Re. Amp advice needed XS2 or SN2

I've had the SN1+hicapdr+nDAC for years. No desire to upgrade.

I swapped and upgraded to the SN2 with my dealer later. But that's because I didn't want to recap the ageing SN1.

I can live with either amps. On my set up, the SN1 gave a nice fun bouncy bass that I liked. The SN2 is more refined, having a noticeable lower noise floor, dynamic range, tighter bass and better clarity/soundstage.

I don't use words such as huge, much better or large margins to describe the differences. I could have lived with the SN1+hicapdr combo.

Yes, all good from a hifi perspective but which amp gets you bouncing around the room when the tune/volume is perfect for your mood at the time?

betcha it's the SN1...

I'll check out the TQ black and Chord. They seem a touch easier than the NAC A5 to mask around skirting boards and beading.

I would suggest that you keep your existing speaker cables for perhaps a couple of months, while you get used to the sound of the new amp. Then see if you can try out some other cables if you feel the urge. (You might not!) If you introduce two or more changes to your system at the same time, it's difficult to assess the benefits of each change, so for me, taking it nice and slow is the best way. Then try some NAC A5, as this could be seen as a 'reference' cable for Naim systems, so it kind of makes sense to judge any other cables against it.  

Cant wait to get home from work. Finally have my SN2!

From one SN2 owner to another - I think you're in for a long evening.  Well done, enjoy.

What will be the first piece of music put on ? 

 recommend a double album with an extra one of b sides and out takes .

Congratulations, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

Do let us know how it sounds.

One word of caution: despite being an ex-demo unit, it may take several weeks for the SN2 to settle down in your system. Things will continue to improve during that period.

SongStream posted:

From one SN2 owner to another - I think you're in for a long evening.  Well done, enjoy.

Thank you! i'm leaving work very shortly. Can't wait

TOBYJUG posted:

What will be the first piece of music put on ? 

 recommend a double album with an extra one of b sides and out takes .

I'm actually sitting at my desk at work, deliberating what to play. hmm...

Hi All,

Can I ask recommendations or experience of suitable interconnects for SN2 (3.5mm to RCA Mojo to SN2) & RCA to RCA (phono stage to SN2)

Thanks

Do not use RCA - RCA. RCA>DIN is much, much better. Trust me - been there, done that 

For digital sources: HiLine RCA > DIN

For analogue sources: Chord Signature TA RCA > DIN

I had both amps, if money is not an issue SN2 anytime. Especially if you add a Hicap DR later then you will have an amazing system that performes like separates

Moussa posted:

I had both amps, if money is not an issue SN2 anytime. Especially if you add a Hicap DR later then you will have an amazing system that performes like separates

I've since bought an SN2. I'm thoroughly enjoying it! In fact, I'm finding it incredibly addictive and haven't really left my lounge, unless an absolute must.

A familiar tale.  It is very very good, isn't it.  Have fun, plenty of weekend left. ;-)

badlands posted:

I would say, based on my ears, that the two amps sounded very different, whereas the SN2 completely overshadowing the previous SN1 by quite  a big margin.

I disagree comprehensively.  They just sound different.  SN2 sounds polite and boring while SN1 sounds more entertaining.  It depends on what type of music you listen to and what kind of mood you like music to create for you.

dzambolaja posted:

badlands posted:

I would say, based on my ears, that the two amps sounded very different, whereas the SN2 completely overshadowing the previous SN1 by quite  a big margin.

I disagree comprehensively.  They just sound different.  SN2 sounds polite and boring while SN1 sounds more entertaining.  It depends on what type of music you listen to and what kind of mood you like music to create for you.

Agree completely,  at best they are just different... SN2 does not overshadow SN1, plus add a HC to SN1 and wow.....

dzambolaja posted:

badlands posted:

I would say, based on my ears, that the two amps sounded very different, whereas the SN2 completely overshadowing the previous SN1 by quite  a big margin.

I disagree comprehensively.  They just sound different.  SN2 sounds polite and boring while SN1 sounds more entertaining.  It depends on what type of music you listen to and what kind of mood you like music to create for you.

That's funny, the SN1 sounds more polite to me than the SN2, the SN2 has so much more of a see through quality that definitely was not there with the SN1, so I guess it's an individual thing.

I must say that in the What Hi-Fi review of both amps, the consensus was more in line with my description. Just an FYI!

badlands posted:

dzambolaja posted:

badlands posted:

I would say, based on my ears, that the two amps sounded very different, whereas the SN2 completely overshadowing the previous SN1 by quite  a big margin.

I disagree comprehensively.  They just sound different.  SN2 sounds polite and boring while SN1 sounds more entertaining.  It depends on what type of music you listen to and what kind of mood you like music to create for you.

That's funny, the SN1 sounds more polite to me than the SN2, so I guess it's an individual thing.

I must say that in the What Hi-Fi review of both amps, the consensus was more in line with my description. Just an FYI!

I wouldn't take any notice of, What Hi-Fi magazine ..... but you are right it's very much an individual thing....we all like what we like....

Congratulations. Another extremely pleased SN2 owner here for some time now.

i think it's an astonishing amp. I found no issue with rca > rca connection. I use this for my DSX1000 > SN2

the biggest compliment i can pay the SN2 is this: reading this forum makes me think about upgrading to separates, maybe demo 252/250DR just to see, but then I queue up a list of albums and just sit back and listen with a great big smile on my face.

the point I'm making is that I don't have the urge to go and demo 

enjoy it!

In which case Anton - job done.