Flat cap 2 or Flatcap XS for my Nac 112x pre

Posted by: Garry on 10 June 2016

Has anyone any thoughts on how much better a flatcap xs is compared to flatcap 2 when in use with a nac 112x..?

I am considering my next upgrade and am using the Nac 112x powered by the NAP 150x..

Or am I better going up to a better pre amp ?. I do love the sound of this pre it has a soundstage that I like and a nice contrast musically..It is slightly better in my view tan a Nac 42.5 that i have shelved at the moment...Also newer eq is probably more serviceable..I go back to the nac 42.5 from time to time to listen to vinyl ' it has its own character and has 322/2 phono boards fitted..Just cant seem to let it go...

Any comments on amp upgrades welcomed...

 

 

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by Gaius: Tangerine

A FC2X would bring a bit of an improvement, I'd actually look out for a FCXS, you'll get the flexibility of two 24V supplies so could use for example on a Pre and CD player, or as I have done power both upgrades on a NAC 152XS, very good.  This leads me on to say get a better pre amp and I'd suggest the 152XS, it's will murder your 112X!!!

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by hungryhalibut

The flatcap 2x also has the two 24v outputs, and being black rather than brushed would match the 112 and 150 visually. That said, a used 202 could be the way to go, but it needs a Hicap and napsc to sound its best. I suspect that's too big a jump, and the 152 as suggested by Gaius is probably the best way to go. 

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by Antonio1

keep you preamp 122x/150 god system, 152 XS much of a side move .

Flatcap XS definitely , because it's newer ,it's hard to source a serviced flatcap.

Also, recap your amp even before buying psu.

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by hungryhalibut

Indeed the 122/150 is good, but as the OP has a 112x, the move to the 152 would be worthwhile. 

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by Garry

Thanks will get a flatcap of some description..Budget is the word at the moment..My speakers are mk1 Rega ELA and they have fast enough response to cope with the Naim Gear..Using k20 speaker cable fully terminated...This system is already a huge black and white expirience compared with the other japanese brand I was using...Will upgrade slowly still trying to get used to the very in the room Naim sound...Amazing when you are not used to it...

Cheers everyone

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by hastings

You do not want to use the flatcap xs with a 112x or a 122x - you'll get a leaner, brighter presentation - more hifi, less music.  The xs and 2x flatcaps do NOT sound the same.  If you want to keep the 112x get a flatcap 2 or 2x.  

Posted on: 10 June 2016 by Nigel 66

I have a 112x/150x and use them with a Flatcap 2x. It definitely brought a nice improvement, and the benefit was that I could also power a CD5x with one of the outputs. I've reduced the amount of time that I play CDs, preferring to stream more, so moved the flatcap to power a stage line, which again brought benefits to vinyl replay.

The improvements are subtle though, and as someone told me a while ago, you'll notice the differences most after you've had the Flatcap for a while and then remove it - if that makes sense.

Nigel