Nac 32.5 and Chrome Bumper Hi-Cap.......Wow!

Yes, there are two ways. Right now you are using the single rail connection. To use the dual rail connection (better), remove the link plug and connect using a SNAIC5 to the HICAP DIN5.

Thanks Richard. I didn't realise that (dual rail). Any idea if Naim will make me a snaic with older style connectors?

I'm fairly certain that Naim can only supply with the Preh locking ring collar DIN plugs.  But at least you get the better sounding black SNAIC cable.

Note though that the current SNAICs with the collar locks work just fine on the older sockets.  All you have to do is wind the collars all the way back on the plug body and they then slide straight in to the socket.  Only thing to watch out for is that they won't lock, but that's not such a bad thing perhaps for sound, just make sure they don't pull out when all is powered up...

Hi Lewis,

I am also using a similar system while my 52 is being serviced.. A dual railed 32 (32.5) with a CB Hicap DRd, CB 250, SBL, CDS2 as a source and I would say this combo is jaw dropping. The 32/HCDR outperformed my unserviced 52/52PS! I also tried a 100 amp in this setup and found the 250 has much  better grip at higher volumes but is a little less refined sounding.

Question. How did you power the preamp from an Nap 100? I thought it does not have that capability.

Moderated Post:  Chris, 3rd party "SNAIC" substitutes fall into the camp of unauthorised modifications, may well cause performance impairment at best, or system damage at worst, and certainly discussion of same falls outside of forum AUP.  If you want to go cheap then best go secondhand, preferably through a Naim dealer - I buying private then you can have the SNAIC checked out by your dealer for peace of mind.

Lewis posted:

Alright fellas. 

Ok so I've been chopping and changing my system a bit recently.  I still have my UnitiQute 2 and faithful Nap 100 (don't think I will ever part with this duo as it's so convenient and produces amazing sound for the money), but as you probably know i'm really fond of the vintage CB gear and wanted to try a few combo's.  Anyway, I think I have found the holy grail of Hi-Fi systems   I was running a Nac 32 for a while with a Snaps and was very impressed with this set up.  I then added a Hi-Cap (CB), and while I was always reasonably sceptical about the quality of this 'upgrade', I have to say I was immediately amazed.  It sounded as good as adding a new power amp, I just could not believe it.  Anyway, that aside, I recently procured a beautiful as new 32.5 so that now sits next to the Hi-Cap.  I use the UnitiQute 2 as my main source, as well an LP12 with Lingo Mk1, into some early SBL's, and the Nap 100 providing the grunt.  Honestly it reaches remarkably loud volumes with zero distortion and the sound is crystal clear and beautiful. 

This leads me on to my question.  With regards to connecting the Hi-Cap to the Nap 100 and 32.5; I currently have the link plug in the end socket of the 32.5 which is a five pin din, then the next two sockets which are both four pin go from the 32.5 to the Hi-Cap, then the second to the UQ (tape 2 I use for this).  Obviously if I remove the link plug then the LED still illuminates on the 32.5 but no sound is emitted, so therefore it needs this to work.  However, how would I use the link plug socket to connect it to the 32.5 as it is this socket that's marked 'Hi-Cap'.  So essentially my questions as as follows:

1.  Why are there two ways to connect it?

2. Which is best for SQ?

3.  What sort of cable do I need to utilise the link plug socket on the 32.5 and thus connect it to the HC (I assume a five pin to five pin DIN but is this a SNAIC?

 

Thanks gents.

 

I've posted some images of how it's currently connected:

 

 

And a few others to illustrate the beauty of such a combo

Lewis, if you add a Power line to the HiCap, on that nice equipment, then, more WOOWWW!

cheers! naimly

efrain

ChrisSU posted:

Moderated Post:  Chris, 3rd party "SNAIC" substitutes fall into the camp of unauthorised modifications, may well cause performance impairment at best, or system damage at worst, and certainly discussion of same falls outside of forum AUP.  If you want to go cheap then best go secondhand, preferably through a Naim dealer - I buying private then you can have the SNAIC checked out by your dealer for peace of mind.

Woops! Sorry Richard, should have known better. 

Richard Dane posted:

I'm fairly certain that Naim can only supply with the Preh locking ring collar DIN plugs.  But at least you get the better sounding black SNAIC cable.

Note though that the current SNAICs with the collar locks work just fine on the older sockets.  All you have to do is wind the collars all the way back on the plug body and they then slide straight in to the socket.  Only thing to watch out for is that they won't lock, but that's not such a bad thing perhaps for sound, just make sure they don't pull out when all is powered up...

Thanks Richard, will have a look at procuring a new style 5 pin Snaic then.

mikeybaby posted:

Hi Lewis,

I am also using a similar system while my 52 is being serviced.. A dual railed 32 (32.5) with a CB Hicap DRd, CB 250, SBL, CDS2 as a source and I would say this combo is jaw dropping. The 32/HCDR outperformed my unserviced 52/52PS! I also tried a 100 amp in this setup and found the 250 has much  better grip at higher volumes but is a little less refined sounding.

Question. How did you power the preamp from an Nap 100? I thought it does not have that capability.

I still used the Hi-Cap to Power the Nap 100.  So same set up, 32.5 to Hi-Cap, HiCap to Nap 100, UQ2 to back of 32.5.  Sonic perfection right there.

Thanks Lewis,

How do you think the 100 would compare to a 150x or even 200 in your 32.5 setup? I am thinking of retiring my 250 ..its got a lot of miles on it!

Get your NAP250 serviced, it's a superb amp and perhaps the classic bit of Naim kit - an icon, and deservedly so.

mikeybaby posted:

Thanks Lewis,

How do you think the 100 would compare to a 150x or even 200 in your 32.5 setup? I am thinking of retiring my 250 ..its got a lot of miles on it!

I found the 250 to be amazing in the above set up.  Loads of midrange and very open sounding, however, it could almost seem a tad bright because of the added detail and openness if that makes sense.  It also had a tad more grunt than the 100 but otherwise not a lot in it.  I can have the UQ2 at about 70 volume (that's as loud as I set it to) and the 32.5 volume halfway around.  That is really loud and without distortion.  The 100 is really really bloody good, I cannot praise it highly enough.  Cost wise and performance wise it's most excellent.  My 250 was serviced too.  I've had them in the past and they can sound a touch dark if not serviced.  

Food for thought. Thank you!