NAC 32 with Hicap-Equal to a 32.5?

Posted by: mikeybaby on 06 March 2016

I am using a 32 at the moment with a an olive hicap and a CB 250. The Snaps connection was replaced with the Hicap capability. Sounds remarkable. Am I getting the most out my Hicap? I read that the only difference between a 32 and 32.5 is that the .5 means that both rails of the hicap are being utilized- one to the phono boards, and one for everything else. I dont use phono...so is my 32 performing at the same level as a 32.5?

Posted on: 06 March 2016 by Richard Dane

That depends...

...on whether you have a really good NAC32. Seriously, this stuff is so old now that any definitive general judgements just can't apply - you may find a NAC32.5 a step up, or you may not - so much will spend on age, condition, servicing, and whether it was "special" in the first place. If the NAC32 and Hicap (I presume you're using the single rail output on the DIN4) are doing it for you then I'd be tempted to just enjoy as is for a bit. If you really itch for an upgrade then consider replacing the grey SNAIC4 with a recent black one.

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by Loki

Well Mikey, I use HiCap on a 32.5 nd it's terrific. But then I did use the phono input until upgrading to the Prefix. The .5 was always supposed to offer better SQ. Recently, in another thread we were debating the value of upgraidn the boards inside the 32 series. Might be worth reading if you're looking for relatively cheap upgrades. The 32.5 also offers the possibility of using a Supercap I believe (help Richard?). You could move to a 72 for similar money, or are you trying to keep the CB look?

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by mikeybaby

I think like the sound better than a 72. Sounds more like tube gear. I am using a newer black 240 degree Snaic 5 from the preamp to 5 PIN 240 degree on the Hicap. Should I be using 4PIN to 4Pin?

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by Richard Dane

If you're using a SNAIC 5 then you already have a NAC32.5. Probably an updated NAC32?

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by mikeybaby

My dealer had a 32 with no Snaps. So his tech installed a female 240 degree connector on the far right of the preamp to allow connection to a Hicap. That's all I know. I am quite confused actually.

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by mikeybaby

So what are the 2 rails of my Hicap doing?

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by mikeybaby

There are no phono boards.

Posted on: 07 March 2016 by Richard Dane

It's impossible to say without knowing what your dealer did to it - whether it was a proper ".5" upgrade or just a 5 pin DIN substitute to take just one power rail from the Hicap.

Posted on: 08 March 2016 by mikeybaby

Thanks Richard. Since I am not using phono boards I guess it doesnt really make a difference.

Posted on: 08 March 2016 by mikeybaby

What is required for a proper .5 upgrade?