Amp upgrade

The XS 2 is a slightly different balance than the older XS, but probably not that much of an upgrade (and a significant number of people prefer the old XS anyway).

Dependant on your objectives in upgrading, it may be that the 202 / 200DR will suit you better than the SN2.  You should definitely audition both before deciding.

petzhou,

I had the original Nait XS with Flatcap XS and graduated to a SN2 used both with and without a HCDR. I recently moved on to a non-Naim integrated. As for the Naims, the SN2 definitely did hi-fi better and provided superior command on my speakers. In retrospect I probably have more fondness for the Nait XS/FCXS with its more rounded, forgiving sonic nature which ultimately provided me greater musicality. The SN2 was aggressively fast, resolving, and sounded superb with well-recorded music but tended to be rather brutal with marginal recordings. Very exposing of the source material. I was more involved with a larger portion of my music with the Nait XS.

Not to suggest the SN2 wouldn't work for you, only to caution a lengthy home demo with a wide variety of your music before drawing your own conclusion. Hi-fi aspects are readily discernable, but for me musicality is the long-term currency. Good luck on your decision.

petzhou posted:

....using an original XS and Flatcap.

Nice set if you also have a CD5XS.

But such a source is not good enough IMO if you hanker for SN2 or 202/ 200. It can be ball-breaker, going to the big stuff.

Chris

Hi folks - many thanks to you all for taking the time to reply. My source is an LP 12, Ittok and Cadenza red. The deck was upgraded by Inspire hi fi (vivid upgrade) . My cd player is a Cyrus CDI - which is secondary to the LP12 obviously but is actually pretty musical and to which I will add a psxr or psx r(2). I picked up the cdi for £ 500 and felt pound for pound it was better than the equivalent Naim cd.

My speakers are Tannoy Precision 6.2 which at the reduced priced of £800 (new) are pretty decent. (Though they took forever to run in!) I recognize that these will have to change (Proac's?) with an amp change. My cables are TQ Black which I changed to from Chord epic twin. The cable change was well worthwhile.

I enjoy my set up - it's musical and detailed with a reasonable soundstage - but as laways we start to think of the next step!!

I don't know - if you enjoy your set up do you need to do anything?    I think the SN2 is a lovely amp and would suit your TT well.      

petzhou posted:

I enjoy my set up - it's musical and detailed with a reasonable soundstage - but as laways we start to think of the next step!!

Indeed, it's a mighty affliction. What you desire, and why, gets to the heart of it IMO.

C.