Changing from Nait XS to Supernait

More of everything, power in reserve, greater grip so you could drive more demanding speakers, more resolution, more depth and definition in the bass - gives a lovely soundstage, vocals will sound more natural. 

A work colleague just bought one to go with his CD5XS and Roksan TT with Neat speakers. Lovely system. 

In my ears with my music and my speakers: less speed, less fun with SN compared to XS

Thanks

two very different perspectives!

thinking also to make a change from XS2 to Supernait 2. I have a FCXS on the XS2, and this week the FCXS is off for repair.

I actually prefer the XS2 without it, less hifi, more musicality. I guess the SN2 will be a good step up from the XS2 but yet to demo.

price difference is also about 2000 euros so not sure of the worth.

As far as I'm concerned, after 6 months of SN2 (4 years of XS), the jury's still out. Both The Strat and P. are right, I'd say. It's definitely more refined, more "serious" - more civilised, but perhaps less fun. I have a feeling that the source (CD5XS) needs upgrading now.

Thanks

I considered Flatcap but have heard mixed reports

I think perhaps my next step it to improve Cd from 5i to XS

The FCXS is fine, especially with both Nait XS and CD5 XS.

I'm changing my 5i to SN very soon. Can't wait to hear more of everything. 

Which SN are you considering Nimrod? 1 or 2

Sn 2 is the one I am considering

I recently heard an NDX into a SN2. Though it sounded great! Even better when the dealer added an XPS DR to the NDX. Just goes to show what a power supply can do. The SNs are brilliant integrated amps 

The SN2 is a brilliant amp and with a Hicap DR added it's even better

A tasty upgrade for the SN1 too I'll bet! 

Planning on making the same change very shortly. Currently have XS2 powered by a "Hicap". Intrigued and slightly nervous to see what the SN2 sounds like in my system. I don't have space for a pre/power setup and the source (server/linear ps into Ndac/"xps+" is pretty much maxed out so this is more or less as far as I can take everything bar the speakers. 

Speaker upgrade also planned, but XS2 into Neat Momentum sx7i or similar feels a bit mullet...

Recently went through this with a mate... He wanted more from the amp.

We tried a SN2 against his 5i amp and 5i CD player and my XS amp.

In the end he kept the 5i amp and moved up to a CD5X.

The SN2 was pipe and slippers in comparison to the 5i and XS. Yeah, the SN had more power and resolution etc but the music just didn't flow. 

If I were you I'd try a CD5XS (which is an awesome player) plus demo the SN2, and decide from there. 

I went from Nait XS/FCXS to SN2. SN2 has everything the former has in spades and so much more. Amazing amplifier in my opinion.

I have owned two XSs and two SN1s. I tried the XS bare and with what Mike-B was probably referring to, and SN1 bare, with SNAPS, with HC and with HCDR. I think that the SN1 is more consistent in sound and performance independent of room and load, while the XS is more variable. I've heard the XS sound dull and brilliant, civilized and sharp as a razor; a NaitXS with a Powerline can be excellent in some rooms, the SN1 is more 'Naim' than the 2, the 1 is actually a little 'monochromatic' setimes, but it has power and authority.

Would it help if I said 'it depends on a lot if things, try to have a listen'?

Best

M

After the 282's departure, i used a bare XS + Powerline  with  CD 555 and  SL2  fully

Fraimed, in such context it really shone and was not ashamed at all 

Before 282,  i used a SN2 + HC DR, smoother and deeper bass and more refinement than XS  but definetely less fun.

Now with the arrival of a new 552 DR it' all another story of course.

Regards

Roberto

The SN2 has a more mature sound but more reserves for handling a wider range of speakers. You may or may not like it. Matching is key and you need to factor in your speakers and room to some extend.

I went from Nait XS to SN1 and there is no comparison - while the XS was a fine piece, I don't find anything that the SN1 doesn't do better.  (I ran the XS both bare and with a FC2X.)  Plus you get the DAC, which is a real gem of a feature.

No looking back for me at all...all in all a very satisfying upgrade.

never been a  great fan of the original SN ,but in no way the original XS is ahead of it in terms of performance the latter  lacking especially in richness by comparison.

Still haven't listened to the second release(SN2) but wouldn't be surprised to find out the choice of ditching the analogue and other improvements would have addressed some issues or limits of the original unit. 

I'd say, partner with care to enjoy nice results but, be careful ,with demanding  speakers it would be useless , as serious performance can  only be had starting from classic series separates(wouldn't bother XS series unless you are a XS guy) otherwise you'd be risking darkness and hardening of sound.

Of course you can get "serious performance" from an XS unit (1 or 2).

It's a fine amplifier, and it will all depend on the room, the speakers, etc. As I said above, my XS provided great enjoyment for 4 years. In the same room, with the same source, speakers, cables, etc., the SN2 is better in some respects, but it's not the proberbial "night and day" situation.

As usual every possible outcome and opinion is covered here  which is fine but here's mine . After 26 years of Naim amps from Nait2 to NaitXS/HiCap to bare SN2 on its release .The SN2 is in a different league as it should be , it also gives greater choices in terms of speakers and will effortlessly show any other system improvements along the way . I don't use a HiCap DR on mine but do have a TQ Blue power cable , I am seriously considering adding a 250DR though . 

Peter. 

Ah just the man Pete. How does the TQ blue power cable perform???