NAC 82 supercap vs. 2 hicaps
Posted by: Emil Petagna on 12 August 2002
Hello,
Currently I have three hicaps in my system. Two are on my NAC 82 and one that I switch between a CD5 and prefix. The changing of the cables on the one hicap is starting to get old.
The following are two options that I am considering:
1) Purchase another hicap.
2) Sell one hicap and purchase a supercap for the
NAC 82.
Assuming that I will not be upgrading to a NAC 52,is a supercap a dramatic improvement over two hicaps to justify the cost differance between option 1 and 2? What differances could I expect to hear with a supercap vs. two hicaps?
Anyone who has experience with this comparison or upgrade I welcome your comments.
Thanks,
Emil
Currently I have three hicaps in my system. Two are on my NAC 82 and one that I switch between a CD5 and prefix. The changing of the cables on the one hicap is starting to get old.
The following are two options that I am considering:
1) Purchase another hicap.
2) Sell one hicap and purchase a supercap for the
NAC 82.
Assuming that I will not be upgrading to a NAC 52,is a supercap a dramatic improvement over two hicaps to justify the cost differance between option 1 and 2? What differances could I expect to hear with a supercap vs. two hicaps?
Anyone who has experience with this comparison or upgrade I welcome your comments.
Thanks,
Emil
Posted on: 13 August 2002 by Bosh
If you have a Prefix/Hicap on the TT it should be safe to assume that it is well ahead of the CD5. The most logical upgrade would therefore be a CDX (adding an XPS later) which should be cheaper than a Supercap. It may also be worth getting Naim to service the Hicap which you say is old. This could then be dedicated to the Prefix allowing it to be fully warmed up at all times hence improving the vinyl source also
Posted on: 13 August 2002 by Simon Matthews
Nice idea but if vinyl is his bag then the supercap is a great improvement on the 82. Sell on the older hicap and use the other two as already suggested would be very nice. The cd5 and prefix will both also benefit from not being turned on and off all the time.
Posted on: 13 August 2002 by Naheed
I went from the 82 with 2 Hicaps - to the supercap a few months ago, to me it wasn't an in-your-face improvement i demand, but it just offerred more low end oomph, and refinement.
Was it worth it ?
Probably
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
Was it worth it ?
Probably
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
Posted on: 13 August 2002 by Emil Petagna
Simon is right on when he says vinyl is my bag. Maybe the move is to put a supercap on the prefix and stay with 2 hicaps on the 82! Any thoughts?
Posted on: 14 August 2002 by Simon Matthews
IMO the supercap is going to do more with the 82, leaving the hicap for the prefix.
Posted on: 14 August 2002 by GC
quite frankly i thought there was a fault with my 82 until i got a supercap, it was like night and day, tightened up the bass no end and made it all sing like it never had done before, its not stopped since either! sell your hicaps add a bit more cash and you really will be laughing! - again - sorry bruce!
Posted on: 14 August 2002 by bruce
Gus, I've forgiven and forgotten. But, boy, was I gutted at the time. 
Posted on: 15 August 2002 by Steve C 01
I've just bought a Supercap, to upgrade from 82/1x Hicap. I'll be installing today, I'm expecting a BIG improvement!
Will report if it isn't!!!!
Steve C 01
Will report if it isn't!!!!
Steve C 01
Posted on: 15 August 2002 by Mick P
Steve
It will sound dead ordinary when you connect it up.
You will need to leave it overnight before it sounds half decent.
It takes a good 3 weeks to come up to speed.
Regards
Mick
It will sound dead ordinary when you connect it up.
You will need to leave it overnight before it sounds half decent.
It takes a good 3 weeks to come up to speed.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 15 August 2002 by Naheed
The supercap does take sometime to come on song - it'll charm you in a subtle way (though the increase in bass is apparent immediately)
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
Posted on: 16 August 2002 by GC
naheed, you cant be 102 years of age!
Posted on: 16 August 2002 by Naheed
y-o-u bloody kids >~>
maybe thats why i did'nt hear the big supercap improvement everyone here talks about, must be a faulty hearing aid
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
[This message was edited by Naheed on FRIDAY 16 August 2002 at 13:58.]
maybe thats why i did'nt hear the big supercap improvement everyone here talks about, must be a faulty hearing aid
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
[This message was edited by Naheed on FRIDAY 16 August 2002 at 13:58.]
Posted on: 17 August 2002 by Emil Petagna
Your not the only one who didn't hear the big supercap improvement. Someone who's ears I trust felt that the differance was not as great as going from 1 hicap to 2. That's why I posted this thread.
My next step is to arrange a loaner from my dealer and have a listen in my system.
Emil
My next step is to arrange a loaner from my dealer and have a listen in my system.
Emil
Posted on: 18 August 2002 by Naheed
The supercap improvement is not the initial jaw dropping, wow thats amazing improvement, but over time (a few weeks) it will charm you.
To me the improvement is moderate BUT fundamental, someone described it to me as a taste of what the 52 offers (more overall refinement)...
I never swapped back to the hicaps so i can't comment there, but i feel a few days (or even a week) is not enough time for the supercap to settle (fully).
The way i looked at it end the end way a stepping stone to the 52.
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
To me the improvement is moderate BUT fundamental, someone described it to me as a taste of what the 52 offers (more overall refinement)...
