Question for current / past SuperNait2 owners.

The only amp i'd upgrade to is my Nait2 from my office system  The SN2 is a fit and forget amp, does absolutely not need a separate psu, and i'd not bother with anything in between it and a 552/300. The 272/250 does nothing for me.

I guess SN2 fervour has been replaced by 272 fervour. To be fair, your price comparison should include a streamer with the SN2 - add an NDX, and both the price and sound quality are on a slightly more level playing field.

Very happy SN2 owner here, no urge to change to anything else.

Have not heard a PSU upgrade with it, totally happy with the sound and no desire to add to the box count.

Recently changed speakers from Kudos X2 to a pair of ex-dem Ovator 400's and SN2 still sounds superb so no need to change anything.

SN2, CDX2, LP12 - Stageline and Ovator 400's makes me very happy with no urge to upgrade... means more money for music

My HiFi journey is now complete... well apart from when Naim get around to making an FM/DAB/iRadio Tuner

I will certainly keep the Supernait 2, I will probably add a Hicap DR one of these days (if I can have a proper demo). At the moment, I'm thinking of improving the source rather than the amp (CD5XS).

I have a SN2 and love it.  It's a brilliant amp and I would have to spend a lot lot more to beat it imho.  I have added a hicap dr which my dealer cunningly loaned to me over the Xmas break and which I found impossible to give back - it added a bit more of everything and gave a really 'solid' feel to the music which put the cherry on the cake for me.  If I were to upgrade it would probably be to 282/250dr but I don't expect to do so for some time.

Have an SN2 w/ 'hicap'. To be honest still not vastly convinced it's hugely better than my old XS/'hicap' combo. If upgrading I might try adding a 250DR but overall the experience has rather put me off further additions/expense. 

I have SN2/HCap2DR/NDS/555DR for my main system.  I started with a NaitXS, added the HiCap2 to it, then upgraded the Nait to the SN2.

Both the NaitXS and the SN2 are fully capable of showing off the differences among digital sources.

I am a big fan of low box count systems, as they fit in my smallish room better and in my home I do not really want the look of 'look at these big racks of hi fi stuff' in my home.  (My stuff is on Fraim.)  If I were starting out today, I would definitely audition N272/250DR in my home as well. It's another high quality, low box count, system == even lower box count than what I have now. It would be worth a listen.

I don't see 'moving up' from SN2 within the Naim range, as such would by definition result in a higher box count system. I'm happy where I am with my electronics!

I got the SN2 has I acquired a used NDX earlier. It was a no brainer for me in terms of its match and what sold me in particular given I was new to Naim then was the ability to integrate them together via system automation. 

If I were to start on a clean sheet toady, it would be the 272/250. Not inclined to go the 282/250 was it will be far too many boxes if I include the NAPSC and whateverCAP.

Hi Dynfan , I've had my SN2 since release and always kept it bare with a decent power lead until adding a 250DR recently . The SN2 is still a superb amp but the 250DR adds to things greatly , I have always intended on my Naim journey to end up with a pre/power combination and realistically this is a stop gap of sorts albeit one that hasn't got me rushing to my dealer . Never say never but I doubt I'll add a pre from Naims existing range as I can't help but feel their may be new things coming in the not too distant future , if not no worries and I'll just enjoy more music. 

DynFan160 posted:

It seemed like many forum members bought a SN2 in a mad rush about 2-3 years ago, including me. Is it me or has the SN2 fervor dissipated a bit since then?

Questions for current/past SN2 owners:

If you have an SN2, are you content or looking to upgrade soon? If so, to what?

If you have an SN2, have you added a PSU? Why or why not?

If you had an SN2, what have you upgraded to since?

(It seems to me that many have gone to the 272+250DR combo for a good 100% more cash outlay over the SN2.)

Very interesting thread. I bought my SN2 immediately when it was released in 2013. I previously used SN + HC2 and first upgraded to HCDR and after that SN to SN2. I knew immediately after release that I want one since I have Naim DAC as source so the DAC section of original SN was useless to me. After a long burn in I knew I had made a right decision. SN2 is an awesome amplifier and definitely a sweet spot in a Naim lineup. It's very capable of running even more demanding speakers and with HCDR even more so. 

1) I have been thinking about upgrade but for it to be a true upgrade, I would need to pour huge amount of cash before making a clear difference. I drive very demanding speakers (ATC SCM 40 v2) with SN2 + HCDR and I know they would benefit of something beefier. 250DR interest me the most but it's a very expensive step up. 

2) I use HCDR with my SN2. I've been using it since the beginning. I recently tried to unplug it and the sound really lost tons of control and grip with my ATC's. With some easier speakers SN2 works great naked but in my setup it's definitely a needed upgrade.

3) Still using it. 

I've now auditioned 272/250DR in three different exhibition setups in Finland with three completely different setups and different speakers always. Focal Sopra, PMC Twenty.26 and last one was a Finnish manufacturer Aurelia. On one setup it was naked 272/250DR but mostly it has been maxed out with PSU upgrades and always SuperLumina cables. I must say that none of the auditions have left me with a feeling that "I must have this". I've heard so much better Naim systems in the same price range, even 202/200 setups in home conditions. It's always about careful matching and setting things up and exhibition conditions are far from ideal of course. 

