s/cap, 2nd 180 or 250?

Posted by: naimless! on 14 April 2003

hi folks

can anyone help. current set-up is cdx/xps/82/napsc/2*hi-cap/180 and nautilus 804's.

option 1 sell hi-caps, buy supercap
option 2 buy 2nd 180
option 3 sell 180, buy a 250

i always read that the 804's need a bit of power
so thats why i'm considering the amp upgrade. although i'm reasonably happy, i still feel more control can be attained. i have noticed considerable benfits with the addition of the 2 hi-caps, therefore considered the upgrade to supercap.

max system for me would be cdx/xps/s-capped 82/2*180 or 250. i'm happy with the speakers,amp and cd for now, but perhaps the 52 will eventually be in my sights. i am unsure about the use of 180's for bi-amping and the wiring etc, but just wondered if anyone has realised any benefits from this?

any help would be very much appreciated.

thanx



pete
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Peter C
The supercap is a wise investment and it will be obligatory if you upgrade to 52 later.

The 180 is definitely not in the same league as a 250 and upgrading to 250 is a wise choice also.
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by Phil Barry
Did you ever run a Naim preamp without a hicap? If so, what did you think when you added the first? I know I thought the hicap (added to a 72) gave what I would have expected froma power amp upgrade...so I'd lean toward a supercap.

And most of my responses to hifi equipment have conformed to the source-first theory, so I'd accept the proposition that the source, preamp, and amps should be ,axed out before going active...so I'd eschew a 2nd 180. I might consider a 2nd 250, but I'd listen carefully to a 300, since a 2nd 250, and a hicap/SNAXO plus my current amp might cost less than a 300.

Of course, if Naim theory has not served you well in the past, your mileage is likely to vary from mine.

Regards.

Phil
Posted on: 14 April 2003 by achandoke
Get a better amp, your source and preamp are strong and the amp is the weakest link in your system.
Posted on: 17 April 2003 by naimless!
well thanx. phil, gonna dem the 250 and s/cap, cant believe wot naim power supplies do? but every one xps,hi,hi2 has blown me away! transformers be jesus!

phil & a, i always like the fast/fiesty 180's, i tried 250 b4 and thought it would sort out the power problem with b&w...it cut out much faster then the 180 at 9.30 positioon, and more clipping from speakers?

maybe need to try this again but, the s/cap might be a big jump?

gonna dem....thanx for help lads


cheers pete
Posted on: 20 April 2003 by NB
Pete,

You will notice a big jump on purchasing the Supercap, however you will notice another big jump on replacing the 180 with a 250.

Source first theory says that you should buy the Supercap first, however I wouldn't fault you if you bought the 250 first. Its a tough call but seeing as its your money, listen to them both first and then decide for yourself which makes the biggest improvement.

Regards

NB