Is my 32-5 worn out?
Posted by: faz on 12 July 2003
Current system: 32-5/140/Hicap,Much modified MA352 speakers,CD3 & Systemdek TT/Linn Basik arm/Ortofon 540 MM cartridge. Sound from the CD3 is fantastic; turn up the volume control a tad and the sound really cranks up and sounds involving with plenty of bass and clarity. However turn up the volume control when playing vinyl and the sound doesn't really seem to get much louder and sounds rather constipated and lacking in bass!
Could the boards in the 32-5 be bit tired? They're 322's which I assume ae correct for my cartridge. Or maybe my TT combination is not up to it. I've been thinking of going for a s/h Linn LP12. Would this bring back the bass and clarity? Anyone got any ideas?
Posted on: 12 July 2003 by fatcat
faz
I may be totally wrong about this, but I think the phono part of the pre amp is powered from a seperate part of the Hicap than the CD player. Maybe you have a fault with the Hicap. You can test this by removing the Hicap.
Fatcat
Posted on: 12 July 2003 by bjorne
Faz, what Systemdek is it?
Posted on: 12 July 2003 by Markus
The hicap powers the entire preamp and all signals benefit from its presence.
From your description it sounds like there has been a gradual deterioration in the sound of your systemdek. How old is your cartridge? Might it be worn out? Have you looked closely at the needle? I'm mystified by your description that it doesn't respond as you would expect when you crank up the volume. It is understandable and normal that the cd3 is louder, given a specific point in the volume control. The same thing is true of my 72...
I think you should start by looking at your cartridge.
And yes, IMHO an LP12 would be a worthwhile upgrade. Try to obtain one with at least an Ittok LVII arm...
Markus
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Posted on: 12 July 2003 by Rico
a 32.5 will not "wear out" - at worst it will need only a service by Naim, NANA, or your in-country service agent.
However, there are plenty of items you can test/check to fault-trace before blaming your amplification.
HTH.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 13 July 2003 by faz
The Systemdek is a IIX-probably at least 15 years old. The cartridge is brand new.The Hicap was serviced by Naim a few months ago. Since I posted my query I've borrowed a Dual TT and the problem persists. More worrying is the fact that the Sytemdek doesn't sound an awful lot better that the Dual!!I've had a quick look at the bearing and there is some evidence of wear.I'm beginning to wonder if it's a combination of clapped out TT and a characteristic of vinyl versus CD.I know of an LP12 with a SME 3009 arm going for not an awful lot of dosh and I've been offered a reasonable trade in as well.Can anyone suggest what sort of sound improvement I might expect? Any advice on buying s/h? The other thing I've also now noticed is that If I listen thru headphones (via Pro-Ject Head Box) I have to turn that right up for vinyl as well.Puzzling but hey, that's what Sunday's are for.
Posted on: 14 July 2003 by Rasher
I'd say you need to borrow other items to eliminate each from being the problem. That's what I would do anyway.
Posted on: 14 July 2003 by ChrisBathory
Mr Faz,
I suspect you have an earth loop - this doesnt necessarily mean you get a hum (but you might).
Easy way to check is to disconnect the CD3 before playing an LP.
The trap is also there for sondek users (like me!), the main symptom is that LP's sound dreadfully flat when a Naim CD is simultaneously connected. The cause is that both sources give a signal ground point - ie you have an earth loop creating havoc particularly in the low signal levels produced by the turntable...
To fix it disconnect the earth strap between the Turntable and Pre-amp - this way the signal earth will be provided via the CD3...
You can also get the same problems if you connect an AV system up as well...
Good luck!!!
Chris
Posted on: 14 July 2003 by KENB
I had similar complaints with my NAIT and a 62. I now use a parasound phono section and love it.
Ken
Posted on: 16 July 2003 by faz
Chris, I tried your idea about removing the earth lead but I'm afraid it didn't work. Pity, 'cos it would have saved me whole bunch of grief.
KENB, your suggestion re a stand alone phono stage is interesting. There's another more recent topic on the forum about comparing a Systemdek tt to a Rega tt and one reply was all for getting an add-on phono stage. Surely the phono stage in the 32-5 is good enough.Or should it just be considered as a basic starting point. Anyone care to comment?
Posted on: 16 July 2003 by thenaim'sjustbill
MM vs. MC?
I'm only guessing here, and I honestly don't know if the 322 board is for a MM or MC cartridges... but if the phono board in the 32.5 doesn't match up to your MM cartridge, the sound will sound clogged-up and muted.
Hope this helps!?
TNJB
Posted on: 19 July 2003 by faz
My local Hi-Fi dealer has just lent me a Pro-ject phono stage to try out. The difference is amazing. Loads of bass, clarity and the amp seems a lot happier. Turning up the volume control actually makes a big difference.However there is a bit of harshness but this could be the source. If I do buy this or a different phono stage can I replace the 322 boards with straight line ones and still use the phono position on my 32-5? If not I'm going to run out of inputs.Cheers.
