Hi-cap options with 92/90

Posted by: Boz on 21 October 2001

Having finally replaced my ageing Arcam Delta 70.2 CD player with a Naim CDX (which is currently running in !!) I have the following dilema.

When the CDX was demoed in a dealership I got them to also hook it up to an XPS and then add a hi-cap. The XPS added something (not as much as I expected for £2,000 !!) to the CDX but the Hi-cap really transformed things, much more frequency response at top and bottom.

As I can't stretch to an XPS yet is it worthwhile getting a Hi-cap for my 92/90 combo, will it add much without the XPS and has anyone done this ??

I'm fairly new to this multi-box stuff as used to have a Nait 3 and have recently upgraded to the 92/90 combo so any advice would be helpful.

I'm likely to buy the Hi Cap secondhand, should I also consider a used Flatcap ??

David

Ps I'm using Naim speaker cable with Royd Abbott speakers

Posted on: 21 October 2001 by Martin Payne

Boz,

congrats on the CDX - certainly the right move in your current system (caveat:- I'm not familiar with your speakers).

The CDX is a good enough source that you can get good benefits from some amp upgrades. The HiCap should make a big difference.

I would also pay attention to getting a good rack for all the gear, but especially the CDX which has a reputation for being very critical of this. What do you use at the moment? You may like to see what your dealer has to offer as they can be quite different to each other. Personally, though, I find it hard to spend the large sums of money on new racks necessary to get the best performance. This is a problem, as they are quite a personal choice - the wrong one may make you subtly dissatisfied without realising why.

Personally, I'm surprised that you weren't blown away by the XPS. I've only ever heard it in a good 82-based system, but in this context the CDX/XPS combo gives more sound-per-pound than the bare CDX.

If you intend to make any futher upgrades beyond this point, maybe an upgrade of the 92 would be in order? Maybe then a XPS?

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 21 October 2001 by Boz

Thanks for the advice Martin,

in answer to your questions the rack is a Soundstyle Z560 which is pretty solid and spiked into a wood floor.

The Royd Abbot speakers are a real find (don't know if they are made any more but Royd are based in Telford) I auditioned them against some Rega Ela's which they totally blew away with the Naim set up, particularly with regards to defined, punchy but controlled bass and they aren't too fussy about placement in my small room.

Looks like you think the hi-cap would make a difference so I'd better get scouring for one !!

David

Posted on: 21 October 2001 by mykel

Is no longer produced. All older model Royds have been discontinued due to the release of the new Revolution line ( RR1, RR2, RR3 ). The Abbott is a floor stander - higher up the line than the doublet. It uses a single 6.5" main driver ( As opposed to the usual 5" ) and a tweeter in a sloped front ( time aligned ) baffle.

Very nice piece,IMHO better than the Doublet, Keleidh,( can never remember how to spell these things. ) Intro or Tannoys I put them up against at home. Almost bought them, but at the time the Nait 1 did not have enough grunt for the room they were in, so they were not worth the money for the sideways step, so I continued to use the the Kan's; but now with the 160 ???

mykel