Naim Headline 2 and Flatcap2x

The Naim Headline barely gets any attention around here, but if it does, it's positive.

I auditioned it with the HD800 some time ago, but found my Stax SRM-T1 / SR-Lambda Signature combo better. Unfortunately, I do not have experience with much other dynamic cans and amps, so I can't help you with a comparison. I did not have the feeling that the HD800 was underpowered by the Headline, but again, I do not have much experience with dynamic cans.

As a power supply I used a TeddyCap. Much cheaper than Naim's power supplies and (supposedly) as good as or better than a HiCap. At least it was a real good upgrade to my CD5X. You should look into it if you want to upgrade a Naim product with a power supply.

I think a problem of the Headline is that it gets expensive really fast, because you have to buy a good power supply for it and Naim charges a lot of money for that. That in turn means that the price/performance ratio is probably less than the other amps you mention. Third-party power supplies could fix that.

Bottom line: I think the Headline suffers from good competition, little exposure (around here) and the power supply issue.

I agree - I can understand a separate power supply upgrade on a budget amplifier where most of the money goes towards amp section and a reasonable profit, but the PS is such an integral part of an amplifier I'd expect a really good one on any mid to high-end product. Plus, it's a power supply not a microprocessor made from the latest and greatest near-nanotech 32nm production process, it's pretty easy for enthusiasts to find a cheaper substitute. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michgelsen 

I think a problem of the Headline is that it gets expensive really fast, because you have to buy a good power supply for it and Naim charges a lot of money for that. That in turn means that the price/performance ratio is probably less than the other amps you mention. Third-party power supplies could fix that.

Bottom line: I think the Headline suffers from good competition, little exposure (around here) and the power supply issue.

x2.  the difference between a Hicap and Flatcap2 were easily noticeable with my Headline2 and cd3.5, now sold, but not great VFM, even used.  as a DIYer, i would love to find schematics the Headline2.
 

It does not look too complicated on the inside. Someone could perhaps draw a schematic by seeing the inside.

thanks for the photos Michgelsen.

No, I only have one of the flatcap2(x?) but it is of poor quality. I haven't searched for one though. These ones I gave you I had stored on my computer after I found them on the net once.

If you want to build a good power supply yourself, it's probably easier to use a design such as the sigma22 as a HiCap replacement. The sigma22 has a very good reputation as far as I know. For the Headline2, only a sigma11 would be needed (half a sigma22).

i don't know about the flatcap2x, but i use an old olive series hi-cap with mine and is easily the best i've heard, prefer it over even ear hp4!

the sound has quite a bit of character, you'll either love it or hate it, no in between, like grado.  i use rs-1 for what its worth...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michgelsen 

No, I only have one of the flatcap2(x?) but it is of poor quality. I haven't searched for one though. These ones I gave you I had stored on my computer after I found them on the net once.

If you want to build a good power supply yourself, it's probably easier to use a design such as the sigma22 as a HiCap replacement. The sigma22 has a very good reputation as far as I know. For the Headline2, only a sigma11 would be needed (half a sigma22).

 

It may not be poor quality in terms of sound performance, but it does appear to be poor in VFM with a lot of unused space in the box.