I posted a thread few weeks ago on the voltage outputs of the Supercap DR to the NAC 282 and NAC 252. Thread here https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...ected-to-282-and-252
Since I did not receive any confirmatory response to the question that I asked, I presume my understanding below is correct:-
The Supercap DR supplies 2 x (2 x 24V) supplied to NAC 282
The Supercap DR supplies 13 x 24V to the NAC 252
There appears to be a consensus that the Supercap DR is superior to 2x Hicap DR when connected to the NAC 282.
Question : I was wondering if it would be prudent for Naim to come up with a scaled down (cheaper) version of the Supercap DR without the Burndy connection specifically tailored for the NAC 282. A Supercap DR that is utilised to its full potential when used with the NAC 282.
Posted on: 21 August 2017 by james n
...which then limits it's potential in the upgrade path. Given that most are on the Naim upward journey, the Supercap versatility makes more sense in the way it's presently configured. It also makes it easier to step up to the 252 (if that particular route floats your boat) without too much financial penalty.
James
Posted on: 21 August 2017 by Richard Dane
Ryder, what you're proposing would appear to a kind of super-Hicap. It could be called a Supercap. Oh wait...
Actually, in all seriousness, what you propose has been considered before. Way back when I was Naim's export sales manager I was asked by certain distributors what would be the feasibility of a just this kind of thing - kind of like a Hicap version of the Flatcap2 - a big box Hicap with a pair of 2x24V power outputs. The problem was that by the time it was costed out and the formula applied to give a retail price, it was too close to the price of a Supercap, and a Supercap would be a better PSU, so....
Posted on: 21 August 2017 by ryder.
Thanks for the response James and Richard. That made sense. It is useful to know that my suggestion was considered before and the plan did not materialise because it's commercially not viable.
There might be folks who are happy with the NAC 282 and do not have plans to move up to the NAC 252, hence a cheaper super-Hicap / scaled-down Supercap can be useful. Nevertheless, it appears that the Supercap is the only option even though owners have plans to stick with the NAC 282 for life.
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by james n
You're right Stuart, there is a lot of unused functionality and you could argue that a DAC with a number of digital inputs serves the modern home better in its role of a digital hub. Saying that, there are a lot of people that still use a big part of the recording functionality and make the most of the analogue inputs on the classic pre-amps so again versatility wins out.
I wonder what the next generation of naim pre-amps will be like in functionality as the 272 seems to be proving quite a hit.
James
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by ChrisSU
I'm inclined to agree, I bought a 282 purely on the basis of sound quality for the money, even though I'll only ever use a single input. You could probably fit the bits I need into a shoebox for a lot less cash. Of course there are some who like to use multiple sources and need the extra inputs, so this wouldn't work for everyone.
Posted on: 22 August 2017 by stuart.ashen
I am one of those users James, as my only digital source is my CDS3 so personally I am not interested in an integrated dac. However, markets change and younger Naimees would no doubt find it useful. I can imagine something that looks like a 202 with a mixture of analogue and digital inputs with the sound quality of a 252 but perhaps a touch lower in price. Seems like a better way to playing with the power supplies.
Stu
