Olive Supercap - Some questions

Posted by: Lewis on 06 July 2017

Hello Gents,

if using a Nac 82 and SC, does that mean you no longer need to use the little napsc power supply that comes with the 82? Will it also power the associated power amp such a 180, 250, or a pair of 135's? I quite fancy attempting to build a second Olive system up. I miss the one I sold years ago!!

thanks all

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by hungryhalibut

You still need the napsc. It can't power the power amps.

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by Eoink

The power amps don't need an external supply, so 82 Supercap NAPSC will work with any Naim power amp.

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by ianrobertm

As I understand it, the NAC82 needs to use the NAPSC to run its 'digital' side (the input switching and remote). The Supercap has an output to run a 52's 'digital' side - but this cannot - must not - be used to drive the 82. Its a different voltage.

The NAPSC only powers the 82 (or 102). The power amps are all 'self powered'.

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by Richard Dane

Yup, the NAPSC is 18V whereas the Supercap digital supply is 15V which isn't enough to switch out the mute relay on the NAC102/202/82/282.

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by Lewis

Thanks all. So essentially the SC is a fancy HC, and it's sole use is to power the associated Pre-Amplifier in the stack only, whether that be a 62, 72, 102, 82 (discounting the additional NAPSC), and 52?

And to confirm my understanding, a Nac 52 based system would be as follows:

Nac 52

Power Amp (180 / 250 / 2 x 135s)

Thanks

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by james n

Correct Lewis - The SC has the ability to provide more power rails than a HC so connects to the 52 with the larger Burndy connection for power and audio and a separate 'digital' connection for power to the logic board and front panel lights / Leds.

Posted on: 06 July 2017 by Eoink

That's right, the 52 can't be powered by a HC, it needs an SC or a 52PS. The other pres can be powered by HC or SC (in the case of the 82, 2*HC as well).

The 52 system is as you describe.