NAC82 with 1/2 x Hicap or Supercap?
Posted by: zero on 11 December 2003
Hi there,
I've just upgraded from a NAC102/NAP250 to a NAC82/2xNAP135s. The improvement is huge and I am extremely happy. I was just wondering if there is much improvement to be gained by adding an additional Hicap - does it provide good value for money on the end of an 82? Finally, how much difference does a supercap make compared to two Hicaps?
Thanks,
Francis
I've just upgraded from a NAC102/NAP250 to a NAC82/2xNAP135s. The improvement is huge and I am extremely happy. I was just wondering if there is much improvement to be gained by adding an additional Hicap - does it provide good value for money on the end of an 82? Finally, how much difference does a supercap make compared to two Hicaps?
Thanks,
Francis
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Jens
Francis,
Adding an extra Hicap is certainly worthwhile-lifts the whole game by maybe 10% or so. Adding a Supercap is a qualitative change. Brings the 82 close to 52 territory. Unless the extra Hicap is really cheap, I'd save up for a Supercap.
Jens
Adding an extra Hicap is certainly worthwhile-lifts the whole game by maybe 10% or so. Adding a Supercap is a qualitative change. Brings the 82 close to 52 territory. Unless the extra Hicap is really cheap, I'd save up for a Supercap.
Jens
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Jay
Francis
Another thing you might want to think about is whether you'll eventually be buying a 52/252. If you are then a Supercap might be a better long-term option. It's a big step up from 1 hicap on the 82 and it's all go when a 52 comes up.
Incidentially that's what I have, a 82/Super. I tried a second hicap and didn't really think it was enough. Mind you, I believe the hicap I tried also required a recap so the other folks here may have experienced much greater improvements.
Enjoy. Jay
Another thing you might want to think about is whether you'll eventually be buying a 52/252. If you are then a Supercap might be a better long-term option. It's a big step up from 1 hicap on the 82 and it's all go when a 52 comes up.
Incidentially that's what I have, a 82/Super. I tried a second hicap and didn't really think it was enough. Mind you, I believe the hicap I tried also required a recap so the other folks here may have experienced much greater improvements.
Enjoy. Jay
Posted on: 12 December 2003 by Geoff P
My 282 showed it was sensitive to age differences between HiCaps, something reported quite a few times here.
With a 1993 & a 2000 HiCap on it it sounded OK but when I removed the older hiCap it improved showing that a slight "muddy" efect had been present with the 2 HiCaps in use.
If you want to get benefit from having 2 Hicaps they need to be the same age, on a 282. I assume this probably also applies with an 82 aswell
GEOFF
With a 1993 & a 2000 HiCap on it it sounded OK but when I removed the older hiCap it improved showing that a slight "muddy" efect had been present with the 2 HiCaps in use.
If you want to get benefit from having 2 Hicaps they need to be the same age, on a 282. I assume this probably also applies with an 82 aswell
GEOFF
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by Peter C
No contest, the 82 needs a supercap before you find out what it can do.
With a supercap you're aware of the music, whereas with a hicap you're aware of its hifi aspects.
With a supercap you're aware of the music, whereas with a hicap you're aware of its hifi aspects.
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by Hannes
quote:
Originally posted by zero:
Hi there,
I've just upgraded from a NAC102/NAP250 to a NAC82/2xNAP135s. The improvement is huge and I am extremely happy. I was just wondering if there is much improvement to be gained by adding an additional Hicap - does it provide good value for money on the end of an 82? Finally, how much difference does a supercap make compared to two Hicaps?
Thanks,
Francis
Francis, you should go for a supercap! I upgraded my 82/hi to 82/sc and it was a
real huge improvement.
Two hicaps for the 82 are adead-end street, with the supercap the 82 shows all
its potential and you even can go later for a 52.
If you can afford go for a supercap!
Regards,
Hannes
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by Wolf
Well, I just bought my 82 with 2 Hicaps (in sequence) about 3 months ago I really like it. The previous owner said he tried it with a supercap and said it sounded clearer but a bit thinner. He liked the two Hicaps because it gave the music a "fatter" sound (his words) and he was a guitarist. This is probably due to lesser electronic components, like all Naim gear getting better with the more you pay.
I just don't want to install a super becuase I know that will lead to a 252 (my next step in a few years, HA!). When I heard it at his place we played a lot of70's 80's rock guitar based pieces and the umph from the two Hicaps was incredible. I took his word for it and bought the whole package, too bad his 250 was bought by someone else,he said that would also make a huge difference from my 150. I'm stuck for a while and probably the best upgrade for me is go to the CDX from my CD5 FC2. Maybe next Christmas. But I thinnk the 82 and 2H* was a good 50th birthday/Christmas present.
I think buying a second Hi is not a second rate deal and they will sell for about what you pay for them when you do want to get the Supercap. A super cap is a huge investment but well worth it too I'm sure. It's your call.
Life is analogue
I just don't want to install a super becuase I know that will lead to a 252 (my next step in a few years, HA!). When I heard it at his place we played a lot of70's 80's rock guitar based pieces and the umph from the two Hicaps was incredible. I took his word for it and bought the whole package, too bad his 250 was bought by someone else,he said that would also make a huge difference from my 150. I'm stuck for a while and probably the best upgrade for me is go to the CDX from my CD5 FC2. Maybe next Christmas. But I thinnk the 82 and 2H* was a good 50th birthday/Christmas present.
I think buying a second Hi is not a second rate deal and they will sell for about what you pay for them when you do want to get the Supercap. A super cap is a huge investment but well worth it too I'm sure. It's your call.
Life is analogue
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by vern
Hello Zero,
I have actually owned an 82 powered by 1 then 2 hicaps, then a supercap. Not meaning to cop out, but it sounded better with each change; but getting a supercap is not the life changing event often described on this forum, and an 82 sounds thrilling with 2 hicaps. If possible I would add a hicap or switch to a supercap based on your plans to get a 52 or 252. After getting that supercap it will be hard to resist putting those other four rails of DC to use. Also there is the supercap edition 2, which to my ears goes well beyond the old supercap, so far that investing in a used green box model may not be the best choice. Good luck.
I have actually owned an 82 powered by 1 then 2 hicaps, then a supercap. Not meaning to cop out, but it sounded better with each change; but getting a supercap is not the life changing event often described on this forum, and an 82 sounds thrilling with 2 hicaps. If possible I would add a hicap or switch to a supercap based on your plans to get a 52 or 252. After getting that supercap it will be hard to resist putting those other four rails of DC to use. Also there is the supercap edition 2, which to my ears goes well beyond the old supercap, so far that investing in a used green box model may not be the best choice. Good luck.