Supernait2 just got better
Posted by: gary yeowell on 15 June 2016
Quite a bit better actually...
A recent purchase of a nice CB 250, Naim full service 3 years ago, intitially for a second system with Kans, had me try it on my SN2. I certainly considered the SN2 a very complete unit and not worth messing with. The urge got the better of me and i thought why not give it a try.
Fast forward 24 hours, and i'm sad to say my Kans might not be seeing the 250 again. Main system is CDS3/XPS2/SN2/250CB into Shahinian Compass, and rather good it is too. The CB 250 has not changed the character of the sound, but has just enhanced, tightened, focussed, and opened up every aspect.
I have likely said don't bother messing with an integrated, and have a preference of the SN2 over a 202/200, but adding this 250 in the mix has enhanced everything i like about the SN2, rather than changed it. I don't think a HCDR has anywhere near this kind of uplift in performance, and this CB 250 cost half the price of a new HC.
Just a thought.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by ryder.
So the SN2 now acts only as a preamp driving the CB250?
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
Yes Ryder, SN2 acts as pre amp, and pre amp psu.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Iconoclast
Seems like a waste of the SN2 amplifier section. In other words the SN2 amp section is not at the same level as its preamp.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by james n
Seems like a waste of the SN2 amplifier section. In other words the SN2 amp section is not at the same level as its preamp.
Not really - the OP just prefers the sound with a CB250 in tow. It doesn't mean the amp section is crap on the SN2. Just the same as some like a Cap, some don't etc etc.
Hi-Fi's rich pageant 
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
Seems like a waste of the SN2 amplifier section. In other words the SN2 amp section is not at the same level as its preamp.
Maybe so, or that the 250 is just that much better again. Either way, for the outlay, i don't really care if the power amp section is not used as the performance lift is far far greater than adding a HCDR.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Frank Abela
Guys,
Remember that this is a double whammy. Not only is the power amp doing its thing, but the power supply in the SN2 is now freed up to just drive the preamp, doing it's a but like a adding a hicap to a 72/180! What else would you expect?
Frank.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by ryder.
Thanks for the clarification Gary. I have a feeling this may be an interim system as you might develop an inclination of revamping the system by getting a proper preamp for the CB250 in the near future. I can understand the nice results you are getting with the Supernait2/CB250 combination but it sort of defeats the purpose of an integrated amplifier(the simplicity of a one-box), and the amp section of the Supernait2 is also wasted being not in use.
Perhaps in the future you may settle with a more optimised combination, say the Supernait2 for the Kans and 282/CB250 for the Shahinian Compass. I always feel that an integrated amp should be best left alone. Just saying. Having said that, I can understand the enjoyment you are getting right now, and for this reason you should disregard all opinions including mine and just enjoy listening to the tunes with your "killer combination".
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
Agreed Ryder on all counts. This system was not by design, but by happy accident. Funny thing is that some of my most enjoyable systems have been by accident, and sometimes the magic is hard to come by again.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Allante93
That's the beautiful thing about Naim, their Upgrade Paths. An individual may wish to partake in the world of Naim, and give it a spin.
Now the all in one music system, may not render the desired outcome, and yet a true separate system might be a bit expensive right off the bat.
Hence, the SN 2, a Pre amp, PS, and Amp, all contained within a magical Black Box!
Down the road, if one desires a lift in performance, disable the amp. And of course, this process can be repeated, until all three separates, have been purchased, at which point, the magical box can be used in another system, or passed along in the 2nd hand market.
Perhaps this is why Naim, has listed the SN 2 under it's Marque Separates!
Allante93!
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Iconoclast
This ''happy accident'' would be perfect if you could detach the power amp section, sell it and recuperate part of your investment. I would say trading the SN2 for a proper preamp would be the logical move but it may end up costing you extra and you may never get the same magic as with the happy accident setup.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
But not detaching the power amp section does not detract from the musical pleasure of this system. The 'investment' is only in ones head, i'm sure you'd agree. One could say exactly the same about adding a Hicap, you can never sell off the existing single rail psu in your integrated to recoup part of your new investment.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Bart
While we're at it, I'd like to sell off all of the stations that I don't listen to using my FM tuner. It receives dozens, but I listen to only 3.
Naim should respect its customers and offer a lower-priced tuner that will tune to no more than 5 stations. Such a waste!
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Iconoclast
I understand what you're saying but I try to avoid redundancy as much as possible. It's a minimalist zen thing. 
I'm not too well informed on how the addition of a Hicap works. Is anything disabled when a HC is hooked up?
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Bart
I understand what you're saying but I try to avoid redundancy as much as possible. It's a minimalist zen thing.
I'm not too well informed on how the addition of a Hicap works. Is anything disabled when a HC is hooked up?
Please let me refer you to the Department of Redundancy Department. They are on the 5th floor. Right this way . . .
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
You are replacing a single rail psu in the integrated with a dual rail in the Hicap. So yes some redundancy.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by dayjay
While we're at it, I'd like to sell off all of the stations that I don't listen to using my FM tuner. It receives dozens, but I listen to only 3.
Naim should respect its customers and offer a lower-priced tuner that will tune to no more than 5 stations. Such a waste!
Can I buy your Real XS please Bart? Can't get it very well here even though I can in the car
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Anto68
CB 250? What is it, a power amp I suppose. Googled it I find a motorcycle Honda Vintage
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by gary yeowell
Naim Nap 250 power amp, second iteration with extruded aluminium one piece 'Chrome Bumper' black painted case. This one from 1986, known as the 'classic' 250.
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Anto68
Ok, sorry I'm in Naim just from only six months I should learn some history of this wonderful brand
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by analogmusic
I almost bought a CB250, since it is the the one Richard Dane likes the most.
But then I went for a 250DR.... loving it, but still curious about the CB 250, now even more curious after this thread
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Anto68
But then I went for a 250DR.... loving it, but still curious about the CB 250, now even more curious after this thread
ok if you taket the CB 250 sell me the 250 dr.....I'm getting sick of that damn virus called upgraditrius
I'm listening to Patricia Barber, I have a cup of Brunello di Montalcino red wine coming into my stomach along with the bass and drums. Incredible recording
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Christopher_M
Anto68 posted:
I'm listening to Patricia Barber, I have a cup of Brunello di Montalcino red wine coming into my stomach along with the bass and drums. Incredible recording
Now that was redundant!
Chris
Posted on: 15 June 2016 by Anto68
Hi Christopher
Sorry for the off-topic.
The famous English humor is not appreciated in this context
I apologize
