Phono Boards

Posted by: Nickc78 on 14 February 2016

I have just got a nac42 which I thought had mm boards in it but it turns out they are mc boards (323/3), I found out the hard way after plugging in my tt and being rewarded with a sound that was like listening with cotton wool in my ears!  My immediate thought was to sell them and get a pair of 322s instead, however I am now thinking of using them.  I have two main reservations about moving to an mc cart; would the 322 cards with a decent mc cart better my current set-up (a 2m bronze into a clearaudio nano stage) and before dropping a pile on a decent mc cart how do I know the 323 boards are fully functioning, I don't imagine my introduction to them using the 2m holds any value.

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by Richard Dane

The phono boards are pretty robust but being NA323/3 they are a way behind the last revision, NA323/5. They may well also benefit from a service. 

What turntable and arm are you using? Unless tip top I'd stick to MM..

look for NA322/4 - the final revision of the MM boards. 

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by Nickc78

Thanks for the response.  I have what is effectively an inspire quest (think rega p3 with upgraded plinth and subplatter) and a tecnoarm.  The amp was serviced in 2005 not sure if this would have included the phono boards, although I think they may have been swapped after the original purchase as there is an N sticker on the back which I thought indicated the boards would be mm which is why I hooked up my tt without a second thought.  Obviously swapping for 322s would be the most cost effective solution, I would assume they would be better or on par with the clearaudio nano, I previously had a 62 and a 102 with internal boards that I was happy, but that was a while ago.

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by Richard Dane

I think swapping to 322 boards is the best idea. Usually plenty about. Just don't ask on here - against forum rules. Try your Naim dealer or a few others. Often they have spare boards knocking about in drawers, cupboards etc.. 

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by Nickc78

Will do, thanks very much

Posted on: 14 February 2016 by dektop100

Just as RD sugested - I got a pair of MC boards by asking my local dealer. They were for an 82 though. Recently, while my 82 was away at service I had to go back to my spare 42.5. It was still working but sounded very different to an 82 and possibly different from how I remember when it was in regular use. Hard to be sure of anything though as the rest of the system had changed so much in the meantime.