Supernait 2

BobbyBlitz posted:

Patu posted:

ChrisSU posted:

 

I strongly disagree. 

When V1 was released, I demoed it against my Naim DAC. I use SN2 + HCDR as amplification. V1 performs great as a source/DAC but the preamp section is clearly inferior to SN2's. There's really no competition, the gap in performance is huge. I auditioned it so that I connected V1 to SN2 bypassing SN2's own preamp section. It worked only as poweramp through the audition. 

V1 + NAP200 will never outperform V1 (as standalone DAC) + SN2, neither would V1 + NAP250.2 in my opinion. 

Thank you for reply CrisSU. What difference you find between the preamp section of V1 and SN2?

V1 is inferior in every single aspect. It sounds smaller, veiled and separation and airiness is clearly inferior. Much weaker and "muffled" like sound. You lose information in the music and it's more difficult to follow the PRaT and music in general. I tried it as a preamp for the same reason. I thought that if it comes close to SN2 preamp, I could switch to a neat little two box solution (DAC V1 + NAP200/250.2) but immediately when I plugged it in, I heard the huge drop in performance. I was fascinated of the V1 USB input since you can directly connect it to PC. With Naim DAC I need the external USB to S/PDIF converter. And as a DAC, it does come very close to Naim DAC, which surprised me. But preamp... not even close. There's simply a huge performance gap between V1 preamp and SN2 preamp and it's completely natural considering the price difference. 

Many thanks ChrisSU, very helpful.

It's not ChrisSU writing here.

ups very sorry! Thanks PATU!

Having owned a V1 and 200 (non-DR) and moving up to a 282 (with V1 in fixed output , aka 'DAC only mode') the limits of the V1's pre amp are clear.

So, the principle of using a SN2, Nait XS or, 272 in place of the V1 pre is logical.   The same applies for NAC 282 and upwards  (not sure about a bare or fully loaded 202).   

The final decision being made from auditioning of course.

Jude

I agree regarding the Dac V1's preamp. I also think that the V1 sounds slightly better when operating as Dac only.

Six months ago I auditioned the Naim Dac V1 (as DAC only) feeding a Naim XS2 vs the Naim Dac V1 & NAP100. The former system sounded superior to my ears. That was with the firmware version 1.6 though. With the latest firmware update (1.16) the Dac V1 sounds different again (to my ears). As a Dac only (in my system) it sounds a bit better than before. As a Dac and preamp driving my amplifier power stage (to my ears) it sounds a tiny bit more flat than before. I think the changes made to the firmware mean that I have to audition again (with SN2 etc).

Having said that... I remember reading some past forum posts supporting that the Dac V1 cannot actually bypass the pre-amp section. I remember reading that even when the V1 is set to operate as DAC only, it does not bypass the preamp stage which essentially becomes an additional 'noise' stage. I cannot recall if this was confirmed or not?

Either way, (with firmware 1.16) it sounds good to my ears primarily as a DAC only.

SN2 is very fine piece of kit. Currently I am using it (with HCDR) driving a pair of Harbetch C7 ES3. Imho very nice combination. Altogether there is no wonder here, a 282/250 clearly even better.

Only you can tell if this will be a worthwile move, but I must say I just love my SN2.

It drives my Virgo 25+ with ease. And I tried some Wilson Sabrina's with it. It may seem like a somewhat illogical combo, considering pricing, but It works for me. Resolution, delicacy, and lots of kick when needed.

WTCRP:   "My heart says Nait 2 and my brain says Supernait 2."

(how do you insert text from a previous poster?)

Speaking as a confirmed SN2 convert - its music, go with your heart. Always.

Mattnbarns posted:

(how do you insert text from a previous poster?)

Like this. 

- any chance of a pointer or two?

Press the 'take action' words, and choose 'reply with quote'. 

You're a gent - cheers.

Mattnbarns posted:

WTCRP:   "My heart says Nait 2 and my brain says Supernait 2."

(how do you insert text from a previous poster?)

Speaking as a confirmed SN2 convert - its music, go with your heart. Always.

I got a full monty rebuild CB Nait 2 from a fellow Naim enthusiast.  It is the one pictured on the avoptions website.

And may you spend many years enjoying it. 

WTCRP, i'd love to hear my Nait2 play into a pair of De Vore speakers. Had a fascination for them now for some time. I also think they look magnificent, especially the Orangutan 0/96.