Flatcap XS + Nait XS + Stageline N

SNAIC, the flatcap comes with one SNAIC5, so you'll need an extra SNAIC4 for the nait connection and, if you decide you like the idea of powering the Stageline from the second supply in the Flatcap rather than from the Nait, a 4-5 interconnect (you already have the SNAIC5 that came with the Stageline). 

Well I thought that was the idea behind the flatcap, to power the amp and one other item. I have nothing else to power with the 2nd rail, so wouldn't this help the Stageline? 

If you re-read Richard's answer, he tells you everything you need to know.

Right, but he says "if you decide you like the idea of powering the Stageline from the second supply" my question is...wouldn't it be an improvement over powering the Stageline from the XS?

Yes, I think so, although as I've never used a NAIT xs let alone tried one with a Flatcap, I couldn't say for sure.

I feel stupid, so I wanted to summarize the setup:

1. XS pre amp out - SNAIC5 - FC power out A

2. FC signal out A - SNAIC4 - XS power amp in

3. Stagline out - SNAIC5 - FC power out D

4. FC signal out D - 4pin to 5pin DIN - XS aux2 in & pwr

*whew*

Nearly. You take the signal from the flatcap into the AV socket, NOT the powered one. It's in the manual, as clear as day.

Thanks for your gracious answer HH, I found images but no manual and don't own the FC.

Also I have an XS, not XS2 and I wonder if there are any differences.

I'm pretty sure it will be the same. The main thing is that you shouldn't use the powered socket on the amp, or the poor Stageline will be getting power down both wires, and that's not good. If you go to the product pages on the website, there are links to the manuals at the bottom. 

SNAIC in the Grass posted:

I've heard to avoid the HICAP for the XS and stick with the Flatcap, also getting a HICAP would be twice as much and not help the Stageline.

 

Hi Snaic,

I added a Hicap to my Nait 5 back in the day and it significantly improved the performance of the Stageline (connected to the Nait). When I put on a record after installing the Hicap, the needle was so quiet in the groove that I wondered for a moment if I selected the wrong input on the preamp. With a Hicap on the Nait, it's powering both the preamp section of the Nait and the Stageline, so it's the best of both worlds.

Sorry for throwing a spanner in the works!

--Joe

Interesting post, and I've done some thinking.  The FC would require a bunch of extra cables...and would only stand so well for future upgrades.  Given the great love for the HICAP, and fewer cables it seems like a smarter way to go.

My guess is, if I took a poll on these forums that the HICAP would win out.

Makes some sense. I loved my XS with HC. Just make sure your sources are up to it.

C.

Source will be RP6 Exact + Stageline, Rega DAC, Oppo 103

Flatcap is very versatile; nice to have around for sudden change-ups. If you have the budget to keep a Hicap or two handy instead, so much better!  My Flatcap2X is currently running my Headline; but if I ever get a Stageline, it might go there for a while, or go back to serving my CD5X into the AV2.

Nick

SNAIC in the Grass posted:

My guess is, if I took a poll on these forums that the HICAP would win out.

Back in the day of your original Nait XS many here questioned the system balance of powering it with a HC, not to say some didn't do so. It seems the HC has become more accepted with the newer Nait XS-2. I could be way off base with that statement but it leads me to believe you'd be prudent to demo the HC with your Nait XS before you commit to spending on it. One thing I'm sure of - the FCXS will work very well with your Nait XS and it will also power your Stageline. I wouldn't let the interconnects become an issue. After all, you don't have to power the Stageline with FCXS.

Despite what I've written about my HC-DR (above), it's pretty hard to want more than a CD5XS, FCXS and Nait XS. Imo.

C.

I had the Nait XS+FCXS+Stageline N combination for a couple of months before selling the FC as I just didn't think it addedd enough to be worth it. YMMV.

I have always run my stageline from the powered socket on the amp (first the Nait 5 and now the Nait XS-2).  I use the flatcap to on my amp and CD5.  I'll have to find the time to try out the cap on the stageline.

But then CD replay will suffer, Ian. It's the eternal 5 series dilemma, where to put your FC.

C.

How can a HICAP make the needle quieter in the groove?

Oh, I love riddles.

Sounds like you've been talking to a dealer .

Was that statement in reference to the HC on the Nait XS or on the Stageline?

Was it a HCDR?

SITG, If indeed a dealer did give you that gem of a quieter needle claim, then he owes you a dem to back his words. Otherwise you are just adrift on a sea of claim and counterclaim. C.

Or, to put it another way - less talking, more doing  :-)

C.

Wasn't a dealer, it was Joe9407 up above in this thread:

"When I put on a record after installing the Hicap, the needle was so quiet in the groove that I wondered for a moment if I selected the wrong input on the preamp"

Sorry SITG. I'd not read all the thread.

C.