2.1 system vs 2.0 system for Music

Chris, as Huge says above, it's an issue of capacitive load on the Hicap. You can slug with resistors - Naim do this with their own sub lead - but it can still affect overall performance. 

Im going to experiment with my own n-sub in the main system sometime fairly soon. Distance and layout probably precludes taking a high level signal off the speakers so it will have to at pre level. 

Richard if you use a DSP box (personally I use a miniDSP 2x4) and get someone like Flashback Sales* or Custom HiFi Cables* to make a very short DIN4 to RCA (say 0.3m), then place the DSP beside the HiCap, you'll only add about 40-70pF per channel (including connectors)

I don't think any of the current preamps should be significantly affected by this.

The miniDSP can then drive the long low level interconnect to the sub.

*  For a higher quality cable, you could also get a 1m AR Sound Lunar DIN4 to RCA (that will still only add about 80pF including connectors), and Ari may be prepared to make a shorter one for you (a 0.5m cable would add about 50pF).  Of course you could always make your own cable!

Regarding high-level connections, another option is to use a Jensen Transformers Iso-Max SP-2SX 2-channel speaker level to (balanced) line level converter.

I use one with a DSpeaker 2 channel room correction box and dual REL Storm IIIs running in stereo.

To connect it, I made custom cables with spades from each speaker, to the SP-2SX speakon input connectors. Then the SP-2SX balanced line level outputs are connected to the balanced inputs of my DSpeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 using standard balanced XLR cables. And then a second pair of balanced XLR cables are connected from the DSpeaker balanced outputs to the "BAL LO" inputs on each of the Storm IIIs. So the extra processing is only applied to the less critical subwoofer signal. Works for me.

Alternatively, the SP-2SX also has a terminal strip that accepts bare, tinned or pin style connections for all the inputs and outputs.

FWIW, excerpts from published specs/claims for the SP-2SX...
• Delivers exceptionally low distortion down to 20 Hz
• Ruler flat frequency response from 5 Hz to 20 kHz
• Once connected, the SP-2SX is able to withstand signal levels to +19 dBu at
20 Hz without introducing distortion, phase shift or artifact of any kind.

Regarding single vs dual subwoofers, I happen to like the even greater expansion of sound stage that I get with dual subwoofers in stereo, but of course you could alternatively run both SP-2SX output channels to a single subwoofer.

Huge posted:

ChrisSU posted:

Huge posted:

Chris, how are you powering the 282?  If you're using a HiCap you can certainly do it.

I was dimly aware that this might be possible, but I seem to recall a comment on a previous thread (possibly it was Richard?) that this was not a good idea. Can't remember the details. 

The problem is connecting long interconnects cables to the extra output sockets on the HiCap and this putting too much capacitative load on the preamp output.
The trick is to use short interconnects from the HiCap to a DSP, and longer cable(s) from the DSP to the sub.

I've recently been experimenting with a (cuddly) hicap, so I might give it a try. I'm thinking of moving the system to a different room, which has a suspended floor and limited flexibility for placement options, so I'll need all the help I can get with room acoustics. 

..ahem.

OK, I see that my subtle hint has been ignored, so please could members ensure that they respect forum rules - in particular with regard to refraining from discussion of unauthorised modifications to Naim equipment, which includes non-Naim power supplies on pre-amps, CD players etc..

Point taken, Richard  I guess my next move will be to do it properly, and trial a HicapDR, much as I dislike the idea of an extra box, but not only does this give a possible sub connection, it also opens the door to a 250. 

Huge posted:

Yes, subs can be critical of position.  I did like the idea someone had of hanging one from the ceiling!   

So i decided to play around on the weekend, i tried every position i could except behind me (don't have long enough cables for that). I could not hear the subs at all anywhere along the side walls unless i stood directly opposite the subs. So far, they sound best up front beside each of my speakers. I am going to have to get some wire and try behind me at some point.