Improvement

Not sure where you're at, but I recently added an Ice Age Audio 1meter copper/copper power cable to my NAP110 and the increase in sound quality was fantastic - all for $84. I've since added two AV options Tibia plusses to the V1 and UQ and still burning in but yet another increase. All three cables together for a whopping $285! But of course if you have the funds, then PW is the way to go. I didn't, and couldn't be happier with my choices at 1/10th the price. Ice Age was recommended by Jan-Erik here on the forum. 

Hi Philip,

I'm a great enthusiast of the powerline less so the hiline although it does have an impact. 

Can your Naim dealer lend you to try?  It's the only way to find out. 

Regards,

Lindsay

If you haven't already done it, I would get a dedicated mains circuit installed for your hifi, and put it on a decent rack, as my first priority. Then I would start looking at cables, as you suggest, plus speaker cables, which a good dealer should be able to lend you to try out. 

Don't overlook the impact of a power strip and wall socket upgrade. Depending on what you currently have, they can provide big positive results for very little cost.

Thanks for your replies. Someone has pointed out to me that for less money I could ad a Chord 2Qute which would be a more definite upgrade. Anyone any views on this.

philip

There are a few people on here who have upgraded their NDX with Chord dacs and they wor very well with the SN2.  Worth an audition if ou have a friendly dealer nearby.

musica posted:

Thanks for your replies. Someone has pointed out to me that for less money I could ad a Chord 2Qute which would be a more definite upgrade. Anyone any views on this.

philip

I have the SN2 and Chord2qute output voltage of 3V is too high which limit the volume range of the SN2.

I moved from a chord2qute to a NDX. 

...but you said you didn't want more boxes!?

Yes Chrissu you are right. However the 2Qute is a small box which I could cope with.

Hugo works better than 2Qute in my experience into SN2. 

PowerLines - yes. But make sure you add them to both NDX and SN2 to hear the benefit.

Get rid of any mains conditioners and surge-protection distributors (if you use them). Plug either directly into the wall or get a decent power distributor like Wireworld Matrix2 - works very well with my NDX ans SuperNait.

HiLine - need to test this one for yourself. I tried twice for lengthy periods and did not like it at the end. Ended up with TQ Black Diamond. Best is to borrow one from your dealer and test.

getting the best out starts with a very good rack, and that's true for any equipment.

Then you should also consider cables ,too

 pus's in my opinion would even take to the next level.

HIlIne is worthwhile. There are a few turning up on the secondhand market as they are replaced with SuperLumina. PowerLines are more than worthwhile, a very positive upgrade if other power delivery factors have been done as above.

I'm the opposite of Strat - I find the HiLine more rewarding in the short/medium term than the Powerlines. On the subject of the Chord 2Qute/Hugo, there is a change in presentation here to contend with. Now, granted, a lot of people find the extraordinary extra resolution and scale of the Chord DACs to be quite beguiling, but it IS a different presentation so definitely try before you buy!

If it were me, I'd be investing - in this order - in the HiLine, a MusicWorks Perspex Lite power block, Powerlines, and a separate spur if possible. The separate spur would be higher on my list but I know for most people it's not really an option...

Frank.