Supernait 2 without Hicap DR update.

Interesting - I found the exact opposite
Most likely a function of many variables - speakers and room acoustics being probablyt the main ones.

I've always been of the opinion that the Hicap dr works better with the supernait 1 then the supernait 2, but as Adam says it's the variables that can certainly make it either  work or not...

Yes, Hicap (DR or not)crucial to SN1 from my experience AND not so on SN2.  I only kept my hicapDR with SN2 as I already owned it when I had SN1. I remember the dealer doing the A/B test on the SN2(with/without HCdr) almost going nuts because I couldn't tell the difference. I guess speakers, room acoustics,personal taste all come into the equation. 

Fair comments guys!

I am with Adam, highly unusual, as we pretty much disagree on almost everything.

After living with the HiCap DR on my SN2 now for a few months, it adds that special something that would be hard to be without.

That damn dated technology power supply magic that some members just wish would go away........Not me!!! 

Interesting Clintyboy. NaimMates will  tell you I've been somewhat dissatisfied with the effect of my HC-DR in my system for a while. Today I think I may have solved it, with the return of pace and bounce. I have CDS3 (similar-ish) and NAC202/ NAP200 (similar-ish) and SBLs (different). In this bright room, there was a mid-bass bloom with the HC-DR which seemed to rob the system of toe-tapping engagement. The solution.... today I pulled the SBLs 13.5cm from the wall where they had once been as close as poss. The PRaT is back.

I'm just wondering if some minor repositioning of your Spendors might allow you to enjoy your HC-DR with your SN2.....

Chris

Clintyboy

I'm amazed that you've had 5 responses to your post and none has mentioned that, despite how good the SN2 is (with or without a Hicap) your CD555 source really deserves better.

sjbabbey posted:

Clintyboy

I'm amazed that you've had 5 responses to your post and none has mentioned that, despite how good the SN2 is (with or without a Hicap) your CD555 source really deserves better.

I was being polite for a change 

I found that the SN2 really excels with the HCDR. It just makes everything better. As always it is system and room dependent as Adam mentioned above.

sjbabbey posted:

Clintyboy

I'm amazed that you've had 5 responses to your post and none has mentioned that, despite how good the SN2 is (with or without a Hicap) your CD555 source really deserves better.

Same could be said about your system.

I tried the HCDR three times over the years I had the SN2. Concluded I preferred it without for sheer musicality and coherence.

G

Not directly related, but I've just taken a Powerline off my SN2. I've made a couple of changes to the set up since getting it but now prefer the sound without. With Powerline, everything seemed a little bit forced, particularly bass which had an unnatural, boomy feel to it. Seems there's no real consensus on what SN2 likes and doesn't like! 

Graham, I think you have summed it up with with that word coherence, Sounds more integrated without the HCDR in my room with my equipment,

It's funny, that between the added cost of the Powerline and the Hicap DR you're looking at almost $4000.00 US dollars, that some here consider a wrong move and detrimental to the sound. A very expensive mistake! You would think for that amount of money that everybody who did the demo would be in agreement, good or bad!

I guess you don't always get what you pay for, or maybe you do!

badlands posted:

sjbabbey posted:

Clintyboy

I'm amazed that you've had 5 responses to your post and none has mentioned that, despite how good the SN2 is (with or without a Hicap) your CD555 source really deserves better.

Same could be said about your system.

Point taken. Although pairing an NDS/PS55DR with a 252SCDR and NAP250DR may be a bit more balanced than with an SN2/HCDR.

In fact I know it is as that's what I upgraded from. A 552/500 isn't doable although I admit a NAP300DR would be nice

sjbabbey posted:

badlands posted:

sjbabbey posted:

Clintyboy

I'm amazed that you've had 5 responses to your post and none has mentioned that, despite how good the SN2 is (with or without a Hicap) your CD555 source really deserves better.

Same could be said about your system.

Point taken. Although pairing an NDS/PS55DR with a 252SCDR and NAP250DR may be a bit more balanced than with an SN2/HCDR.

In fact I know it is as that's what I upgraded from. A 552/500 isn't doable although I admit a NAP300DR would be nice

 

SJBABBEY and I have almost identical systems - I forgive him for Kudos though
I never felt NDS was too good for my 252....

clintyboy posted:

Graham, I think you have summed it up with with that word coherence, Sounds more integrated without the HCDR in my room with my equipment,

Did you move the Spendors about when you trialled the HC-DR?

C.

I don't have a SN2 (but I did audition it - went for the XS2 for a mix of reasons, one of which was cost), anyway, surely a feature of the SN2 is the DR circuitry in the pre-amp power supply.  So how does replacing that DR power supply with another DR power supply powering the pre-amp change anything?  

Am I not understanding something here or are your ears telling you what you want to hear having invested in a power supply you already had..?

Do I need me flak jacket now?

Judge posted:

......surely a feature of the SN2 is the DR circuitry in the pre-amp power supply.  So how does replacing that DR power supply with another DR power supply powering the pre-amp change anything?  

Am I not understanding something here or are your ears telling you what you want to hear having invested in a power supply you already had..?

I think you'll find the DR power supply in the SN2 is a lightweight version of what you get in a HicapDR, so it won't give the same results. 

Single rail supply in SN, dual rail in HC

Judge posted:

I don't have a SN2 (but I did audition it - went for the XS2 for a mix of reasons, one of which was cost), anyway, surely a feature of the SN2 is the DR circuitry in the pre-amp power supply.  So how does replacing that DR power supply with another DR power supply powering the pre-amp change anything?  

Am I not understanding something here or are your ears telling you what you want to hear having invested in a power supply you already had..?

Do I need me flak jacket now?

Reloading now.... 

essentially - a larger transformer, separated from the preamp section. HiCap feeds the pre-amp circuitry, whilst the internal transformer handles the power amp section.

This a healthy discussion. I find all the responses valid and I appreciate both the pros and cons of the HCDR on a SN2. Ultimately whether you go with or without the HCDR is completely room, speaker, and listener dependent.

I just did a home demo of Proac D20Rs on my SN2/HCDR - too hot, too much bass in my room, quick fatigue factor - yet in my gut I felt these speakers were something special. Took off the HCDR and bingo! The overblown bass gained a truer, more realistic tunefulness and bounce. Relaxed maybe, but far more listenable in the long-term with greater cohesion in the higher frequencies without the HCDR. Speakers that were too big suddenly became relevant. Tap the toe to the max and headache gone.

My conclusion, in my room, is that the HCDR hits hard on all the hi-fi factors while detracting from overall musical coherence. The SN2 is already deadly fast with great bass command and the HCDR pushed these beyond comfortable limits. I'm more happy now with the bare SN2 on my current Totem Sttafs as well. It's definitely possible to get too much of a seemingly good thing.

sjbabbey posted:

Clintyboy

I'm amazed that you've had 5 responses to your post and none has mentioned that, despite how good the SN2 is (with or without a Hicap) your CD555 source really deserves better.

Possibly because the old mantra of Source First still applying, many think that a great source with lesser everything else is a good combo anyway. I remember a demo of Allaes at a dealer's, CD555, SN, Allae. Big, lucid, detailed sound thrown outside the speakers, power and authority. Never heard a SN sound so good after that.

As always it's horses for courses but I wouldn't be without mine, it turned a good amp into a great amp that still surprises me on a regular basis as to how good it is.  I've often felt that the Hicap DR made the SN2 the amp that it should have been.

Notwithstanding my original comment, it's good to see such positive comments about the SN2.