Nait XS2 upgrade to SN2

Posted by: staffy on 18 October 2016

I am on the verge of trading in my NaitXS2 for a Supernait2. My source is the CD5XS with a Chord 2Qute DAC. I have a FlatcapXS2 and my question really is should I keep it as the FC might not add a great deal to the SN2.

Trading in the FC would give me a bit more cash to either upgrade the 2Qute to a Hugo TT, or a HCap. I have no desire to stream music.

Thanks for any advice.

Posted on: 19 October 2016 by Mike1960

Congratulations on the SN2. Before committing to HCDR I just wondered what your Rega 3 configuration was? I have a 30 year old P3 with RB300 arm and it has been regularly serviced including new main bearing 3 years ago. I have just upgraded it to the 24v AC motor with TT PSU (both official Rega upgrades). This has been well worth it with a much broader soundstage, it digs deeper and base lines are easier to follow. I think this is a very cost effective upgrade. My dealer says it brings it up to RP6 level. Worth a thought?

Posted on: 20 October 2016 by staffy

Mike1960 posted:
Congratulations on the SN2. Before committing to HCDR I just wondered what your Rega 3 configuration was? I have a 30 year old P3 with RB300 arm and it has been regularly serviced including new main bearing 3 years ago. I have just upgraded it to the 24v AC motor with TT PSU (both official Rega upgrades). This has been well worth it with a much broader soundstage, it digs deeper and base lines are easier to follow. I think this is a very cost effective upgrade. My dealer says it brings it up to RP6 level. Worth a thought?

Thanks for your input Mike regarding my Rega Planar 3 TT. Its about 14 years old but has never been widely used. To be honest I have no idea what the configuration is. I will wait until the SN2 arrives,not sure what the run in time is, a month I am hoping.

If you dont mind, what does the Rega upgrade cost. As regards a FCDR, it will be next summer before I go down that route. Can't wait for the SN2 to arrive.

Posted on: 20 October 2016 by Mike1960

Hi Staffy, I live in Oz but a quick google search brings up the 24v motor at £129 and the TT PSU at £198. You can do them separately but if so must do the motor first which is what I did. This gives a subtle improvement. The big change is with the PSU. It is also worth having your TT serviced if it hasn't been done for some time. I am happy to swap between my Rega and ND5XS in terms of SQ and suspect the Rega is now the better of the two.

Like you I am looking at the SN2.

Posted on: 20 October 2016 by PaulH

I have a CD5XS+FlatcapXS + Bare SN2 + D20R and I love how it sounds.

Some time I may be tempted to try a HiCap but to be honest, I'm in no rush as I am just happy with the sound I get - and I am among a few that preferred the CD5XS + Flatcap to the CDX2 (albeit bare - I know it's a different proposition with a power supply but it's also a lot more cash!)

So, I'm in the 'try a bare SN2 and hear those D20Rs singing first' camp!