I never swapped back to the hicaps so i can't comment there, but i feel a few days (or even a week) is not enough time for the supercap to settle (fully).
The way i looked at it end the end way a stepping stone to the 52.
naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...
Posted on: 27 August 2002 by vern
Watch out AUDIOSYKO. OPINIONS that go against the prevailing DOGMA can start a riot.
You probably use MANA, you bad boy.
Vern
You probably use MANA, you bad boy.
Vern
Posted on: 27 August 2002 by Thorsten
hi audiopsyko, aka david,
if you want to judge your stereo with measuring the time spent playing air-guitar that's fine by me. i rather sing along (if it's pop/rock, mind you) or play drums on my knees. if it's classical i admit that a few times i've found myself conducting. i am ashamed and am aware that this confession really belongs into the padded cell. btw. my home is the only place where i dance. imo dancing is far too personal to be done in public.
so if you decide that you don't have to invest into a 52/sc for having the fun you're looking for: go ahead.
if you want to judge your stereo with measuring the time spent playing air-guitar that's fine by me. i rather sing along (if it's pop/rock, mind you) or play drums on my knees. if it's classical i admit that a few times i've found myself conducting. i am ashamed and am aware that this confession really belongs into the padded cell. btw. my home is the only place where i dance. imo dancing is far too personal to be done in public.
so if you decide that you don't have to invest into a 52/sc for having the fun you're looking for: go ahead.
Posted on: 27 August 2002 by Mick P
Chaps
Steve said..."MATE Your comments re 72 - 52 are utter TRIPE
Not said in the most diplomatic of tones, but I have to agree with the sentiments. That was a load of garbage.
Stay around Steve, we could do with you a bit more.
Regards
Mick........Fan of Steve
Steve said..."MATE Your comments re 72 - 52 are utter TRIPE
Not said in the most diplomatic of tones, but I have to agree with the sentiments. That was a load of garbage.
Stay around Steve, we could do with you a bit more.
Regards
Mick........Fan of Steve
Posted on: 28 August 2002 by Mick P
Stephen
No one could be as daft as to believe what was being said, I suspect it was just a wind up.
I do however, take your point about all of this modded gear that is apparently being vaunted, like you say, Naim spend years perfecting something and then some garage based oik decides he knows better etc and loads some junk on some gullable mug.
Regards
Mick
No one could be as daft as to believe what was being said, I suspect it was just a wind up.
I do however, take your point about all of this modded gear that is apparently being vaunted, like you say, Naim spend years perfecting something and then some garage based oik decides he knows better etc and loads some junk on some gullable mug.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 28 August 2002 by Mick P
If we ever meet, I will buy you a drink.
Regards
Mick
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 28 August 2002 by Steveandkate
Ok, so I have a similar set up to Emil's, and if a s/h super is the way to go, then what should one expect to pay, and who has one to sell me..??
Steve, with a pocket full of money looking for a good home..
Steve, with a pocket full of money looking for a good home..
Posted on: 28 August 2002 by GC
give it a month and there will be a rash of them, when people go ahead and buy the 552. id expect to pay £1000 to £1400, depending on age, although i dont think the supercap has been available for more than 5 years so none will need any kind of service i would have thought.....if you do though be prepared to hanker for a 52!!
Posted on: 28 August 2002 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by stephen king:
I mean all they do is complain about it and find ways of improving the component when in fact all they are doing is changing the musical signature of the component, dont they think Naim know what they are doing.
Stephen,
I suspect a small percentage of the tweakers achieve a genuinely better performance, by dint of a huge amount of work, or a lot of pre-existing knowledge.
I've seen some frightening posts though. E.G. "if I'm going to turn my stereo amp into two monos what components will I need"! Oh yes, I bet the result will be fantastic!
How many bodgers for every ALW?
What worries me is that financial pressure will push these bastardised products (reassembled into a facsimile of the original) onto the s/h market.
Ebay, anyone?
(Thinks - "Oh God, I've just made my first Ebay purchase". Urk!)
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 28 August 2002 by Andrew L. Weekes
Posted on: 27 September 2002 by Steve C 01
I'd doubt the s/h supercap price will drop that much; there just isn't the volume as with entry level s/h Intros or CD3.5s or NAIT3s for example.
At the moment S/caps are £1500-£1600 for a straight example. I don't see them going lower than £1200-£1300 for the medium term at least. £1k would still be a giveaway...
Steve C 01
At the moment S/caps are £1500-£1600 for a straight example. I don't see them going lower than £1200-£1300 for the medium term at least. £1k would still be a giveaway...
Steve C 01
Posted on: 27 September 2002 by Bob Shedlock
but contemplating an upgrade path for MY 82, I consulted with my dealer. Wanted to know if two hi's or a super was the way to go. HIS opinion is that the 82 sounds better with two hi's as opposed to a super. He went on to add that he is expecting a couple of supers shortly if I'd like one.
Take it with the proverbial grain of salt, however, clearly he could insert profit motive over and above my musical satisfaction.
I am inclined to follow his advice, since I could use the hi's elsewhere if I change my mind and get to do the dem with a super later.
Take it with the proverbial grain of salt, however, clearly he could insert profit motive over and above my musical satisfaction.
I am inclined to follow his advice, since I could use the hi's elsewhere if I change my mind and get to do the dem with a super later.