Xs2 as preamp with NAP200 or SN2

Depends on where you wish to stop... If you get the NAP200, you'll want a new preamp, etc.

202 with the HC and use the XS2 as a power amp?   But the SN2 is a great integrated.  

All good responses above. It will also depend on what sound you are looking for with the upgrade options as they will all sound different. I tried bare Nait XS before and preferred the 202/200 more than the XS. The Hicap DR adds a lot more to the 202. On the other hand there are few who prefer the XS to the 202 or Supernait. 

Bf56 posted:

Opinions please . Currently XS2 with  HicapDR. Would the addition of a NAP200  (non DR ) be a step up.

Opinion, or more accurately speculation on my part (because I haven't tried it), but I wouldn't bother adding a 70-W amp to a 70-W integrated. Seems like a lateral move, marginal at best in my mind. A 250 seems worthwhile, especially if you're after better speaker command and bass control. Then again, I've never understood the notion of partitioning an integrated. Why not just do separates in the first place?

 

Or an SN2 with my HicapDR

SN2 would be a step up the ladder; it's Naim's flagship integrated. Better speaker command, bass slam, resolution and overall speed. Also more exposing and likely to reveal any shortcomings in your sources, source material, or speakers. Having been there, I wouldn't bother with the HCDR on the SN2. Sell it to fund that upgrade. YRMV and many here find the HCDR an indispensable upgrade to the SN2. It gets convoluted.

Best route Bob, would be to work with a dealer so you can bring home the contending boxes (+ ICs) and determine the best combination for your ears and wallet. 

Bob - I’ve also got an XS2, how did it sound after you added the hicap DR? 

Trading the XS2 for  a used Supernait 2 would be similar cost to a hicap DR... anyone had any experience?

When I first listened to the XS2 it sounded great , articulate, controlled, and all the superlatives that you read on the forum. When the HiCap is added it just does everything better and i have found it very easy to live with. I think it opens up the soundstage and provides even better detail. 

I'm sure there are forum members better able to describe it than me. I am considering a Supernait 2 as I have recently been listening to a friends Nova which I think is a step up from the XS2 and has woken up the upgrade bug.

Sadly there’s no known medical treatment to cure the upgrade bug, and upgrading is only a temporary cure

The extra detail and soundstage would be very welcome, as would a bit more prominence in the vocals/midrange. 

Naim_that_tune posted:

Sadly there’s no known medical treatment to cure the upgrade bug, and upgrading is only a temporary cure

The extra detail and soundstage would be very welcome, as would a bit more prominence in the vocals/midrange. 

To expand on the Xs2 with hicap. .......in 2007 i was auditioning floor standing speakers at a dealer, of the speakers I listened to none had the wow factor I expected. At the time I was using Quad 77 10l standmounts with a Quad 77 integrated amp. The dealer was using a Naim amp, probably an XS. As we were discussing the speakers he added another Naim box the same size as the amp, A Flatcap??.. ..... That added the wow factor.....greater detail, smoother, wider etc. It was that that steered me to a Naim amp and power supply.

. I got the speakers sorted and a few years later got the XS2 and HicapDR.  I went for the HiCap as it was on offer as ex display,  and it fits into the antique oak cabinet which houses the system.  

I'm at my dealers next week to listen to the Supernait 2 and the XS2 side by side and will report my impressions here soon. 

Bob F