Naim DAC with Supernait/Hicap2
Posted by: kifco on 28 August 2010
Anyone here using a Naim DAC with the SN/HC2 combination. If so, did it bring about a huge improvements over the SN onboard dac?
quote:Originally posted by Stoik:
I don't know much about the sound of the Supernait's DAC, as I heard it only fed by analog sources, but I know how a nDAC sounds when coupled to a Nait XS: Fabulous!
Thorsten_Lux pointed something interesting in his interventions; He's able to appreciate a clear difference between the SN's DAC and the nDAC. That difference seems to matter a lot to him, enough to justify the extra outlay for the nDAC.
The popular saying state this as "diminishing return", I rather call that a personal saturation point. Where you have enough to be happy, and where another difference (better or worse) can't change anything about this feeling, as you are "saturated".
Let's take an example to explain this better; When I had my CD5i, the Hi-Line had a dramatic effect on it, and to go back with Naim standard interconnect was a simple no-no. Now with the Naim DAC, the Hi-Line effect is still there, but I could perfectly live happy with the standard interconnect.
The Naim DAC allowed me to reach my saturation point in my system. Another person could reach his own saturation point with the Supernait's DAC, and even if he's trying a Naim DAC maxed out with a 555PS, won't be able to appreciate the difference at a level convincing enough to him as essential to his happiness state.
My belief is that saturation point is not static, and will evolve with the listening experience gained over time, leading to what we usualy call an "upgraditis" condition.
So by all means, have a listen to the Naim DAC to hear what the fuzz's about. We never know, you may like it enough to bring it home to stay. No one could answer better to that question than yourself.
Bye.
For Naim fans, in addition to death and taxes, the only other certainty in life is 'upgradetitis'. It is not a question of 'if', but rather 'when' someone would eventually fall prey to the disease.
I am using the Supernait's DAC at the moment and I am very happy with it. I have also heard the nDAC combination with the Nait XS, but still prefer the Supernait DAC.
I suspect that it is the different presentation of the systems that divide the fans. Those who love the Nait XS, will usually also love the 202/200. Whereas, Supernait fans are more likely to gravitate towards the 282/250 combination when infected with 'upgradetitis'. I do not believe that this is a question of which on is 'better', but rather which one would a listener 'prefer'.
I just wish board members could be more civil to one another. If only both sides of the divide could see that there are valid view on both sides. If agreement is not forthcoming, then just agree to disagree.
I have not heard the Supernait / nDAC combination yet. I am afraid that if I do take the nDAC back home for an audition, it is not going to leave my room. Although I preferred the Supernait DAC, the nDAC / Nait XS combination is still very good and 'about' (used liberally) in the same price range. Anyway, next on the list is a Hi-Cap 2.
quote:Originally posted by winkyincanada:quote:Originally posted by irwan shah:
Anyway, next on the list is a Hi-Cap 2.
You won't regret that.
Noted! Thanks Winky ... here comes 'upgradetitis'.
quote:Originally posted by Thorsten_Lux:
Dear Moderators, someone with such a source should not be allowed to state expert findings, IMHO.
quote:B&W 805S Naim 202/200 PS3/Ipod/Laptop with external soundcard Burwen bobcat software
Everyone is entitled to express an opinion here. I don't think that anyone is putting themselves forward as an "expert". Not even me...
Of course, there's that wonderful saying that opinions are like xxxholes - everyone's got one... Whether you agree with them or not is the basis for the discussion. Argue robustly, by all means, but try to keep things from getting personal.