Flatcap and CD 5

I have extensively exchanged my newly serviced Hicap and 4 yo original flatcap on my CD5 and 112. Both power supplies improve the cd5 greatly, and I can't distinguish between them.

I think that an original FC, which can be very cheap, is a great VFM improvement to a cd5.

BEC

I upgraded my CD3.5 to the new 5 but had to exchange my FC to an FC2 because the old FC just didn't have what it takes and actually degraded the sound.

Now I just upgraded my 90/3 amp to the 150 and looking for a used 112
I'm sticking with the new 5 series because the old ones represent a lot of money I could put into buying a house. I say shelter first, next reliable vehicle, then upgrade components.

My understanding was that a properly serviced FC isn't any different then a FC2, except that it only powers a siingle component. Is there something better about a FC2?

BEC

I haven't tried an original Flatcap into a CD5, but I suspect it may be better for the CD player because it can only power one component.

My own auditions of the FC2 (blind) pointed to the system (CD5/112/150 sounding best when the Output A of the FC2 was connected to the CD5, with the Output B disconnected.

Regards,

Steve.

Let your ears do the talking, let your remote control do the walking...

quote:

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I have extensively exchanged my newly serviced Hicap and 4 yo original flatcap on my CD5 and 112. Both power supplies improve the cd5 greatly, and I can't distinguish between them.

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I've done this same test with a CD3.5. The Flat-Cap provided a nice improvement (let's call that "X"). When I tried a Hi-Cap instead, the improvement increased by only a fraction of X. Considering the Hi-Cap is twice the cost of the Flat-Cap, it definitely did not provide twice the benefit.

In comparison, when trying a Flat-Cap and Hi-Cap with a Naim pre-amp, the Hi-Cap [b]does[b] provide at least twice the benefit of the Flat-Cap. Therefore, put your better power supply on the pre-amp, if possible. Naim's own recommendations bear this out, since they instruct you to use the primary supply from a Flat-Cap2 on your pre-amp, when powering both a CD5 and 112 (or Nait5).

I've never done the comparison between the Flat-Cap and Flat-Cap2 myself (or between Flat-Cap2 and Hi-Cap, for that matter). However, I've heard from a number of individuals that the Flat-Cap2 is a bit better than the Flat-Cap, but not nearly as good as a Hi-Cap.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

I suspect there isn't that great a difference between the two either, but as Mike says a Hicap is a BIG leap forward.

The reason, IMVHO, that the CD5 benefits less from the addition of a Hicap is less to do with the fact that it only powers the analogue stages, but more to do with revealing the deficiencies in the player, earlier on.


It's a bit like upgrading the power amp, using the same source.It sounds better, to a point, but can make you more aware of the problems.

A.

...the opposite was talked about, being that's there's little influence in having a HiCap powering the CD5 due to the fact the output stage is the only thing that benefits... So again, the jury's not out on this one either! The impact that I can see would be on my wallet - at least initially

There is no question that my Hicap is MUCH better then my FC on my 112. So, I agree and keep the FC on the cd5 and Hi on the 112.

Original flatcaps only under 5 years old can be found for around $350, so they are a good deal for the most part.

I have had experience of early cd5 with FC2 , decided to try "upgrade" to hicap old style unserviced.It wrecked the sound compared to naked player.I am now on my second CD5 recent(a different beast) and added afairly new Hicap and WOWEE Awesome improvement. IMHO it outperfoms the CDX at the bottom end NOT at the top though.
Regards
David