lower frequencies sound fuller and more in control. Voices sound more natural.** And lest I forget to mention it, there is also a more apparent “energy” to the music. Some may call it coloration. Whatever. The bottom line is that music sounds much better and even more involving now as compared to before. Some of my discs sound almost breathtakingly wonderful.
And since I listen to my speakers out into the room most of the time, soundstaging is improved, yes soundstaging, for those of you who want that, too. It’s certainly of less importance than the other improvements I noted, but on some discs one just can’t help noticing. It’s actually pretty cool sometimes. (The primary reason I have my speakers out in the room is to smooth out the frequency response to improve piano sound. My MAs sound fine up against the wall except when I listen to piano music. And I listen to a lot of piano music.)
Incidentally, the biggest improvements are the result of powering the pre-amp separately. My tuner sounds absolutely fabulous on some stations now.
I may never need another electronics upgrade again. And since I pretty much know what speakers to get next (top-of-the-line MAs or Joseph Audio RM series speakers), I may be set for life. Of course, if a used CDX is available for the right price sometime next year . . .
* Allow at least 30 minutes of warm-up before listening at all. And wait 2-3 days to really hear what it can do.
** Voices actually sound a little more recessed compared to the instruments, but the overall improvements in tonal accuracy and clarity more than compensate.
[This message was edited by Todd Arola on WEDNESDAY 27 December 2000 at 20:15.]
Posted on: 27 December 2000 by Dave Hartley
Todd,
It's good to hear of the improvements the Flatcap2
has brought to your system.
I was considering going down a similar road.
My system is:- LP12/cd3.5/92/90...Linn Kans MK1
I wasn't sure whether to go for flatcap1 x 2 or
a Flatcap2. Did you ever get the oportunity to audition these 2 power supply set ups.
Dave
Posted on: 27 December 2000 by Todd A
Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to compare two old FlatCaps against one new FlatCap2. To the extent that two old ones are better than one new (if that is the case), the differences would probably be so trivial that I'd prefer to spend the savings from buying one FlatCap2 on more music. Of course, you may be able to find two used FlatCaps for a reasonable price.
Posted on: 27 December 2000 by John C
Todd, I have same electronics as you and plan to get flat-cap asap. I have Royd Doublets and they sound fantastic with piano, have great bass and... drums..., well Ive never heard anything like it! I have heard Neat Mystiques, Rega Elas,Rega Juras, AVI Positrons, Intros; none sounded as good (except Mystiques which were close but not as much scale).
I listened to Empyrean Isles (Herbie Hancock) tonight and was astounded ( How well recorded is that album!!???). Unfortunately they may be difficult to get in the States, if so try Mystiques.
John
Ofcourse as a classical fan you may have different requirements, But the pace and life of Doublets! Wow!
[This message was edited by John C on THURSDAY 28 December 2000 at 00:23.]
Posted on: 28 December 2000 by Steve Toy
I think John should also listen to the Rega Naos if he was not overly impressed by the Juras. Although twice the price they are worth every penny - more natural sounding as opposed to the excess emphasis on frequency extremes.Sound fuller too-more like good analogue, if such a description can be used of a speaker and not a source.
Posted on: 28 December 2000 by Bob Edwards
KP--
Funnily enough I just heard a CD5/Nait5/Flatcap 2 driving 1.5s. It sounded great ! (I used to own 2.5s which I loved; swapped them for SBLs which are even better musically.) The 1.5s do need some space from the back wall--like 2' minimum--or they can boom. If you have the space I would definitely recommend trying them at home to see what you think.
Cheers,
Bob @ Qwest
Ride the Light !
Posted on: 28 December 2000 by Le Chef
Knowing you can power two pieces of equipment which should be given priority? NAC112, CD5, Stageline?
Posted on: 29 December 2000 by Todd A
I don't have experience with the Stageline, but I can say without reservation that your primary goal should be to power the pre-amp. That's where I experienced my biggest gain in my system. Then I'd worry about the CD5, and then the Stageline.
Posted on: 31 December 2000 by Martin Payne
The two output sockets on the Flatcap2 are not the same.
Only the main one has sufficient current capability to power the preamp. The second socket is only able to power lower current draw items such as CD player or Stageline.
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 31 December 2000 by Jean-Claude
I just bought my FLatcap 2 YESTERDAY, and I confirm that it is simply wonderful.
I have CD 3.5 /92 R /90.3. With this improvment I am hearing some details for the first time, such as counterbass pinching , voices catching their breath ....
I just have a small remark towards the NAIM company which did not update the manuel "power supplies" provided with this Flat Cap 2.
My dealer explained me how to connect the 92 and the CD 3.5, but I am still wondering about the use of the SIGNAL "D" Output next to the 2nd power supply 5 pin connection.
Posted on: 01 January 2001 by Steve Toy
Le Flatcap 2 est equippe pour alimenter deux elements en meme temps, comm par exemple le CD5 et un preampli ou le Headline, un ampli pour casques.Voila la raison pour laquelle il y a deux prises
Posted on: 02 January 2001 by Jean-Claude
Steven,
I bought the FlATCAP2 in order to connect it to 2 devices (in my case: 92 / CD 3.5). But once you have connected the 5 pin connector to the CD 3.5, you still have one 4 pins connector left which is called signal "D" output?
Therefore I was asking NAIM to supply also the recommended connection scheme of the FLATCAP2.
Best regards
Jean-Claude
P.S: thank you to have written your reply in french
Posted on: 04 January 2001 by Jay
Great to hear some more success with the Flatcap 2. In my opinion an excellent cost/effective upgrade.
It's been working wonders for me in my system (3.5,72,180, Intros)over the past 6 weeks or so. Just about didn't go on holiday!!!
Jay
Posted on: 04 January 2001 by Jay
Hi Magnus
I definitely have both connected, that's the main appeal to me. Two Flatcap's for the price of one (well - just a little bit more).
I haven't listened to it on "just" the 3.5 or "just" the 72. Enjoying my sounds too much and I suppose I don't seem much point - I'm never going to use it like that.
At the time I purchased it I had the option of Flatcap2 or a "new" old model Flatcap. I listened to the Flatcap connected to the 3.5 then the 72 and found that the biggest improvement "to my ears" was with the 3.5.
Then I compared this to the Flatcap2 powering both. Easy decision for me, just a little bit more money got me a lot more music. Looking back I don't understand how I lived with an "uncapped" 3.5 for so long!
Hope that helps.
Jay
Posted on: 08 January 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes
quote:
The pre-amp first, no doubt
At a recent dem of the 5 series kit (NAC112 / NAP150 / CD5) I found that the flatcap on the CD5 was a bigger musical improvement than when added the pre-amp (we added it one device at a time).
It may be that the CD5 responds better than the CD3.5, but since my new system will have three devices fighting for the Flatcap2 (CD / pre / Prefix) I shall experiment to determine the best option.
I'll also email Naim directly for their advice, as they may be able to provide an answer based on experience / design knowledge (one assumes the prefix will benefit from the PSU added to the pre-amp so this may be the best option?) - I'll post the results here.
Andy.
Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com
