Naim HICAP

ASR module for the Hicap

Here are some comments from a customer who was having serious problems with the sound of his NAC82 - known to be a bit 'in-your-face' in the upper mid and treble range.

He complained of this well known characteristic and mentioned that he couldn't listen for more than twenty minutes at a time. His wife couldn't stand the sound so never listened.

Simply upgrading the Hicap with the ASR module, together with using our signal cables, brought about the improvements that he reported.

The Naim Hicap regulator, now being some 30 years old, is well due for a revamp.

The limitations of the simple LM317 regulator in the Hicap power supply, with only a couple of frequency tailoring capacitors, are well documented and the system is easily bettered using more sophisticated components and circuits.

One of the major problems with simple regulator systems is the finite time taken to respond to transient demands. This leads to a loss of fine detail which larger transients tend to swamp and obscure.

What is needed is a power supply which is capable of an INSTANT response to ALL musical demands but STOPS when the music stops. Simple. Or so many designers have thought.

Current integrated regulators with their feedback systems fall far short of these parameters unless stringent precautions are taken such as in our TPX power supplies.

We've applied some fresh thinking to this old problem:

The shunt regulator seems to meet all our requirements but it comes with a penalty; slightly higher noise for reasons of inferior rail rejection.

So, after taking a fresh look at the shunt regulator, we designed the ASR which solves this noise problem.

The result is a superbly quiet and totally linear power regulator system which delivers the entire frequency spectrum with none of the usual shortcomings.

The Naim Hicap drop-in upgrade

Offered as a complete 'drop-in' module for replacement of the Naim Hicap printed circuit board, this ASR (Advanced Shunt Regulator) takes the perceived performance of the venerable Hicap into totally new territory.

Sublimely smooth yet having the ability to deliver that energy and bounce when required, this power module is also able to sustain the decay of notes in a manner unlike any heard to date.

The smallest nuances are portrayed with integrity whilst large transients flow with authority from the mix.

The Hicap upgrade is simple and quick

The ASR module is easily transposed into the Hicap within minutes with only six solder joints to remove and remake, this represents the greatest upgrade for the Hicap EVER brought within the reach of the enthusiast.

No setting up is required - just get two green lights from the module and off you go.

Part Exchange fitting if you send us your HiCap

If you prefer Avondale to fit the ASR Hicap module for you, there is an EXCHANGE FIT option where we will fit and check the ASR module, and then return it to you.

Just send us your working Hicap power supply.

We will RETAIN the original PCB by way of part-exchange. We do not charge return postage, it's included in the price/exchange.

ASR fitting service

We also can fit the ASR module for a straight service fee of £33 on top of the cost of the module. Just send your Hicap to us and we do the rest.

We return the original, replaced, components to you.

Main capacitor renewal

If you would like the main capacitors renewing with 22000uF Kendeils at the same time, there's a combined option to do that.

If I send my Hicap to you, how long does it take?

We have a 2 day turn around for ASR fittings. You need to allow for postage to and from us.

Here's a summary of the options

Option	Price	notes
ASR module	£187 including delivery	We send you the ASR module and you fit the module.
ASR EXCHANGE FIT	£187 including return delivery	1. You send your Hicap to us and we fit and test the ASR module for you. 2. We return your now VERY special Hicap to you. 3. * We retain the original Naim PCB in part exchange.
ASR EXCHANGE FIT plus main capacitors renewed with 22000uF KENDEILS	£ 227 including return delivery	1. You send your Hicap to us and we fit and test the ASR module and fit new capacitors for you. 2. We return your Hicap. 3. * We retain the original Naim PCB in part exchange.
ASR module with fitting service, without exchange	£220 including return delivery	1. You send your Hicap to us and we fit and test the ASR module for you. 2. We return your Hicap along with the original PCB.
ASR module fitting without exchange plus main capacitors renewed with 22000uF KENDEILS	£260 including return delivery	1. You send your Hicap to us and we fit and test the ASR module, and fit new capacitors for you. 2. We return your Hicap along with the original PCB and capacitors.

DIY Audio Power Supplies

DIY constructors may use this advanced regulator to construct a state-of-the-art power unit resulting in a power supply that will certainly take on some of the best designs in the world.