Supernait 2 psu

SN2 pre already has DR technology, so HCDR is the best way to go as far as I am aware.

The question is whether or not  you prefer it with the Hicap in place. Quite a few people prefer it without any Hicap, DR or not. A Hicap is a lot of money, so why not go to your dealer for an audition?

Since getting my SN2 I have listened a lot  more with the Hicap. It seems more tidy, better defined and ultimately more enjoyable In its presentation.

I'm more interested in the technical argument for the Hicap DR. 

Sorry, I'm an ex engineer and as is often the way with Naim kit, looking for a good way to go should funds allow.

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I love my SN2 with its Hicap Dr attached.  IMO it makes a good amp great and I really couldn't go back to listening to it without the PSU attached.  Although it's initially a subtle change it really does add more of everything to the sound.

I'm pleased to see an ex-engineer apologising for a change, rather than assuming superior knowledge. I'm an ex behavioural ecologist, and am generally clueless.

Hungryhalibut posted:

I'm an ex behavioural ecologist, and am generally clueless.

You won't be if you read Richard Dawkins' The Blind Watchmaker. Written 30 years ago and still deeply relevant.

Adding an older Hi-Cap to a SN2 -  You're bypassing the DR regulator board in the SN2 but you are supplying two 24v rails (albeit from the 317 based regulator) to the SN2 pre-amp section rather than the single rail when using the internal DR supply. The Hi-Cap DR provides two DR regulated 24v rails to the SN2 pre-amp so it should be better than the older Hi-Cap. 

'ex' and 'engineer' are mutually excluding. Once the beta-bug has bitten you, there is no way back.

May Hans Rosling Rest in Piece.

james n posted:

Adding an older Hi-Cap to a SN2 -  You're bypassing the DR regulator board in the SN2 but you are supplying two 24v rails (albeit from the 317 based regulator) to the SN2 pre-amp section rather than the single rail when using the internal DR supply. The Hi-Cap DR provides two DR regulated 24v rails to the SN2 pre-amp so it should be better than the older Hi-Cap. 

This is part of the story. Also, it takes some duties away from the transformer which fees up capacity to drive the speakers. Assuming that the non-DR hicap will add some extra noise, it could be the case that people enjoy it more. Especially when the speakers are hard to drive and source is not too good.

Yes very true about removing the extra loading from the internal transformer. Both supplies sound different, the DR missing the mid bass 'hump' of the older supplies. As you say some may prefer so an audition is a must. 

Well, you know what I mean - I'm always looking for the technical solution. Could  be james n has hit the nail there.

And Hicap dr is a reasonable way to go as Naim kit is a reasonable buy being resellable if not to ones liking. It's also an upgrade, meaning  I can  sell my old hicap if I wish to. 

You have the Hicap, so it´s your call. If you think it is OK, why spend more money on a DR?

I had the DR version on my SN1 which increased the level of details / transparency strongly and lowered the noise floor. I needed the money for another amp in my workroom, so I did not buy it. Anyhow, the DR version is recommended. Maybe the non-DR works out well. It depends what one is looking for and if crappy sources, the non-DR version might be a good and cheaper bet.

Maybe I get a non-DR and have it DR-ed later.

After much experimentation I concluded I preferred the SN2 without - A livelier and more engaging presentation. The HCDR made it a bit ponderous ime.

G

Thanks for all the info. 

I've reverted to SN2 no psu  for evaluation purposes while listening to my music.

First impressions are of a a less demonstrable amplifier and generally less of things.

The chances are I'll reconnect the Hicap non DR that used to power my old 72.

Back in October I sold an XPS2 which I wasn't using and purchased a HCDR for my SN2. Took a couple of months to settle in but I could not go without it now. I know some people don't agree but to me its a no brainer upgrade (cost permitting of course). Seems illogical to use a separate DR power supply when there is already one in the SN but it definitely works....I guess its the fact you have moved the pre-amp power supply away from the delicate electronics and it incorporates a large transformer just for the pre-amp.

I haven't tried a non DR Hicap and I probably wouldn't as you would lose the DR effect which is not insignificant.

Going back to the original post. I have a SN2 that I am really pleased with. Without a psu upgrade the SN2 is perfectly fine and I could quite happily stop there. However, I have a freshly serviced Olive Supercap left over from a previous configeration. The SC provides a noticeable hike in overall clarity and realism.  Probably not a cost effective new purchase though, I am sure a HCDR would suffice. I intend to borrow a HCDR at some point to have shoot out with my SC1 on the SN2.