Powering 282... reprise

Posted by: Stephen packer on 11 September 2017

A few months ago I asked about whether I should look to add a second HiCap DR to my 282 or to go to a SC.

It's feeding an active setup:
- Snaxo/HiCap (olive)
- 2xNAP200 (recently serviced)
- SBLs (recent replacement tweeters)

Sources were:
- Rega RP6 / Audiomods arm/Ortofon 2M Black /Graham Slee Reflex M phono stage.
- CD5/Flatcap2
- Audiolab MDac

The feedback was to look at the sources first; I'm mostly playing vinyl so the CD and DAC are just there for 'background music' use.

I changed the RP6 for a Gyrodec and added an SME IV (with fluid damper) / New Kontrapunkt H (with Graham Slee Elevator EXP/Reflex M). This made a lot of difference, I was very surprised at how much the cartridge lowered the noise floor; and the SME IV arm is a really nice piece of equipment to use and setup, but I'm a sucker for Engineering/design.

The bass is a lot more 'solid' and has much 'sharper edges', there's more detail and it's just altogether more involving.

I tried a few other cartridges before I bought the Kontrapunkt- AT440mlb, Ortofon 2m Black, Music Maker III. The 2m Black was best of those three, must admit I didn't really rate the MusicMaker III (it dances all over the place when I track as instructed- am sure it's aligned correctly) but it was a second hand purchase so maybe the vendor wasn't completely honest about the condition.

I'm trying to avoid looking at much else with the sources because it seems a bit pointless to spend money on something that's just there to block out background noise when I'm trying to concentrate (hifi is in my home office).

I didn't stop thinking about power supplies though... and I've bought a Supercap 2 (non DR). I've been using it to feed the 282 for the last couple of days and I think it gives a bit more depth to the music and richness to vocals (e.g. Joan Armatrading on Me Myself I.) Hard to tell really, I always wonder how much I hear is because of the money I've spent...

I think I'll review this when I put the Hicap back on the 282 while the Supercap is away being serviced (it's a 2006 model)

I do wonder whether the Supercap would be better employed feeding the Snaxo 2/4, or whether I should bite the bullet and buy a Snaxo 242, then I wonder if the Olive 2/4 is more suited to the SBLs (which I really don't want to change- except maybe for some Mk2s or SL2s ) any views on:
i) Is the Supercap better on the Snaxo than the 282?
ii) Is there any advantage to the Snaxo 242 over the Snaxo 2/4

Thanks!

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by cheeselet

I don't know much about Snaxos but I had similar experiences with a Musicmaker cartridge. I think it maybe a characteristic of that model. Mine was particularly prone to instability in a form of uncontrollable oscillation

So you may not be alone with that one.

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by JRHardee

What do you have hanging on the walls? My cartridge danced until I hung stuff on the wall above the TT and between the speakers.

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by cheeselet

Talking off the top of my head I'd say it was a compliance issue with the cartridge (and arm match) which, by the way, has a commonality with the Grado range.

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by Christopher_M

Stephen packer posted:

i) Is the Supercap better on the Snaxo than the 282?

From what I read, forum lore says yes.

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by Stephen packer

JRHardee posted:
What do you have hanging on the walls? My cartridge danced until I hung stuff on the wall above the TT and between the speakers.

I've got a shelf above the turntable (which is mounted on a shelf, directly to the wall). The speakers are a way from the turntable and I've not seen this with any other cartridge (that I've used)

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by Stephen packer

cheeselet posted:
Talking off the top of my head I'd say it was a compliance issue with the cartridge (and arm match) which, by the way, has a commonality with the Grado range.

I had exactly the same problem with the Audiomods arm- and it's apparently one of the designers favourite cartridges and was used in the desig, he did say it sounded like 'the Grado bounce' when I discussed it with him. Problem is the wobble is audible in quiet passages.

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by Allante93

Christopher_M posted:
Stephen packer posted:

i) Is the Supercap better on the Snaxo than the 282?
From what I read, forum lore says yes.

i) Is the Supercap better on the Snaxo than the 282?
ii) Is there any advantage to the Snaxo 242 over the Snaxo 2/4

From what I've read, perhaps a Double Yes!

Allante93!

PS. Bite the Bullet, Snaxo 242, and SC feeding the Snaxo with the Burndy!

From what I've read!

Headed down the same path!

282/HCDR > Passive Tri-Amped Briks!

Next purchase, SC 2 & Snaxo 362!

Posted on: 11 September 2017 by Stephen packer

Allante93 posted:
i) Is the Supercap better on the Snaxo than the 282?
ii) Is there any advantage to the Snaxo 242 over the Snaxo 2/4
From what I've read, perhaps a Double Yes!
Allante93!
PS. Bite the Bullet, Snaxo 242, and SC feeding the Snaxo with the Burndy!
From what I've read!
Headed down the same path!
282/HCDR > Passive Tri-Amped Briks!
Next purchase, SC 2 & Snaxo 362!

Hmm... I'm not sure that's the answer I wanted to read!

The 282 sounded better with a SC. So if it ends up on a 242 then there's another SC to find... I suppose there may be a 2/4, a HC and a HCDR to trade in though...

Posted on: 12 September 2017 by stuart.ashen

Hi Stephen,

I wonder if you have gone active too soon? Naim have always encouraged having the best source and pre before going active. I would sort the cartridge issue and look after the pre before looking at how you power the Sibbles.

I might also be tempted to sell the 200s and get a 250DR. Store the Snaxo for when the front end is sorted. Add a second 250 and Hicap later when you are ready to go active at a more appropriate level.

Do you still have the Paxo?

Stu

Posted on: 12 September 2017 by Stephen packer

I think the front end is sorted, I'm not using the Music Maker, I'm using a Kontrapunkt h (SME IV, Gyrodec). Just mentioned the music maker in passing.

The pre amp is a 282 with Supercap so would have expected this was up to the task.

Not sure if I would want to change the 200s at this time, I'm in a small (ish) room hence why I like the SBLs (against a wall) and the volume rarely gets wound beyond 8 or 9 o'clock so there's plenty of headroom.

Posted on: 12 September 2017 by stuart.ashen

Your system and your choice Stephen. Always fancied activating my SBLs. I have taken them to a point passive where I could do that but another 4 boxes is too much for me.

Enjoy your system, hope it gets sorted. Just remember that active systems reveal any set up issues that you might have.

Stu

Posted on: 12 September 2017 by Stephen packer

stuart.ashen posted:
Your system and your choice Stephen. Always fancied activating my SBLs. I have taken them to a point passive where I could do that but another 4 boxes is too much for me.
Enjoy your system, hope it gets sorted. Just remember that active systems reveal any set up issues that you might have.
Stu

I'm not sure it isn't sorted- I'm happy with where it is but there's always that little voice on my shoulder tempting me...