Dynaudio Focus 260 with XS2

Thank you all.

Ok then, is regular servicing required and what exactly  has to be done/replaced with servicing? What is the usual servicing cost? How often is it required?

Should I go with HiCap? What should I expect cost wise for a preowned PSU?

Moderated Post:  Amused, please note forum rules.  Note that discussion of unauthorised modifications (which includes non-Naim power supplies, SNAIC and Bundy substitutes) is strictly forbidden. Such modifications will not only impair performance but may also cause damage to attached equipment.

Upon reading your update, my thoughts are similar to others here:

-Even trade for the SN1

-Plan on using your Chord as the DAC

-Spend what you can on a HiCapDR

Anything leftover? Consider 2x PowerLine Lite, TQ Black stereo speaker cables, Chord USB/Interconnect cables, and maybe Fraim/ Fraim Lite? 

But I am also never for making haste decisions under pressure. I'd continue enjoying all the demos and even try to get the SN1 for an in house demo.

My SN1 is from 2007 and still running strong. No PSU as well however I have demo'd the HCDR which was good but my upgrade strategy is not carved in stone yet.

Even without the HCDR its a good amp, I would suggest to buy it without the HC and then wait for an good offer on a HCDR. There is good trade in HCDR's.

Amused posted:

Thank you all.

Ok then, is regular servicing required and what exactly  has to be done/replaced with servicing? What is the usual servicing cost? How often is it required?

Should I go with HiCap? What should I expect cost wise for a preowned PSU?

Moderated Post:  Amused, please note forum rules.  Note that discussion of unauthorised modifications (which includes non-Naim power supplies, SNAIC and Bundy substitutes) is strictly forbidden. Such modifications will not only impair performance but may also cause damage to attached equipment.

 

 

I think Naim recommends servicing after 8-10 years, but one might want to ignore this for a few years if one is happy with the sound coming from an ageing amp... Re costs, best to first ask your dealer whether Naim service can be done locally.

Ardbeg10y posted:

My SN1 is from 2007 and still running strong. No PSU as well however I have demo'd the HCDR which was good but my upgrade strategy is not carved in stone yet.

Even without the HCDR its a good amp, I would suggest to buy it without the HC and then wait for an good offer on a HCDR. There is good trade in HCDR's.

Thanks, duly noted.

HCDR is the Hi Cap DR, right? The new one?

In what way is it better than earlier hi caps?

Although Naim's recommendation is 10 to 12 years for servicing, I have read about folks using the amps way past the mark, in excess of 20 years without noticing any signs of sound deterioration. My NAC 202 and NAP 200 are now 13 years old and they sound perfectly fine. A service may get the amps to their tip-tip condition but since they are in a second system I doubt I'lI get them serviced unless I detect a serious degradation in sound quality ie. one channel sounding louder than the other or slight hiss from the speakers etc.  

Amused: if you're going to get a PSU then I'd definitely opt for a new one with DR. Based on everything I've read, it seems to add a lot more to the SN1, whereas the benefit is more of a mixed bag with with the SN2. I see two HCDRs  costing around $1400-1500 USD.

None of my stuff has been serviced - will do in due course but working just fine

Thanks for the suggestion, but the price is pretty high and would involve duties and customs as well. 

First lets see how it fares in its stock condition.

A 2009 SN1will be fine.  Won't need servicing yet.  

Hi guys, I'm in the club! A new Supernait 1 owner here

The difference was so dramatic, so damn dramatic and powerful, that I just couldn't believe my ears! The control, the soundstage, the depth, the imaging, the bass, the rhythm, the control! My God!

Now I understand the fuss about Naim. I really do. This is absolutely something special, and I'm talking about a stock SN1 with a stock power cable. 

My Dyns are singing!!!!!

Well.... I did say the risk of not liking Naim and Dynaudio is extremely low....

welcome to the club.... enjoy.......  

Yup  ....  me too same as Analogmusic ,  enjoy your Supernait,  I've enjoyed mine since  Dec 2008,  its been a happy Christmas ever since.  Get to know each other for a month or three before you start thinking power cables & suchlike,  then you stand a better chance of appreciating if/any the SQ changes.  

Thank you guys for all the help! I am more than happy! The thing is so musical, so involving, so enchanting. Even YouTube videos sound great. However, the internal DAC can't compete with the Mojo, no contest there. 

During testing: 

So you straight swapped for an SN1 and you have it home and it's a done deal?

What are you using to output from the Mojo to the SN1?

DynFan160 posted:

So you straight swapped for an SN1 and you have it home and it's a done deal?

What are you using to output from the Mojo to the SN1?

Yes, swapped for an SN1 and made a payment on top.

Mojo - Audioquest hard mini adapter - Chord Epic Analogue interconnect

Amused posted:

Hi guys, I'm in the club! A new Supernait 1 owner here

The difference was so dramatic, so damn dramatic and powerful, that I just couldn't believe my ears! The control, the soundstage, the depth, the imaging, the bass, the rhythm, the control! My God!

Now I understand the fuss about Naim. I really do. This is absolutely something special, and I'm talking about a stock SN1 with a stock power cable. 

My Dyns are singing!!!!!

Congratulations. I can surely relate to your experience as I once described the Arcam as some sort of a cold fish on the Harbeth forum many years ago. It was an Alpha 10 integrated. I guess the house sound of the Arcam has remained fairly similar without much evolution throughout the years.

I have not tried many amplifiers but have owned quite a few. The Naim is one that can give you the involvement when compared to most hifi brands out there, though I acknowledge that some may prefer a more sedated and calm (uninvolving) presentation.

Since you own the Supernait now, try to stay to the course by JUST planning for the Hicap DR sometime in the near future.

Enjoy~

Thank you, I am glad all of you were right! 

Yes, the Hi Cap DR sounds interesting, a friend will bring over the older Hi Cap some time next week to do some testing.

I am looking at some 3.5mm to DIN cables as well, any suggestions?

Good to hear you like it,I used to run an SN 2 with high cap dr,fed from a Hugo into focus 160's...great synergy,tons of PRAT.Like I mentioned,those speakers will reveal all future upgrades you do nicely,and the 272/250dr is MUCH better,lol,but enjoy what you have for now.

Don't listen to no quarter 

Mojo, with SN1 and Focus 260 is one hell of a dynamic system.

I would buy an TRS (headphone jack) to DIN cable though, that is really a necessity to get even more enjoyment.

You can find one on flashback cables or ebay.

No real need for a Hicap DR, any Hicap will do a great job with a SN1.

I found one on eBay, based on the Van Damme silver plated microphone cable (also called Van Damme Ultra Black).

I already have this cable fitted with some Netrik Rean plugs on both ends and it works really well. I wonder whether pure 3.5mm to DIN connection would bring improvements over the RCA to RCA connection over the Audioquest splitter.

One other thing you might want to look at is the Micro-Rendu to feed the mojo,I have read some good things about it,and it is fairly cheap,I may try one myself at some point,kind of holding off though until the verdict is in on the core,we are starting to get core comparisons coming in to the unitiserve,or feed from a NAS,but no comparisons to the Rendu yet.

Nice to read about your purchase, congratulations. Many understand your enjoyment.