What does a Hicap DR actually do on a Supernait2

I'm interested as well...

It will just power the preamp section. Hicaps on any Naim Pre are a revelation. ????

HiCap powers the SN2’s pre-section, leaving the internal trafo to power the power-amp.

External power for Naim pre-amps is the standard at the higher end of the range.  For example, my 252 requires an external power source; there is none built in. 

The SN2 does have an internal transformer that can power both its pre and power amp sections; if you connect a HC2 however, the HC2 takes over to power the pre and the internal transformer powers the power side.

As others have said, it powers the pre-amp section and is therefore not affected by the load variations on the SN2 internal transformer.  

I would add that the most influential change is that the HiCap DR replaces the single split 24v rail power supply from the SN2 internal transformer with dual 24v DR rails, one for each channel.  And I suspect the actual DR components are different & higher quality. 

One would assume that you also gain a lift in the headphone department too...?

Mike-B posted:

As others have said, it powers the pre-amp section and is therefore not affected by the load variations on the SN2 internal transformer.  

I would add that the most influential change is that the HiCap DR replaces the single split 24v rail power supply from the SN2 internal transformer with dual 24v DR rails, one for each channel.  And I suspect the actual DR components are different & higher quality. 

And am I right in thinking the audio signal passes though the Hicap also??

also how what does the Supercap do differently to the Hicap? 

The HiCap simply has two regulated power lines.... whilst the SuperCap according to Naim’s web site has 15 regulated power lines... As such for example  the SuperCap is required to drive the 252.

However as far as audio signal routing there is no difference between the HiCap and SuperCap, neither product does anything to the signal other than provide a common ground reference.

Popeye posted: 

And am I right in thinking the audio signal passes though the Hicap also??

also how what does the Supercap do differently to the Hicap? 

Yes the audio signal “passes” through the HiCap,  I have used “” for the passes word as the two ch1 & ch2 channels only link over from the input DIN socket to the output socket, the HiCap plays no part in signal processing.    However the BIG thing is the pre signal ground, plus the power amp & HiCap grounds are all connected at one “star” point inside the HiCap.   See FAQ for more info.   

Simon has covered the Supercap question,  used on a SN2, most of the extra regulated lines are unused. The HiCap is that is required, SC adds nothing more.

As an SN2 owner, I wish there was more consensus on the benefits of the HCDR. Seems like a lot of people prefer it bare. 

Popeye posted:

Hi all

I auditioned a Hicap Dr on a Supernait2 recently and I loved what it did and it enhanced the music obviously and clearly from the outset. 

What I want to know is what it actually does an what it is actually doing. I thought it just powered the preamp section but I think I may be wrong?

many thanks 

What did you love that it added? How did the HCDR enhance?

DynFan160 posted:

Popeye posted:

Hi all

I auditioned a Hicap Dr on a Supernait2 recently and I loved what it did and it enhanced the music obviously and clearly from the outset. 

What I want to know is what it actually does an what it is actually doing. I thought it just powered the preamp section but I think I may be wrong?

many thanks 

What did you love that it added? How did the HCDR enhance?

Instant separation of instruments, immediately obvious on the tracks I was listening to. 

Certainly noticed a lower noise floor and  added clarity with vocals. 

Some tracks I specifically listened to with and without the Hicap (mainly James Blake) where the music can be all over the place, I can only describe that it removed the muddiness and sorted out the separation and imaging. 

It brought immediate enhancements that I certainly want from my system. 

Interestingly, I extensively Auditioned the XPS DR on the NDX also and I personally struggled to hear an audible difference!

I'm one who preferred the sound bare but a humming hicap stopped me from giving it an extended trial.

This thread has me thinking though... I did not know that the hicap provided a signal ground so was wondering if my source may have been set the wrong way. Should you still set your source to ground when using a hicap or is the preferred option to have it floating?

I think you may be confusing things here.  The absolute earth reference for the system is the reference for the pre-amp, which is the power supply.

This is not the same as the signal to earth connection in the source, which should only be on one source, hence why some sources give you the option to lift it to float to prevent multiple source signal to earth connections.

Thanks for the clarification Richard.