FlatcapXS on NaitXS
Posted by: justin65 on 26 November 2018
Hello,
I just wanted to add an update from me using a flatcap xs on my naim xs amplifier. My previous post on using this flatcap xs on my Naim CD5 Xs Cd player brought incredible revelations to the sound of my system. I am loving every moment of it and will continue to do so. I thought I would try adding it to my naim nait xs amplifier also. I firstly tried it seperately and then together with the CD player. All I can say is I was dissapointed. It seemed the Music was much more closed in and it seemed to have lost the fantastic naim dynamics It only took me 10 minutes to know the music was lacking something. I tested it out for a further hour and then changed back to the FlatcapXS just feeding the CD5XS. I then had my fantastic sound quality back. Anyone else found a similar result. I am wondering how an Hi Cap would perform instead. It baffles me how I have not had such a good result because it should be theoretically better by keeping the transformer away from the amplifier and just powering the analogue section as naim said.
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by Guinnless
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by Japtimscarlet
I too was incredibly disappointed by the flatcap Xs on my Nait xs2 when I had them
Sound opened up and was more alive without the flatcap... Great amp to use bare ...
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by hastings
I had the same result when sharing a flatcap. It powers one item very well or two items half as well. In my experience a shared flatcap is a waste of time. You need the 2nd one to provide a true improvement to your system. I'm not sure if it's worth it for you. Other upgrade options could include upgrading to a classic system (Supernait, 202/200 or higher) or getting a dac on the cd5xs (such as a Hugo) and giving the flatcap to the xs exclusively.
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by Japtimscarlet
Sadly my flatcap was not shared on the Nait xs2
It was just poor feeding the amp on its own
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by Christopher_M
Pish and tish. This is like a low rent version of how many 555 power supplies do you need on your NDS.
I have had FCXS on CD5XS and Nait XS. Now FCXS on CD5XS and NAC152XS. Happy chap.
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by Japtimscarlet
As ever Christopher your milage may vary ...
Posted on: 26 November 2018 by Matteo
My FCXS feeds both upgrades of the NAC 152 XS. Definitely a worthwhile investment
M.
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by Premmyboy
I agree with Matteo. I previously had Nac152xs and ran it without flatcap xs for 6 months and then added it for both upgrades on Nac152xs. I found a big uplift in performance.
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by Matteo
In the past, when I owned a Nait XS and other Naim equipments, I tried several combinations of the FCXS, and:
- with Nait XS: not good (better without);
- with Stageline N: very good (better than Aux powered input on the Nait);
- with Headline: good but NAPSC was better;
- with CD5XS: not for my tastes.
I do not remember if in the above mentioned experiments were used both inputs of the FCXS at the same time though.
Few years ago I also tried an XP5 XS for some months on my ND5 XS and finally preferred it bare.
M.
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by gary yeowell
No not at all. I ran CDS3 into NaitXS and Flatcap 2X for 5 years and it was stunning. Whenever i removed the Flatcap, the music was always less enjoyable!
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by james n
Yes - I enjoyed the Nait XS / FC XS combination for a couple of years. A very sweet setup.
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by wrc
152 XS with FlatCap XS (both inputs) here. Without the Flatcap it gives the illusion of sounding more dynamic at first but it's also a bit edgy and course. After listening for a while that illusion wears off and I find it a bit fatiguing. With the Flatcap I can listen at any volume (within reason) without it offending my ears. Bass is tighter / better defined and everything sounds more balanced overall.
I have no experience of the Nait XS. Opinion certainly seems divided as to whether a Flatcap adds much (similar to opinions re: SN2 with / without Hicap). I would suggest giving it a few days before deciding. Sometimes you need a bit of time to become accustomed to a new presentation in the sound.
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by Charles44
I used the Flatcap XS with both the XS amplifier and the CD5XS, with both at the same time and then individually with each. There was no difference, to me between using it and not using it. I had it connected for about one year so I had plenty of time to test.
My opinion is that it does nothing that benefits the sound, save your money.
Posted on: 27 November 2018 by james n
Colloms seemed to like it with the FC XS in tow.
Nait XS review - HiFi Critic
As with all these things, it's best auditioned in your own system with your own ears 
