Naim Nait XS2 & Flatcap 2

Better get a FCXS, slightly better performance than the older FC2X and yet better than the even older FC2. 

More of everything and nicely balanced. Same size too. All for relatively little money. Better VFM still, if bought pre loved.

Next advise will be a HC2 or DR. I wouldn't.

totemphile posted:

Next advise will be a HC2 or DR. I wouldn't.

Why not?

Put a better/new cartridge on the TT 

I doubt any FC will bring massive improvement to XS

Hicap is an entirely different psu and more a true upgrade, non DR's can be sourced fair priced, even cheaper than new FC

You can keep current FC on the CD

Some time ago I bought a Flatcap xs to go along with my Nait xs. I found the improvement, to my suprise a big step forward in soundstage, control , air around voices. Although leaning more to round earth. I would not hesitate. But as Always decide for yourself!.

Apart from with the system I have now, my highest Naim Audio System Chuffnuts Quotient (Nascq) was with CD5, FC2, Nait XS and N-Sats. This does not stop me saying I'm the guy who 'liked' TP's first post.

Chris

fred40 posted:

Some time ago I bought a Flatcap xs to go along with my Nait xs. I found the improvement, to my suprise a big step forward in soundstage, control , air around voices. Although leaning more to round earth. I would not hesitate. But as Always decide for yourself!.

Couldn't agree more. I think it seemed a subtle upgrade at first but it is far more apparent when you remove the FCXS and play the NaitXS bare after being used to the NaitXS/FCSX sound.

Thanks folks.

^   So what are you going to do with our collective enthusiasm for FCXS?

C.

I will play the Nait XS2 for 5/6 weeks by itself and buy the flatcap XS before the price increases in April.

Better transparency, cleaner notes, nicer music overall. Personally I would not hesitate - although maybe I would have got a second hand one instead of new.

Ok Staffy, let us know how it goes. C.

Thanks, I will post a pic of the system and give you a rundown .......sometime next year LOL.

Huge posted:

totemphile posted:

Next advise will be a HC2 or DR. I wouldn't.

Why not?

Apart from the fact that the boxes don't match, which would annoy me personally to the point where I would be tempted to move up to the classic range, I just don't think it's a good use of his money. The FCXS is made for the XS range, it's a nicely balanced match. Of course you can squeeze more out of everything but why? If you want more, go to the Classic range. A new Nait XS 2 and HCDR will buy you a new Supernait 2. Better in many ways but different, so maybe not better at all. It's good to be content at a given level once you've decided on something because you like it. Stay there and accept that you aren't going to push it to the nth degree. Unless of course your plan is to move up through all levels. There is always more, it won't stop. Horses for courses. Just my thoughts.

Bloody hell TP, I've just liked a second post of yours on this thread! We've come a long way since I wanted you to apply for Trade member status for your, what seemed to me, almost constant recommendation of a certain brand of loudspeaker for any audio problem   :-)

Cheers, Chris

There is a Totem for everyone Chris, you just got to let the speakers find you. 

totemphile posted:

There is a Totem for everyone Chris, you just got to let the speakers find you. 

You know you want some, Tony! 

I have XS2 with HcDR. I preferred this combo to bare SN2 when I did back to back comparo at  dealer's. I could not detect a meaningful sonic improvement when FCXS was coupled with XS2.. YMMV

I previously had the Nait XS with the CD5X.  Added a FC2X individually to each and then finally to both.  I found the FC addition to the Nait XS a more noticeable improvement than the addition to the CD5X.  But in the end I left it with both halves of the FC2X running on both units and was pleased with that setup.

I disagree with the statement that a Nait XS with a HC is better than a SN2, based on the massive improvement my SN1 was over the Nait XS +FC - IMO the difference was something no PSU was going to bridge.  (And that was a bare SN1...to which I have since added the HC.)  But everyone has their own ears and can make their own decisions & choices.