After footling about whether to make this change for months, I think it's worthwhile to point out the major differences between the much used and more overrated Linn Lingo and our hosts' Armageddon. My initial impetus to lose the Lingo was based on two factors - first, it screwed up my CD's sound when plugged into the circuit, and second, I just wasn't enjoying the sound of LPs much, after spending a considerable sum upgrading the LP12 in 1999. Also, it was secondhand and a little old, and I DO like a new piece of equipment!
Here are my thoughts jotted down during the last 10 days of Geddonia.
Brighter, more open treble
Tight, fat, driving bass
Vocals clearer – can follow the meaning of lyrics all through a song
Individual strands of music much more coherent
Not just an overwhelming welter of unconnected detail
Aro/XX1L combo no longer sounds slightly ‘thin’
Height and depth information – big canvas painted, parts of music have real ‘body’
Listen through to the end of a side as so involving – even to tracks never heard before
Some LPs have more noticeable ‘crackle’, but not many
Really exciting music going on I’ve not heard before
The main point I think is that the Geddon represents a real bargain at its price, as it has totally transformed the way I listen to LPs. And it seems to complement the CDX/XPS alternate front-end well - I can switch from one to tother without feeling uneasy.
One of my favourite Naim purchases, without a doubt. Very recommended.
Posted on: 07 March 2001 by ken c
chris, my experience too. have you got the prefix?? i assume you are using ARO, yes? if so, were any changes required to the arm to match the dynavector -- for example, counterweight, etc...
enjoy...
ken
Posted on: 07 March 2001 by Bosh
I'll third that
Been using this combo for 5 years and it sounds rather good through a 52/4 pack/SBL system
The prefix with hicap is an essential upgrade (anyone Supercapped one??!!) - use the tape input if using a 52
The NBL / 500 thread's got the bank manager worried though!!!
Posted on: 08 March 2001 by Rico
quote:
. I have yet to experience the Prefix, but will do so as soon as my curfew is lifted.
Go on man, pay the 100 peso fine. You know it makes sense 
Rico - all your base are belong to us.
Posted on: 08 March 2001 by Bosh
It sounds better!! Dont ask me why, my dealer said try it and on my 52 it does!!
Posted on: 08 March 2001 by Tony Storey
Bosh, I have been using a supercapped prefix now for about a year (previously a Hicap). I use it with an Linn/Geddon/ARO/Dynavector XV1 cartridge on the front of it. I agree with Jason's comments about this combination - the effect is quite incredible. Yes its an expensive component but once you hear the effect that is has, you cannot live without it. The real impact for me was after living with this combination for a short while (when evaluating whether the supercap offered significant improvements over the Hicap as a power supply for the prefix), going back to the Hicap really showed what a huge improvement the supercap was. I had no hesitation in ordering a supercap just for this job.
Posted on: 08 March 2001 by Chris Metcalfe
...which is what I meant by value for money. I think the Armageddon is incredible VFM compared to the Lingo - indeed compared to the total turntable cost, as it transforms it. I can't compare this effect to buying the Aro as I had a complete overhaul, replacing a Valhalla, Ittok and Asaka.
BTW, I haven't got any Mana (yet) nor a Prefix neither. The only review I've read of the Prefix said it sounded rather bright (?). Too much money, anyway.
Posted on: 09 March 2001 by Chris Metcalfe
Well, maybe next year. Yes, it was Colloms's review in 1995 (not too bright, just bright). Odd that he reckoned the Armageddon was better than the Lingo, yet still apparently uses a Lingo. I wouldn't, with his system.
A question - does the Armageddon improve with warm-up like other Naim components? If so, would leaving the turntable spinning create any problems?
I still have the feeling, especially after posting this thread and only receiving replies from Geddon users, that the Geddon is something of a mystery to most hifi buffs, and a lot of Naim ones. Probably because of its long and secretive incubation period. It shouldn't be,anyway.
Posted on: 09 March 2001 by Martin Payne
Chris,
No, don't do it!
This will wear the bearing out within a year, according to my dealer.
Apparently, at least one of the techies who works for Linn lifts his sub-platter off (as you would when transporting the deck) whenever not playing.
Martin
