I Bought a HiCap today

Ina

You can't go wrong with a HiCap as you are finding.

It is certainly trying it on the 92 instead to see what happens. I personally think the Hicap does even more to a pre-amp than it does to the CD5.

Anway give it whirl you can always switch back again. Incidentally if you do do a test don't make an instant judgement. Play your system for a few days in both configurations, rather than switching back and forth after one track.

good luck
GEOFF

Ian sorry about the typo on your name.
GEOFF

Ian, I would put it on the pre-amp and no messing.

Hi Ian

I had a similar experience adding a hi-cap to my cd5 here and I know what you mean.

However I already had a hi-cap between the amps, which had also made a colossal difference. Why not try switching yours around and let your ears decide.

The other alternative, as most replies on this board seem to become, is to buy another hi-cap and flog the flatcap. Then your weak link will become...
(ad infinitum)

Happy listening!

Rod

PS. Garyi, I'm no expert here, but I would've thought using the phrase "no messing" on these boards is akin to telling Alex Ferguson to stop chewing gum...

Thanks for the advice guys.

I decided to swap the HiCap on to the NAC92 and the FlatCap on the CD5. My conclusion is that the HiCap is better on the NAC92 for sure.

I played the Level 42 track "World machine", and the bass line was much clearer and faster and had more drive. The top end was also much more controlled, and clean.

Next up was the superb Norah Jones album "Come away with me". The vocals had a much more solid feel, with greater depth, and clarity.

Finally I played the Fleetwood Mac song "The Chain". The guitar had better bite and sounded much cleaner and again had more depth. At the end of the track where the music speeds up, the solo guitar really stands out now and the rest of the instruments are easier to follow.

This HiCap is a bit special. Now its time to rediscover the rest of my music collection.

Ian Marsh

quote:

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Originally posted by Ian Marsh:
Today I bought a HiCap Olive style 1997. I have it connected to my CD5, and the difference is stunning. The music is now much better, the increase in dynamics is clear, the vocals are much more detailed, and it has given real weight and drive to bass lines. In general I am very happy with this upgrade.

My system is CD5/HiCap, 92/FlatCap/90.3, Linn Helix/Kustone NACA5. I assume the HiCap is better on the CD5, because the improvments to the source is vital. Therefore is it worth trying the HiCap on the 92/90.3 and using the FlatCap for the CD5 ?, has anyone had different results with the different combinations ?

Ian Marsh

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get another highcap for the pre-amp and sell the flatcap. You will love the system even more.

I would love to get another HiCap and sell my FlatCap, no doubt about it. But my finances will not allow it right now. Maybe later on in the year I could afford another HiCap. The addition of my current HiCap regarding musical improvments to my system is simply outstanding. The improvment is massive !!

Ian Marsh

Ian,

From my experience I would put the Hi-Cap on the 92. I would then upgrade the 92 instead of buying a second Hi-Cap.

I had two Hi-Caps for a while on CD3.5 and 92 and then later a flat cap on CD3.5 and a Hi-Cap on a 102. Improving the pre-amp gave a much more satisfying result, even with a "lesser" source.

Regards,

Tom

Ian

I have a colleague who tried both a hicap and a flatcap on a cd5


The hicap was not a great success, the flatcap was. This test was repeated with several players and power supplies, including at a dealer...with similar results

I am puzzled???

Laurie S

Yes I am also very puzzled?, as everyone knows a HiCap is better than a FlatCap on a CD5. Very strange indeed.

Anyway I have decided to run the HiCap with the 92, and the FlatCap with the CD5. The improvments the HiCap has made to the 92 is stunning, it really is.

Looking at upgrading the 92 is something I will do at some stage in the future. Also some new speakers too, but my bank balance needs time to recover first.

Maybe the addition of a 102, and some Ariva speakers would do nicley, but for now I intend to enjoy my system as it is. I am very happy with the balance of the system now.

Thanks guys.

Ian Marsh

Worked for me, but then I have never had a flatcap. Perhaps this is my first ever encouragement to downgrade!
But I love my hi-caps. Having two together I'm kinda hoping they breed and I can make a fortune on eBay...

Of course I've got my eye on an 82, so then I could use both on that and buy a flatcap for the cd5. I tried this proposition on my online bank account and it opened up a new "Yeah, right" window.

One day...

Rod

Ian--

If you ever need to find a good home for the Helix's and stands, you let me know!

Bob

Bob,

If I remember correctly didn't you have a pair of Helix 2's a while back ?. I remember reading one of your reply's to a post I made some time ago.

And yes of course, if ever I decide to replace my Linn Helix, I will let you know

Ian Marsh