Power supplies - Hicap - Supercap - XPS ???

Posted by: naimtheday on 30 November 2002

I have 102/CDX/250/Isobariks, just sold old Hicap and need to fill the hole. Do I go for another Hicap or Supercap or even XPS (?).

[This message was edited by Richard Dane on MONDAY 02 December 2002 at 12:34.]

Posted on: 30 November 2002 by NB

Your system does appear to be out of balance at the moment with too much emphysis on the power amp and the speaker.

You will be better starting with the front end and looking at the XPS first. Then consider upgrading that 102 next to a 82 at least.

After that its then time to consider that Super cap.

A CDX/XPS, 82/Super/250 would then be a much better system to power a pair of Isobarik's

Regards

NB

Posted on: 30 November 2002 by monkfish

Hi
Correct me if I'm wrong but as you can't power the 102 from the power amp (as it's a 250), a power supply here would be the most advantageous.
Regards
Jim

Posted on: 30 November 2002 by Tuan

quote:
Originally posted by alexgerrard:
...... I don't know whether or not a Supercap will work with the 102

Alex

I use a supercap (SC) to power my 102 (SC output1) and use the SC output 2 with a SLIC cable to power the digital part of the 102. It sounds really good this way.

Posted on: 30 November 2002 by Mark Dunn

Hi Tuan:

I currently have a 102/NAPSC/Hi-Cap and am intrigued by your set up. Some questions:

1. Is the S/C output 2 the correct voltage (~17V) for what would normally be the NAPSC' job? I thought the S/C outputs were +/-24V.

2. As the S/C is designed to be used with both SNAIC style outputs in operation together (à la 82), I assume there are no grounding issues which could affect performance. Is this correct?

3. What are the sonic gains in using the S/C output over the NAPSC?

Thanks!

Best Regards,
Mark Dunnn

Posted on: 30 November 2002 by Tuan

quote:
Originally posted by Mark Dunn:
Hi Tuan:

I currently have a 102/NAPSC/Hi-Cap and am intrigued by your set up. Some questions:

1. Is the S/C output 2 the correct voltage (~17V) for what would normally be the NAPSC' job? I thought the S/C outputs were +/-24V.

2. As the S/C is designed to be used with both SNAIC style outputs in operation together (à la 82), I assume there are no grounding issues which could affect performance. Is this correct?

3. What are the sonic gains in using the S/C output over the NAPSC?

Thanks!

Best Regards,
Mark Dunnn

Mark

I have try the following combinations:
102 + Hicap
102 + supercap + NAPSC
102 + supercap with the SLIC cable connect from the second supercap 24 v output (designed to power the 82 to rplace 2 hicaps)

Going to supercap from hicap gives noticeable improvement in term of clarity and details and the sound is more airy. Replacing the NAPSC with the SLIC connection show minor improvement. The SLIC + Suprecap connection to the 102 works flawlessly. Dont worry about the voltage issue. What really happens is the Supercap provides lot more power to the digital part of the 102 (compare to the NAPSC) and the regulation inside the 102 will bring the power down to the required level. More regulated power is always good.... This is the Naim way (laugh). Cheers.