Supernait 2

Posted by: Gaius: Tangerine on 02 January 2016

Happy New Year All!!

 

I am considering reducing the box count and also like some of the features of the Supernait 2.  Of course I intend to borrow one but would be interested in other folks findings of the amp, particularly where you feel the pre amp section fits into the hierarchy.

Currently I have 72/HicapDR/200 going into Kudos C20s which I swap out occasionally for my Linn Kan MKIs which I still love.  LP12 /Brinkmann Bardo and CDS up top.

Regards,

Mark

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by GraemeH

Audition is the only valid course of action, but I can say that I went from a 2006 252/300 set-up to a SN2 a couple of years ago with absolutely no regrets. It's a cracking amplifier.

G

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by gary yeowell

Hi Mark, i ran a 72/HicapDR/160, and 202/200 for a bit, which is not so different to your own set, and have been using the SN2 for the last year or more with a CDS3 and LP12. For my ears the SN2 is more complete as an amplifier than either of the other two sets. I actually prefer a Nait2 in preference to the other two sets for the same reason, it just sounds right and at ease with itself without trying too hard, just like the SN2. As ever, trying one for a week or two will reveal all. Oh and by the way, Kans responded really well to the SN2....

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by Thorsten_L

I love what I can hear from my beloved SN2 through the S-400....simply awesome.

As source: BAUER dps 2 & HDX

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by Mattnbarns

Went from 72/HiCap/140 to SN2. No regrets though I have to confess to keeping the old olives and re-purposing in a 2nd system. 

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by Gaius: Tangerine

High praise indeed, sounds like it would be a good step up in performance as well as convenience and features for me.

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by SS250

I have had one for six months or so after a long period of introduction to the Naim sound via a Uniti, which was a great entry point. I reflected long and hard on my next move.

I find the Supernait 2 really controls its source, with lots of surprising power from a very neat one-box approach. I added a HI-Cap DR to provide a little more play on the pre-am side to assist my wonderful, but difficult speakers to drive and it does so with aplomb. Without these, I would be happy to run the amp bear.  

It is a really impressive piece of engineering, coupled with enough power and bass for most people - but maintaining a a simplistic approach without too many boxes and wires. If you crave massive amounts of sonic fireworks, then maybe it is not for you. I think of it as a more subtle and sophisticate take on the Naim sound. 

I would thoroughly recommend it. 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by nbpf
SS250 posted:

I have had one for six months or so after a long period of introduction to the Naim sound via a Uniti, which was a great entry point. I reflected long and hard on my next move.

I find the Supernait 2 really controls its source, with lots of surprising power from a very neat one-box approach. I added a HI-Cap DR to provide a little more play on the pre-am side to assist my wonderful, but difficult speakers to drive and it does so with aplomb. Without these, I would be happy to run the amp bear.  

It is a really impressive piece of engineering, coupled with enough power and bass for most people - but maintaining a a simplistic approach without too many boxes and wires. If you crave massive amounts of sonic fireworks, then maybe it is not for you. I think of it as a more subtle and sophisticate take on the Naim sound. 

I would thoroughly recommend it. 

+1! The SN2 is a very straightforward and effective proposition. This is particularly true if you want to decouple amplification concerns from digital to analog conversion concerns while keeping the number of boxes in check. Best, nbpf

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by BobbyBlitz

Happy new year all!!

will supernait 2 drive good dynaudio Contour s 1.4 le? 

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by varyat

Careful with that line of Dynaudio. I had the floor standers, Contour S3.4 , and the Supernait 1 was not up to the task unless the volume was kept at moderate levels. Spank it up to 11 and we had heat issues which would cause a fault. I really enjoyed the speakers though, detailed and neutral . Had a bit of issue with the bass integrating in my room- eventually moved them on. The SN2 may have a bit more juice, but audition is recommended if you like to turn up the wick frequently.

ATB,

Mark

 

 

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by varyat

I should add, that was a volume of 11 with a CD source, CDX2/XPS2. Vinyl source was more forgiving for some reason .

ATB,

Mark

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by The Strat (Fender)
BobbyBlitz posted:

Happy new year all!!

will supernait 2 drive good dynaudio Contour s 1.4 le? 

It took a 250 and now 250DR to really bring my Contour 1.8s alive. Dyns are lovely speakers but like really powerful and articulate amplification.   They also room behind and at the side and I understand the 1.4s are particularly room sensitive.

