Dragon Newt for Naim Power Supplies
£175.00 – £1,035.00
Following the success of our Newt board, built around the LM317, we decided to design a discrete regulator module for Naim Power Supplies. Being discrete, we are not using the LM317, or any similarly integrated circuit, so that we have more control over each aspect of the design.
With the Dragon Newt, we wanted to not only focus on keeping noise out of the audible range but also work on the subsonic levels (0.1-1 hertz) that are responsible for timing and pacing. By significantly reducing the noise coming from the power supply into amplifier, we produce a much cleaner, effortless and natural sound that has higher resolution but importantly stays musical with excellent rhythm and timing.
Please read the more detail explanation, including applications, installation and our legal disclaimer further down. Note that the factory fitting option will require additional shipping charges if you are not able to drop off and collect the unit.
The Dragon Newt is a brand new discrete regulator module designed by our Lead Engineers JJ and Mark. Discrete regulators contain no integrated circuits which gives us more control over every aspect of the board, helping us achieve our aims. When it comes to audio, most producers focus on the audible range but we also wanted to keep noise out of the subsonic range (0.1-1 hertz) as it is often this that is responsible for the timing and pacing of the music.
The other design obstacle we had was choosing between a surface mount approach or a through hole one. Many of you will know that we have been against the move to surface mount for years as it is typically associated with cost cutting, with making a board more difficult to service and it doesn’t necessarily lead to a benefit in sound. However, this doesn’t mean that surface mount technology is without any benefits and some components have much higher tolerances (0.1% vs 1-5%) and hence are more consistently produced, which allows us to be more precise in our delivery.
Through-hole on the other hand has a much better selection of capacitors and transistors designed for audio and importantly it makes it easier for boards to be serviced in the future. To get the best of both, we have kept the capacitors and other components that may wear through-hole, whilst moving to surface mount on the resistors and diodes to get the benefit of their more precise values.
This has enabled us to deliver a clean and stable voltage at a reference of 25v. You’ll notice this is slightly higher than the standard 24v which our competitors follow, but our approach comes back to our testing experience with Naim, in which we know the tolerance for most Naim boards like the 323 is 23.7-26v. Being close to the edge is not ideal so we are aiming for the middle of this band.
Applications
Installation
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Legal Disclaimer
| Power Supply | Hicap, Supercap/52PS, CDPS, 555PS, XPS 6, XPST, NAPST, SNAPS |
|---|---|
| Purpose (SC Only) | NAC52, NAC252, NAC82, NAC82 Superlink, SNAXO, Superline, N/A |
| Amount | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Fitting | DIY, Factory Fitting |
3 reviews for Dragon Newt for Naim Power Supplies
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Iain –
Having been a satisfied customer of Witch Hat for many I did not hesitate to have the Dragon Newt boards fitted in my Supercap. I let the amp burn in for a few days and felt confident once burn in time was complete I would then enjoy what I found. Wow, more of everything is what I can only describe. For me the Newt is a massive upgrade and very good value for money. Roll on the Phoenix boards.
Dave –
At Each week interval there was a change and not always a good one. Then at week 4 things really started to lock into place…
Weight and Body came out of the blue, Fleshing Out of the Soundstage, Vocals were as sweet as Honey Speakers were Gone.
I was left with a thrilling Wall of Sound that Extended way way beyond the plane of my Speakers.
Bass was taught, powerful and defined yet Deep. Spatiality left/right caused one to literall look left or right suddenly as sounds were emanating from areas in a recording that I had never heard b4. My partner who found Jazz unrelatable is now hooked on trios. I come home to find her listening blissfully to music she had for years refuted as music..
Tommy –
I have been a very satisfied Witch Hat customer for quite sometime. Most of my Chrome Bumper and Olive Naim kits were serviced by them. So when I got another Hicap Chrome Bumper, I’m not hesitate to have the latest Dragon Newt discrete regulator module installed. After I put about 150 hours of running time into it, what I can say is that I’m extremely happy with it. The Naim’s famous PRAT & sound signature are there, but greatly improved. I have noticed the improvements in the dynamics, the finer details, the instrument layering and separation. The body is much fuller. The bass is tighter and deeper. The vocal are silky smooth and fuller. As for the reference, I have compared to my other Hicap Chrome Bumper that was serviced by Naim recently. This is another great product from WHS that I can highly recommend. I can’t wait to hear my NAP110 with Phoenix Upgrade Board that should be finished soon.