Adding a power amp.

Why do you want to boost your xs and will it improve the rest of your system (which isn't in your profile)? 

Naim show XS (as pre) with HC and NAP200 in the XS's manual. But you may know this already. My assumption is that they think it's worthwhile.

Hi I didn't realise my system wasn't added to my profile. Just thinking about the next step. Enjoy the sound from my Naim XS and flatcap - trying to boost it and keep the sound.

System: LP 12 (with Inspire hi fi upgraded plinth etc) Ittok,Ortofon Cadenza Red. Amplification as mentioned with alternate power cables with Russ Andrews "super fuses" fitted. Cyrus CDI cd player and psx r power supply. Angle audio reference phono stage. Tannoy Precision 6.2 speakers with Tellurium Q black speaker cables. Tellurium Q Black interconnects from cd player and phono stage.

Hi yes I have seen the suggested power amp add on's and thought it must be an option. However someone said to me I should really be thinking of going for a full on pre/ power rather than tweaking the xs more.

However I love the sound of the xs/flatcap. As always it's personal choice and opinion!

Just wondered if anyone had actually added a power to the xs.

petzhou posted:

However I love the sound of the xs/flatcap. ......

I had XS and FC2 and it's hard to beat, so I know where you are coming from.

I haven't heard this combination, maybe it can do something special, but I can't help thinking that it isn't the best use of funds. NaitXS/Flatcap/200DR would cost more than 202/NAPSC/200DR and it's 3 full sized boxes on your rack.

If you are happy with the XS and Flatcap, then keep it. You don't need to spend more money just because someone says you should. If you do get itchy feet you could try a Supernait 2. 

Can't help you on the TT side of things and you don't say which is you're preference LP or CD replay. Source improvemt first unless your speakers need more power? Are you happy with your current sound in your room? 

I am looking at upgrading but am trying to improve specific things if possible, it is proving to be a long process but I'm determined not to waste my money by merely jumping up the ladder so to speak. Work out what you want to improve and go from there. Bear in mind things will never be perfect!!! 

I've tried both the 202/naitXS/Hicap - and naitXS/hicap/200.

The former was way better

A while back I added a non-Naim PSU and then a 200 to XS2, and found both to be positive upgrades but of the incremental not night and day sort.  Replacing the XS2 with 282 and genuine HCDR was a night and day improvement however so as above I'd try a 202 first over the 200.

MangoMonkey posted:

I've tried both the 202/naitXS/Hicap - and naitXS/hicap/200.

The former was way better

I  used 282into Nait XS/HC DR. I also used XS bare with Powerline, the latter combo was a real surprise, a nice organic and flowing presentation with espansive soundstage (ok it was fed by CD555 into SL2)

Regards

Roberto

petzhou posted:

Hi just a quickie.

I have an original XS and Flatcap. I believe I can add a power amp to boost this combo'. Anyone gone down this route? And was it worthwhile in your opinion?

Many thanks

 

 

In my opinion, not worthwhile to add any power amp to an integrated amp. In my mind, an integrated amp is supposed to limit the number of boxes to a minimum to reduce clutter. Max would be 2 boxes with the power supply. If you want to consider a power amp, I would suggest looking at a proper preamp to go with the power amp. Otherwise, just stick with the Nait XS and Flatcap. You could always upgrade the Flatcap to a Hicap DR or just like the suggestion by Hungryhalibut sell the whole lot for a Supernait 2.

SN2 is what you are want.