Hi-Cap DR for my Supernait 2 - Connections Question

That sounds right. There should be bands at the source ends of the snaics, the one on the 5 goes at the sn end and that on the 4 nearest the hicap.

Hello, yes your connections are correct. The snaic cables are marked on one end with a band. For  the snaic 5, the band goes at the SN2 end, for the snaic 4, the band goes at the HCDR end . I do not know how to attached a picture to show you the connections, but If you « google »  Naim connections guide amplification , you’ll find all your answers in this useful guide. Personnally, i prefer the SN2 with a HCDR. Enjoy the music !

Hi

Do post your impressions about the hcdr + sn2 combo.. 

Keen to know if the hcdr brings something more to the table over the sn2 pre amp

Try to mention what you lose in terms of sound  - if any 

Regards 

Hi Nina

In my experience the addition of a power supply to my SN2 has resulted in a more defined and controlled bass ,plus a much larger and more involving soundstage where the sound is not restricted to the proximity of the speakers.My speakers are situated in a bay and the sound fills the whole area with plenty of space around all the instruments being portrayed.Removing a PS narrows this markedly.Hope this helps. 

Thanks everyone for your help I really appreciate it

I've received the 4 pin SNAIC today and there is a band with a number printed on it so I now know that end would be nearest the Hi-Cap

Hopefully the Hi-Cap will be delivered on Monday and I wlll report back with my views

Just a quick question for anyone that has heard the SN2 with and without the H-Cap, whether you prefer it or not, is the change in sound a subtle one or is it quite obvious that the Hi-Cap is being used?

The SN2 is very good without its HiCap. The Hicap DR makes it even better, but I'm not sure anyone can really tell you in precise terms what the SN2 + HC DR does better. It's just a better SN2, with the same qualities - and no downside.

I have read through countless threads regarding the SN2 prior to purchasing one. If you use the search function and use 'SN2 HiCap' you will pull up a lot of threads.

My experience is I prefer a Power Supply as do many others, however is a number of members who prefer the SN2 without a Power  Supply. It really comes down to personal preference, I do not believe their is any right or wrong, just different opinions and preferences.

See if you can get a loaner from a dealer or purchase one that has a return policy. I believe my dealer allows a 7 day 100% cash refund, 30 day 100% credit refund, and a 80% trade-in policy with-in the first year.

As you have bought the Hicap and it’s arriving tomorrow, it really doesn’t matter what others think. Your opinion is the only one that matters. 

Of course HH and I will certainly make up my own mind once I have it installed, it's just I was wondering if the change is so subtle that I won't hear much difference

However as I purchased the HCDR at a very good price it really doesn't matter if I don't like it or the change is too subtle to worry about as selling it on won't be a problem

Ultimately it was the power supply option that put me off getting a SN2.   I would rather spend it on a fancy power cable

Nina posted:

Just a quick question for anyone that has heard the SN2 with and without the H-Cap, whether you prefer it or not, is the change in sound a subtle one or is it quite obvious that the Hi-Cap is being used?

Hi Nina,

With the usual, my-ears-my-room disclaimer, I found that adding the HCDR to my SN2 seemed to lower the noise floor allowing more subtle dynamic shifts to be heard more easily. It's not like it uncovers more detail necessarily, but rather that it makes the recording stand more in contrast to silence. The effect was a deepening of the soundstage and added timbral information. Something analogous to a bas-relief sculpture going from shallow to deeper, if that makes any sense.

Thanks for the comments Clemenza, yes it makes perfect sense to me   

TOBYJUG posted:

Ultimately it was the power supply option that put me off getting a SN2.   I would rather spend it on a fancy power cable

That's what I did.. As I don't have funds for HCDR

Got a 10 gauge cryo treated copper-copper power cable for the SN2 and it does make a difference. 

But I think the cryo power cable upgrade to my CDP made the biggest difference so far. 

Thinking about going the same way in the phono pre Amp. 

Maybe the HCDR will benefit as well

Well it's in....

All the units are obviously a bit cold since I switched them off to put the HCDR in so will wait a while so that they are nicely warmed up again

I feel a 'I hear a difference, but can't justify the expense' coming ...

Well, that was my experience on the SN2 + Hicap DR. On the SN1 it was a different matter.

But you use the nDac which might make a difference.

Good luck and thanks for reporting :-)

Ardbeg10y posted:

I feel a 'I hear a difference, but can't justify the expense' coming ...

Well, that was my experience on the SN2 + Hicap DR. On the SN1 it was a different matter.

But you use the nDac which might make a difference.

Good luck and thanks for reporting :-)

Agreed, the difference is slight - but pre-loved (what a stupid word...) HCDRs are reasonably cheap, unlike XPSDRs.

The nDac responds also well on a non-Dr XPS or 555PS. That's still quite different money.

I'd try the HiCap DR on the cdplayer (CD5XS according to Nina's profile) - source first, isn't it?

Ardbeg10y posted:

I'd try the HiCap DR on the cdplayer (CD5XS according to Nina's profile) - source first, isn't it?

Hmm this does not make sense since the cd player already feeds the nDac digitally. An option to try would be cd5xs + hicap + sn versus cd5xs + ndac + sn.

Ardbeg10y posted:

I'd try the HiCap DR on the cdplayer (CD5XS according to Nina's profile) - source first, isn't it?

If, that is, you consider the HiCap the best power supply for the CD5XS... which I for one would dispute. The FC is a safer bet.

Is there a verdict already?

What happened to this thread? Was following with interest as an SN2 owner. [@mention:18039306378657355]: what happened?

OP is probably too busy enjoying his last acquisition and.. rediscovering his music collection. ????

Chag -