Power amp upgrade to Nait XS

Posted by: Singlespeed on 15 November 2017

Hi Folks

I'm going to look into the above soon as I'd like more power to my Spendor S3/5R-2 speakers as I'm told they respond well to 'better' amplification & I don't always feel the Nait really 'gets hold' of them.

200DR & 250DR are on the cards to go with the XS as pre (for the time being) & HiCapDR which I already have. Intend to demo both units but interested to hear of experiences with a similar setup etc...?

Enjoy the music!

Posted on: 28 November 2017 by Christopher_M

I think CDX2 and SN2 will be a nice set, Mitch.

I'm calling it a kind of standard integrated set. Thesedays there don't seem to be that many of us running them here, potentially you, Max, Stephen Tate, myself, doubtless I've missed a few. Others have gone on to supposedly 'better' sets. What do they know!?  ;-)

C.

Posted on: 28 November 2017 by Japtimscarlet

Some moon's ago I used an nac82 with an Xs2 ( latest style) and was very disappointed with the "improvement" over the in built pre

Not sure if that is of any use to your question but I can see why you might like to go that way as a half way house...the same reason I did

Posted on: 28 November 2017 by Michael Mccullough
Singlespeed posted:

Took my Nait & speakers to Nintronics last Friday as I'd arranged for a demo of the NAP200DR & also NAP250DR.

Job done & the 200 is now residing at mine on a 2 week home demo period. I'm very much enjoying what I'm hearing so far & it seems (to me at least) that Naim's advice on upgrades in the manual was bang on 

Going forward I will return to Nintronics to audition a NAC202 or 282 next year at some point...

Thank you for all your helpful comments folks 

Enjoy the music! 

Since you plan on adding a 202/282, Would it make more sense to get a preloved 200 and hicap?  Would improve both preamp and amp. 

Posted on: 29 November 2017 by Singlespeed
Michael Mccullough posted:

Since you plan on adding a 202/282, Would it make more sense to get a preloved 200 and hicap?  Would improve both preamp and amp. 

Had HicapDR since 2015. I am aware of the relative 'redundancy' of the DR module in the 200 but I'm not bothered about that. After all, most of my Nait is currently 'off-line'...

Posted on: 29 November 2017 by seakayaker

Interested in hearing about your experience after you have had a chance to demo the XS/200DR combo.

Which model of the XS do you have?  

 

Posted on: 29 November 2017 by Christopher_M

SK, I can see what you're thinking. IMO an XP5 XS on your streamer makes more sense.

Chris

Posted on: 29 November 2017 by seakayaker
Christopher_M posted:

SK, I can see what you're thinking. IMO an XP5 XS on your streamer makes more sense.

Chris

......my thoughts were a slow upgrade path, possibly adding a NAP200DR with the ND5XS & NAIT XS 2 and then in the future trading in the ND5XS/NAIT XS 2 for a NAC 272 (or its replacement). At this point it is just a thought and would be interested to hear how demo with the NAITXS/NAP200DR works out for SINGLESPEED.

I am in no rush to make a change but always interested in what others are doing with similar systems.

Posted on: 29 November 2017 by Christopher_M

Apologies, there I was thinking that just because the NAIT XS is a keeper for me it is for everyone. Basic error. And to Singlespeed too for butting into his thread.

Posted on: 30 November 2017 by Singlespeed
seakayaker posted:

Interested in hearing about your experience after you have had a chance to demo the XS/200DR combo.

Which model of the XS do you have?  

 

I have the original XS 60W model. Already having the HicapDR (which was a great upgrade) the 200DR has taken it a big leap forward! Just been listening for a couple of hours tonight & very happy so far 

 

Posted on: 30 November 2017 by Singlespeed
Christopher_M posted:

Apologies, there I was thinking that just because the NAIT XS is a keeper for me it is for everyone. Basic error. And to Singlespeed too for butting into his thread.

No apologies needed Chris, happy to have your opinions 

Posted on: 30 November 2017 by seakayaker
Singlespeed posted:
seakayaker posted:

Interested in hearing about your experience after you have had a chance to demo the XS/200DR combo.

Which model of the XS do you have?  

 

I have the original XS 60W model. Already having the HicapDR (which was a great upgrade) the 200DR has taken it a big leap forward! Just been listening for a couple of hours tonight & very happy so far 

 

Thanks for the information and the update on your experience so far, it does sound promising. I look forward to hearing  your opinion after the 2 week home demo period has concluded.

Posted on: 13 December 2017 by seakayaker

I was wondering how the two week home demo has gone. A worthwhile upgrade?  Thanks......

Posted on: 13 December 2017 by Singlespeed

YES! it's a keeper for sure. just more of everything good about music. It has taken the little Spendors by the balls & really makes them sing.

Just to note, I notice that they don't list the 200 as an upgrade to the XS2 like they did in the original's manual? Perhaps the increase in power over the original has narrowed the gap...? Certainly worth doing a demo though if you are considering going that sort of route ;-)

cheers!

Posted on: 13 December 2017 by seakayaker
Singlespeed posted:

YES! it's a keeper for sure. just more of everything good about music. It has taken the little Spendors by the balls & really makes them sing.

Just to note, I notice that they don't list the 200 as an upgrade to the XS2 like they did in the original's manual? Perhaps the increase in power over the original has narrowed the gap...? Certainly worth doing a demo though if you are considering going that sort of route ;-)

cheers!

Thanks for taking the time to reply, it is greatly appreciated.   I am happy to hear that it has worked out for you!