Naim XS-2 Upgrade - NAP 155 XS or FlatCap XS?

I'd say get a SN2,instead

That would IMPROVE sq especially as you've a nice front end to complement with an hicap DR later.

By adding 155xs you have wasted powersection in your intg amp

Maybe a serviced hicap would be better ?

The FC nice as it is, it really is mostly an empty box, way too expensive ime

SN2 very nice

I have been considering a SuperNait 2 for a while actually so it is tempting... It's all about trying to find a good deal on the secondhand market.

I didn't even think about the bypassing of the power section of the XS-2... Blank moment!

As the previous posters said, the SN is the way to go. Very much a fan of it. It will just improve everything.

Thanks guys. I will keep an eye out for a good deal on a SuperNait 2 then

A Supernait is a great suggestion, but on the used market, you are, to some extent, guided by availability, and for similar money, you might come across a 152/155, or even a 202/200, both of which are very good amps. Just remember that if they are old, you may need to budget for a service too.

The Linn and the Allaes are both excellent, and could really benefit from a good amplifier in the middle. As funds are tight, how about tracking down an Olive 82, Hicap and 250? You could get the set for around £2,000 and as you could use the inbuilt phono boards the stageline could go. If not, then the Supernait 2 would make a lot of sense. 

A HC was good on my one-time XS with a Linn front end and IBLs. The HC also gives good system building options in the future, should you want them.

Chris

Use the Flatcap only for the Stageline and stay with the bare XS-2. 

weak points there are XS2 and stageline.

I can't think of any other way to improve both but going 'at least' SN region.

Actually as SN2 sounds a bit better than the previous an HIcap DR on SL would prove a fine addition.

But even without latest  SN would help solve somehow nicely the issue.

I'd wait ,be patient, that's the best thing to do now and which usually pays.

If impatient , go hunt for an Hicap DR as any flatcap would be a waste of money now and then. It's not that great product for stageline.

If money is a thing, you can also get a s/h Supernait 1 and add the Hicap DR later. It will give you a real 'Power' amp, having sufficient detail for your LP12, solid bass and can power your Stageline.

If you trade-in your current XS, it cost you not too much especially in the 2-step approach, first Supernait and a year later the hicap.

Nobrainer to me.

Thanks everyone for your input.

I am definitely thinking that a SuperNait 2 (offset with the sale of my XS-2) and then the future addition of a HiCap DR at a later date.

This seems like the most logical way to go, especially as many feel (as do I) that the weak point in the system is the XS-2 at present.

James Garner posted:

Thanks everyone for your input.

I am definitely thinking that a SuperNait 2 (offset with the sale of my XS-2) and then the future addition of a HiCap DR at a later date.

This seems like the most logical way to go, especially as many feel (as do I) that the weak point in the system is the XS-2 at present.

no it's not is the Stageline! 

Robiwan posted:

James Garner posted:

Thanks everyone for your input.

I am definitely thinking that a SuperNait 2 (offset with the sale of my XS-2) and then the future addition of a HiCap DR at a later date.

This seems like the most logical way to go, especially as many feel (as do I) that the weak point in the system is the XS-2 at present.

no it's not is the Stageline! 

The StageLine is set up for Linn cartridges (K) - What would be the next upgrade from here then without spending over £2k on the SuperLine?

I was planning to do the following in order:

XS-2 upgrade to SuperNait 2
then
HiCap DR for the StageLine

SL is not a great phonopreamp. It sounds overcontrolled and thin with a Hicap. It is probably best sounding (balanced) with aux2, isupply or Flatcap but stil, it has a lacklustre/dark/bleak sound. 

As has been suggested a pre-loved SN1, is exceptional value for money,  you can also add a Hicap and also use as a pre if you ever want to add a 250....

Well after help from you guys I have managed to get a reasonable price on a pre-owned late 2014 SuperNait 2 which should hopefully be here shortly.
I will hold off on the HiCap for now and power the StageLine with the Aux 2 as I do currently from my Nait XS-2 until I feel the need to change.

[@mention:54645535606705408] - In regards to the StageLine, what other options would you consider as a replacement? I'm not really planning on changing, but curious as to what you would use instead (excluding the SuperLine as way out of budget at about 10x the price).

James Garner posted:

Well after help from you guys I have managed to get a reasonable price on a pre-owned late 2014 SuperNait 2 which should hopefully be here shortly.
I will hold off on the HiCap for now and power the StageLine with the Aux 2 as I do currently from my Nait XS-2 until I feel the need to change.

[@mention:54645535606705408] - In regards to the StageLine, what other options would you consider as a replacement? I'm not really planning on changing, but curious as to what you would use instead (excluding the SuperLine as way out of budget at about 10x the price).

Superline, Linn euphorik, Rega Aria.

Robiwan posted:

James Garner posted:

Well after help from you guys I have managed to get a reasonable price on a pre-owned late 2014 SuperNait 2 which should hopefully be here shortly.
I will hold off on the HiCap for now and power the StageLine with the Aux 2 as I do currently from my Nait XS-2 until I feel the need to change.

[@mention:54645535606705408] - In regards to the StageLine, what other options would you consider as a replacement? I'm not really planning on changing, but curious as to what you would use instead (excluding the SuperLine as way out of budget at about 10x the price).

Superline, Linn euphorik, Rega Aria.

Thank you. I shall bear these in mind for the future.

Congratulations on your purchase, please post your thoughts on the SN2 once run in. I run an XS and have pondered a move to a SN.

Superline on aux2 of a 282 didn't disappoint, it did on a hicap but I may not have used the best socket to take the signal from the hicap (adjacent to the Snaic socket is the one to use).

After a couple of days with the SuperNait 2 I am happy to say it sounds fantastic. Gave the system an overall boost in many areas and was a brilliant upgrade. The guys at Signals were awesome as well!

glad you're enjoying the SN2. by all accounts, it's a great piece.

as for your phono stage, i recommend the Dynavector P75. i found it to be much better than the Stageline. (i agree with Robiwan's comments above that it's quite dark sounding.) if you can find one secondhand, you can sell it for no loss if you don't get on with it.

James Garner posted:

After a couple of days with the SuperNait 2 I am happy to say it sounds fantastic. Gave the system an overall boost in many areas and was a brilliant upgrade.

Congrats on your choice. You've got a great system as it now sits. My suggestion would be to give it a fair term to sink in before making any changes - establish a familiar baseline over time with a wide variety of recordings. I've done the HCDR on the SN2 and tried the Aria phono stage. The bare SN2 and Stageline via Aux2 is a tough combination to beat for musical immediacy as well as VFM. Looking to spend more in the future? I'd consider racking and room treatment if you have not already addressed them. A Powerline on the SN2 as well.

glad you made the right decision and are enjoying it.

Let it settle in and don't think about upgrades now unless you have not a good surface to site the unit and especially the Lp12.

In that case quadraspire make good ones ,though with that level of kit a Fraim base level  would be strongly suggested I think and a wall shelf for TT.