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by SongStream

For what it's worth, and though I have no fraim of reference here with other Naim amps, I think the SN2 is something very special.  With the right source and speakers it's capable to magic.  It is surprisingly detailed and subtle with lighter music, but very musically communicative and full bodied at the same time.  When the need for heavy rock occurs, it can behave....I want to say 'like a complete animal', but that isn't really fair, as it suggests being a bit out of control.  Suffice to say it doesn't hold back when you want some real drum and rock guitar umph, to say the least.  Yes, I like it a lot.  

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by The Strat (Fender)
The Strat (Fender) posted:
BobbyBlitz posted:

Happy new year all!!

will supernait 2 drive good dynaudio Contour s 1.4 le? 

It took a 250 and now 250DR to really bring my Contour 1.8s alive. Dyns are lovely speakers but like really powerful and articulate amplification.   They also room behind and at the side and I understand the 1.4s are particularly room sensitive.

I meant to say "they also require room....."

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by MartinKocurek

I enjoy each song with my SN2. Great piece of gear.

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by The Strat (Fender)
MartinKocurek posted:

I enjoy each song with my SN2. Great piece of gear.

Amen to that!

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski

I simply love my SN2! It's capable of respecting much pricier sources...

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by Zachris

SN2 is for many reasons better than previous model SN1. It is both more sophisticated and more powerful. Whatever music you play, it's always thrilling. I really enjoy it!

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by The Strat (Fender)

It's a completely re-designed amp when compared with the SN1. One of the key reasons for the very considerable improvement in sound quality is the removal of all the digital stuff and the noise that went with it. 

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by BobbyBlitz

thanks Very much for reply! Currently I own with satisfaction Naim Dac V1and Nap 100 driving dynaudio focus 160. I never power up the volume at 11 'o clock and for now it's good. Next upgrade will be SN2 while for speakers we'll see. 

Posted on: 02 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Good stuff!

Posted on: 03 January 2016 by fps1k
BobbyBlitz posted:

Happy new year all!!

will supernait 2 drive good dynaudio Contour s 1.4 le? 

Hi Bobby, I have the Dynaudio Contour 1.4 LEs with NDX/ Chord Hugo/ SN2 and it works very nicely. Having said that, I'm looking at adding a power amplifier to the SN2 to give it a bit more grip and control on the bottom end. It may just be a room dependency issue, as tonally and rythmically, it's all very balanced. And the speakers look great in black and mocha!

 

Posted on: 03 January 2016 by trickydickie

Not achieving your objective but the C20's sound soooo much better powered by a 250.2dr than a 200!

Runs for cover!

Richard

Posted on: 03 January 2016 by Naim727ca

+1 for SN2.  I have converted to SN2 from 200/202/HiCap/Napsc just over a year now and like many folks here mentioned that it is an engineering sophistication yet simple.  Now only NDX/SN2 and happiness.  For 98% of the time, I only turn the volume control to 9 o'clock position, and the 2 % at 10 o'clock position, driving Harbeth C7.   Enjoy the music folks.

Posted on: 03 January 2016 by BobbyBlitz
fps1k posted:

Hi Bobby, I have the Dynaudio Contour 1.4 LEs with NDX/ Chord Hugo/ SN2 and it works very nicely. Having said that, I'm looking at adding a power amplifier to the SN2 to give it a bit more grip and control on the bottom end. It may just be a room dependency issue, as tonally and rythmically, it's all very balanced. And the speakers look great in black and mocha!

 

Hi fps1k! That means that I can add my nap 100 to a SN2 for better performance? It would be great!

I like 1.4 LE's black feature, looks stunning!

Posted on: 03 January 2016 by ChrisSU
BobbyBlitz posted:
fps1k posted:

Hi Bobby, I have the Dynaudio Contour 1.4 LEs with NDX/ Chord Hugo/ SN2 and it works very nicely. Having said that, I'm looking at adding a power amplifier to the SN2 to give it a bit more grip and control on the bottom end. It may just be a room dependency issue, as tonally and rythmically, it's all very balanced. And the speakers look great in black and mocha!

 

Hi fps1k! That means that I can add my nap 100 to a SN2 for better performance? It would be great!

I like 1.4 LE's black feature, looks stunning!

A V1, a 100 and a SN2 gives you two preamps and 2 power amps. That's rather a lot of redundancy - at current prices, about £5000 worth of amplification. I'd say it's time to go back to the drawing board.