scenario of upgrade

Posted by: Martin C on 01 June 2003

Hi there,

Need some advice for the upgrade.

I got CDSII/XPS/NAC82+Hi-cap/NAP250/SBL. I recently have a few demos.

- Extra Hi-cap for NAC82 (Home demo)
- Supercap2 to NAC82
- Fraim at dealer
(They just moved the CDX2 from quadraspire
original to reference, then Fraim, the
difference from orginal to Fraim is huge,
can't believe it's only from the rack
upgrade. Fraim also better than reference
table in all respects.)

First when I demo the extra hi-cap (Olive), sound more dynamic. The supercap2 really tighten up everything and more focus, image have move deeper.

The question is if I have to choose one upgrade from the above, would it be supercap first or Fraim (still don't know what will be the impact for my system, as they only move the CDX2). Need some advices from the existing users.

If get both together, it will be a great improvement.

cheers
Martin
Posted on: 01 June 2003 by Emil F
Martin

You're right. Both upgrades are worthwhile.
Your system will be complete then.

I think you should do the supercap first. I have CDX2/XPS2/282/SC2/new250 on fraim. The supercap arrived a week ago. It replaced my hi-cap2. For me a single hi-cap for 82/282 is a compromise. With the supercap you will really hear the full potential of your naim stuff.

Fraim is also a must, but you can get it later. Try with two glasses under the CDX2, if you didn't do this already.

Emil
Posted on: 02 June 2003 by greeny
I have similar system to you and I went for 2nd hand Supercap for £800 + a Hicap.

The problem with the Fraim approach is I had too much for 1 rack (135's), (you are just about on the limit) and would have needed 2 base units, 1 high shelf + 3 more standard shelves, this comes to approx £2500.

Another option to consider is XPS -> XPS2 (I've not tried this)
Posted on: 03 June 2003 by Martin C
Hi Greeny,

How old is your supercap & Hi-cap? £800 is cheap?

My Hi-cap only 2 years old.

cheers
Martin
Posted on: 03 June 2003 by Frank Abela
Go Fraim. It allows you to build on the system in time. It gets those ferrous Soundstyle racks away from the system and future upgrades will be even more emphatic because of it.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
Posted on: 03 June 2003 by greeny
quote:
Originally posted by Martin C:
Hi Greeny,

How old is your supercap & Hi-cap? £800 is cheap?

My Hi-cap only 2 years old.

cheers
Martin


I swopped £800 and a HiCap for a Supercap.

My Hicap was 3 years old (say £400 worth) the Supercap was early nineties but fully serviced/upgraded in 1998, so in essence I payed £1200.