Trying my Naim Supernait2 on the Avantgarde Duo XD today ...

joeinid

joeinid

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Vacuum tubes absolutely win out for ultimate musicality, especially on horns. There’s no doubt I love tubes, but there’s also no doubt that I hate tubes. Maintenance, noise, finding the perfect replacement or NOS and hopefully catching them before they go down run through my mind. I’m especially a little worried because my system is usually on 12+ hours a day and almost all weekend.

Now having the Duos as my main speakers, I’m on a mission for the “perfect” solid state amp for them.

I decided to try the Naim Supernait2 today. Naim takes a long time to run in and warm up but so far, I’m enjoying this combo. It’s dead quiet and very revealing. Soundstage not as large, tall, wide or deep as my better tube amps but it’ll need more time to run in. I love Naim in general and hope this combo blooms a little more. So far so good though.
 
I got to play with both that little SS guy as well as their Hybrid Int with the Pure Audios. The ncore was really nice, quiet, effortless and at first I thought the volume knob was odd, but the feel and control was super. Cool little metal remote comes with it also.
 
You might find a pair of used Valvet Class A monos - they were designed on horns and are *very* quiet. I loved them on Zu. They also don't run particularly hot with only a single pair of transistors in the output stage.

Obviously FirstWatt is the other choice, but don't you already have a XA25? How did that sound?
 
2nd on the Valvet amps.
The E2 is a class A single ended SS amp. Very sweet with great detail and just plain musical.
Might be just the ticket.
 
the professor said:
Have you ever tried the SuperCap DR with your Supernait2?

It usually increases the soundstage etc.
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Not the Supercap but I have the Hicap? I think. From the Naim forum, they say that the Supercap is a little more analytical but I’d have to experience it for myself.

I know you have Naim experience, you think it would be a definite improvement?
 
KeithR said:
You might find a pair of used Valvet Class A monos - they were designed on horns and are *very* quiet. I loved them on Zu. They also don't run particularly hot with only a single pair of transistors in the output stage.

Obviously FirstWatt is the other choice, but don't you already have a XA25? How did that sound?
Click to expand...

I've heard of but not heard Valvet. An older brother has my XA25. He wanted it before I even contemplated Duos. I know Mike was not crazy about the XA25 on his Duo Mezzo but I am trying to get him to bring it back or pay me. I need to hear it. I do have a SIT-3 on order with no idea of a ship date.

jadedavid said:
2nd on the Valvet amps.
The E2 is a class A single ended SS amp. Very sweet with great detail and just plain musical.
Might be just the ticket.
Click to expand...

Interesting, two recommendations on Valvet. I'll take a look.


Another friend recommended Sugden IA-4. https://www.sugdenaudio.com/ia-4-integrated-amplifier

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Any thoughts on this one? 33wpc Class A.
 

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It does. The HiCap give more umth and control the SuperCap is that plus more refinement and soundstage. Either don't give more prat, but more hifi things. They also don't change the warmth/color of the sound.

joeinid said:
Not the Supercap but I have the Hicap? I think. From the Naim forum, they say that the Supercap is a little more analytical but I’d have to experience it for myself.

I know you have Naim experience, you think it would be a definite improvement?
Click to expand...
 
Second amp for my Uno XD's is the darTZeel 108. I really enjoyed the XA25 but prefer the Dart.
 
joeinid said:
Interesting, two recommendations on Valvet. I'll take a look.

Another friend recommended Sugden IA-4. Any thoughts on this one? 33wpc Class A.
Click to expand...

From memory, I preferred the Valvets to the SIT 1/2. The SITs truncated decay despite having a big spooky SET-like midrange. The F7 sounded promising at a show last year though.

Sugden is another good idea. My Devore dealer basically uses them exclusively with the Gibbon series. Sweet sounding amp. You might send an email to J Halpern to confirm compatibility with AG.
 
the professor said:
It does. The HiCap give more umth and control the SuperCap is that plus more refinement and soundstage. Either don't give more prat, but more hifi things. They also don't change the warmth/color of the sound.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jock!
 
Etunes said:
Second amp for my Uno XD's is the darTZeel 108. I really enjoyed the XA25 but prefer the Dart.
Click to expand...

Actually, I can absolutely see the Dart being a great match. Hmmmm, won't be cheap but probably worth it. I remember one of the best combos I ever had was my CJ GAT and Dart 108 amp. OMG! For me, it was a superb match. I loved it more than Dart's own preamp.
 
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