252 + headline sharing one supercap
Posted by: Tomas Hassler on 22 June 2016
I know this is not recommended by Naim but yesterday I started to test using my supercap to power both the preamp and the headline.
According to my ears it sound really good, definitely better than when using an napsc.
How does music sound through the speakers, via the 252? Any degradation?
Music sounds good through the speaker. I cannot hear any degradation.
I am not sure of Naim's reasons for saying to power only one device, other than ground loops. But, they must have good reasons. Perhaps best to inquire with your dealer or ask Naim.
There is a simple reason - two SuperCaps are better than one (for Naim's bank account that is 
).
It creates a ground loop which impairs overall performance and so Naim cannot recommend this type of connection.
Thanks Adam, yes, I forgot about the excessive current draw...
I have tried what I referred to as a 'parasitized' Supercap-which is to say nominally just powering a 52 with other components leeching of the SC. The results can be very good, or very bad.
Very good-a Snaxo 242 ; CD5. The CD5 in particularly transformed and came close to bridging the huge chasm between it and a CDS2 I had side by side to compare it with. Indeed the 52/SC powered CD5/135s into some ProAc Tablettes rocked the house. The 242 leeched onto the SC easily surpassed a dedicated HC we had at hand.
Very bad- the 112 preamp while the 52 as still attached to the SC. Horrendous distortion that intially made me think I had damaged tweeters. No doubt the current requirements of the 112 exceeded the ability of the already loaded SC.
A couple other people have tried this...some have had great success, while others have had less.
In the days of the old forum, one such member who had positive experiences was...
Date: 8-Mar-00 12:44
Author: Jon Malnick (jonmalnick@yahoo.com)
Subject: The Toolsie Testament.
To the Reverend Toolsie:
Father, when you pronounced that one Supercap may bring spark and fire to not only a 52 but verily a Snaxo as well, I was filled with doubt and my heart was darkness itself.
But did I not ask myself is this not he who speaks great truths on those black beasts that live 'twixt the sources of power and their kin?
And it was the same man.
Did I not ask myself is this not he of the decoupled boxes of huge and fearsome noise that some say are the size of ten men? Is it not he who has six where lesser men only have one?
And it was the same man.
So did I thus activate my humble offering, eschewing the extra magic power box of which speak oftentimes the wise men of Salisbury. Lo, did I find blissful peace in a sound at once so stirring and soothing as if it were the Gods themselves who play for me.
And so I speak to those who are of the SBL faith yet live in a world of turmoil where all is dark and passive. Though there are verily few men in the kingdom who shall be blessed by the greatness of the Five Hundred, thou must rise up and activate and you will bring lightness into your lives.
Amen.
Jon the Evangelist.
Slightly bored on a Wednesday pm.