I recently auditioned and even bought an NDX to replace my USB to S/PDIF converter + Naim DAC combo. After longer audition in my own setup, I ended up keeping Naim DAC after all. It simply is a better source than NDX. They're different but naked NDX sounds edgier and harsher than Naim DAC which has the edge on resolution and refinement and it's easier to listen to. NDX is very fun to listen to but I think it needs PSU upgrade to kill the slight edginess. There's more of my thoughts in "NDX vs Naim DAC" thread here. 

pete T15 posted:

Hi Dynfan , I've had my SN2 since release and always kept it bare with a decent power lead until adding a 250DR recently . The SN2 is still a superb amp but the 250DR adds to things greatly , I have always intended on my Naim journey to end up with a pre/power combination and realistically this is a stop gap of sorts albeit one that hasn't got me rushing to my dealer . Never say never but I doubt I'll add a pre from Naims existing range as I can't help but feel their may be new things coming in the not too distant future , if not no worries and I'll just enjoy more music. 

It would be nice to read more of your thoughts about 250DR as power amp with SN2 as preamp. Interesting combination. 

Patu posted:

DynFan160 posted:

It seemed like many forum members bought a SN2 in a mad rush about 2-3 years ago, including me. Is it me or has the SN2 fervor dissipated a bit since then?

Questions for current/past SN2 owners:

If you have an SN2, are you content or looking to upgrade soon? If so, to what?

If you have an SN2, have you added a PSU? Why or why not?

If you had an SN2, what have you upgraded to since?

(It seems to me that many have gone to the 272+250DR combo for a good 100% more cash outlay over the SN2.)

Very interesting thread. I bought my SN2 immediately when it was released in 2013. I previously used SN + HC2 and first upgraded to HCDR and after that SN to SN2. I knew immediately after release that I want one since I have Naim DAC as source so the DAC section of original SN was useless to me. After a long burn in I knew I had made a right decision. SN2 is an awesome amplifier and definitely a sweet spot in a Naim lineup. It's very capable of running even more demanding speakers and with HCDR even more so. 

1) I have been thinking about upgrade but for it to be a true upgrade, I would need to pour huge amount of cash before making a clear difference. I drive very demanding speakers (ATC SCM 40 v2) with SN2 + HCDR and I know they would benefit of something beefier. 250DR interest me the most but it's a very expensive step up. 

2) I use HCDR with my SN2. I've been using it since the beginning. I recently tried to unplug it and the sound really lost tons of control and grip with my ATC's. With some easier speakers SN2 works great naked but in my setup it's definitely a needed upgrade.

3) Still using it. 

I've now auditioned 272/250DR in three different exhibition setups in Finland with three completely different setups and different speakers always. Focal Sopra, PMC Twenty.26 and last one was a Finnish manufacturer Aurelia. On one setup it was naked 272/250DR but mostly it has been maxed out with PSU upgrades and always SuperLumina cables. I must say that none of the auditions have left me with a feeling that "I must have this". I've heard so much better Naim systems in the same price range, even 202/200 setups in home conditions. It's always about careful matching and setting things up and exhibition conditions are far from ideal of course. 

I recently auditioned and even bought an NDX to replace my USB to S/PDIF converter + Naim DAC combo. After longer audition in my own setup, I ended up keeping Naim DAC after all. It simply is a better source than NDX. They're different but naked NDX sounds edgier and harsher than Naim DAC which has the edge on resolution and refinement and it's easier to listen to. NDX is very fun to listen to but I think it needs PSU upgrade to kill the slight edginess. There's more of my thoughts in "NDX vs Naim DAC" thread here. 

 

pete T15 posted:

Hi Dynfan , I've had my SN2 since release and always kept it bare with a decent power lead until adding a 250DR recently . The SN2 is still a superb amp but the 250DR adds to things greatly , I have always intended on my Naim journey to end up with a pre/power combination and realistically this is a stop gap of sorts albeit one that hasn't got me rushing to my dealer . Never say never but I doubt I'll add a pre from Naims existing range as I can't help but feel their may be new things coming in the not too distant future , if not no worries and I'll just enjoy more music. 

It would be nice to read more of your thoughts about 250DR as power amp with SN2 as preamp. Interesting combination. 

Sorry for big quote. It would indeed be interesting to hear more on sn2/250dr. I started another (the third in the last year I think) thread on this recently and opinions are very different indeed. It's likely to be the last upgrade* I can do (no decent rack precludes a 282 or above I feel and 500 series is out of my league) so really keen to hear all I can. 

*possible SL speaker cables aside...but cables that cost more than the SN2 feels a bit...)

I bought a new SN2 just over a year ago.  I personally think it's something very special even in bare form, love it.  

I am content (often astounded by the performance of the system as a whole) and very unlikely to upgrade in the near future, and for me that probably means five years minimum.  Ha, famous last words.

And in terms of upgrade to the SN2 itself, while a HiCap DR is a relatively inexpensive potential boost, I don't feel it needs it, and providing I refrain from auditioning one I will continue to think so.

My system has been completely changed end-to-end within the last two years, having been untouched throughout the previous 7 years.  This was not something I set out to do, but one purchase from Naim for solve a particular desire, the purchase being a DAC-V1, the desire being to have a hifi component with USB input, lead to the purchase of the SN2, and then Proac D18s.  Each of those components impressed me greatly as they were introduced into the system, but the SN2 is the one that both impressed and surprised me the most of all.  

Had an SN2 from release. Great amplifier...Tried the HCDR on and off, then on again before changing to 202 HCDR Napsc / 200. The latter slightly more resolving.

Now 282 HCDR / 200... with a 250DR in my sights.

G

Nice to hear from fellow SN2 owners. I bought mine about a year ago and still like it as much as then, perhaps even more. A few months ago the NDAC and a MacBook to feed it were added. I have no plans to add a psu or to upgrade, being another fan of low box count systems.

I'm a recent SN2 convert but what a fabulous amplifierit is!  Ok, it is a significant jump from my trusty old Arcam A38 and definitely deserves a better source (currently nd5xs) and can certainly warrant much better speakers than my current Audio Physic Classic 10s, but to me, it is an amp I can build a new system around, it is that good.

i heard a 272/200 combo at the weekend and wasn't as impressed as i thought I would be...

Oh, forgot the mention that I do like a PL with my SN2, so not quit bare!

Hi Dynfan,

I sold mine and went for the Pardo i80.

Not.

The SN2 is still doing stellar duty fed by the nDAC (with  the new firmware) via a snapped-ring-but-taped-up HiLine. The CDX (with a TXPS on it) gets regular use, as the SN2's preamp section has transformed this mercurial player, as any great preamp will do. Music from the SN2 sees the world via the to-die-for Graham Audio LS5/9s on their open-frame stands. I use the BIS Audio Vivat speaker cables and one of their DIN-DIN interconnects which also does the time-expanding thing but not as much as the Super Lumina interconnect. The Super Luminas (interconnect and speaker cables) came and went. I don't yearn for them but I might come back to the interconnect should my bank account overflow.

The SN2 is really well-balanced (fit-and-forget, as a previous poster put it) and has never screamed at me, or whispered "HiCap". It does respond nicely to a PowerLine or a cryotreated cable. I can't make up my mind, so alternate between the two. 

The one integrated amp that really sent the pigeons flying recently was the Sonneteer Alabaster, which I've written about elsewhere. I bought it, and if I had to choose between the two it would be hard. The Alabaster does beguiling a little better than the SN2, especially at low to mid volume levels, while the latter comes into its own with the volume wicked up.

The 272-250DR combo came and also went, along with the XPS. I see the usefulness of the two/three-box idea, but it didn't do it for me.

Jan

The addition of a 250 DR to the SN2 brings a lot more grip , detail and space etc . but ultimately more music and enjoyment.  The pre amp of the SN2 certainly doesn't feel lacking in my set up but yes I will change the pre as and when . I tried my 250DR  at home and there was no way it was going back , a very positive experience for me  .

I had a SN2 from launch and owned it for about a year adding hicap Dr along the way. (Previous owner of Nait Xs, 282 and DAC ).

I have since upgraded to a nuvista 800 but still hold fond memories.

Using SN2, with HiCap. It works ok in my music room. Not planning on an upgrade, due to space constraints.

Had my SN2 for a couple of years (latterly with an HCDR) but eventually felt that the NDS deserved an amp upgrade and the new range of DR power amps made my mind up. Now happily listening to the NDS with my 252/SCDR and 250DR.

I have the SN2/hicapDR with nDAC/tPSU. It's got enough resolution and drive for my setup, and have the 2nd lowest box count in naim's range. The 272/250DR/XPSDR is better IMO. Same amount of shelf space needed, and more features and power. I think its better, but only slightly... my speakers are easy to drive.

No urge to upgrade as I will have to spend more to get a little more.

Jan, 

I am considering the Ls5/9 too for my SN2 (to replace the P3ESR). Which speakers were you using previously with your SN2?

How would you describe the differences of XPS/272/250DR over your nDAC/SN2?

Interesting insights on Sonneter Alabaster. Before considering SN2, I did ponder on the LFD but what concerns me are the long term support I can get from a product coming from company that is essentially run by an individual. There are also other reasons like system automation (with NDX) and remote which swayed my decision to the SN2. Sonneter as a company seems like an in-between that of LFD and Naim in that respect. :-)

Thanks everyone for the diverse and enthusiastic replies.

I also have an SN2 and have had it for more than a year in bare format.

It's a great amplifier but from time to time I do toy with the idea of testing a powerline and/or a HiCap DR - but I know that if I test it, chances are I will want to keep it so I'll wait until I have the cash and have suitably wooed swmbo into the idea.....