Best way to listen to my Sondek again?

2nd hand Nait 5si and Stageline to match your cartridge.  However, I would suggest your cartridge might need replacing.

Remember that the Stageline will need a power supply - at least a Flatcap or better.  

If you don't mind mix and match, you could always get an old Olive or CB Naim preamp (32, 62 etc) and a used hicap, from (for example) a well known on-line auction site.  These already have a built-in Phono stage, so you wouldn't need a Stageline.  Haven't looked at the DAC V1 manual, so not sure how you would hook it up to the DAC V1 though.  However, those within your budget don't usually have remote controls, so you'd have to get up to change the volume!

A friend runs a MM Linn Adikt (£400) on his LP12/Ittok. It sounds very nice indeed. The Ittok is still a great tonearm if the bearings are working as they should. A service; a new belt; a new needle, and she'll be good to go.

The Lehmann Black Cubes (models at £300 and £400) are the best phono-stages I know in that price-bracket.

John.

Hi Mat,

How many records do you have?

M

quite a few. They've been shelf supports for years. I reckon, maybe 2000

With that many and the fact they may not have been played for a while I suggest a record cleaning machine would really help to freshen their sound. You can find manual ones that do make a difference for as little as £50. I agree with The Strat that a new cartridge is also likely to be a good idea. Again big money not necessarily needed. At entry level if the Linn Adikt is too pricey, you could have a look at Audio Technica. As for the amp a serviced s/h Olive (72 would be my preference) seems a very good idea.

As mentioned above, a service would be highly recommended after so long, so factor that into your budget. Possibly circa £200.

Later you might want to consider a Cirkus kit upgrade if your deck doesnt already have it. 

Dealer may, of course, waive cost of service if you do anything else of significance at same time.

+1 to Cirkus and service.

Rega Aria might just (S/H) be in budget. Excellent with MM.

If I've understood you correctly, you could also think on selling the NAP100 and putting those funds in the pot as well - that might open up other possible pre-power options, or a supernait/stageline combo (although that might be a bit more than you're looking to spend). 

yeah, I can sell the NAP100 if it offers a better solution. I can also afford a bit more if the change gives me a better listening experience with the V1 than what I have now.

I've considered a 2ndHand Nait XS 2 but unsure if that will be an improvement or even if it has a built in phono stage. What d'ya think?

The days of built in phono stages in Naim amps is over - you'll need something older for that. There are always Naim preamps on the used market, and they were designed when the LP12 was king, so worth a look. You may well need to budget for a service, though. 

mat posted:

yeah, I can sell the NAP100 if it offers a better solution. I can also afford a bit more if the change gives me a better listening experience with the V1 than what I have now.

I've considered a 2ndHand Nait XS 2 but unsure if that will be an improvement or even if it has a built in phono stage. What d'ya think?

A Nait XS 2 (or original Nait 5) would need a phono stage but can both power a Stageline. 

What about a NAC 72 with phono boards and a olive hicap? Should fit the budget. Just make sure recently serviced. You'd have a nice mix of olive and new style boxes all the same size.

To avoid loads of boxes you could perhaps swap the V1 for a 172. You'd still need a phono stage though. 

-1 to the Cirkus, you have a lovely turntable, why spoil it. Pick up a Nait2, move on the Nap100, buy an Adikt and have the t/t serviced. Job done.

gary yeowell posted:

-1 to the Cirkus, you have a lovely turntable, why spoil it. Pick up a Nait2, move on the Nap100, buy an Adikt and have the t/t serviced. Job done.

I have a Nait2 CB version. The V1 sounds poor through it. It doesn't even compare to putting it through the NAP100. (Although my LP12 through the nait2 sounds as good (if different) to the V1 through the 100. That's why I want to find a solution whereby I can put both sources through the same boxes!)

I think I'll have a look for a pre-owned 72 with a phono stage and take it from there. Sounds like the best plan.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Oh! I forgot... do i NEED a hicap with the NAC72? Doesn't it come with its own PS?

mat posted:

gary yeowell posted:

-1 to the Cirkus, you have a lovely turntable, why spoil it. Pick up a Nait2, move on the Nap100, buy an Adikt and have the t/t serviced. Job done.

I have a Nait2 CB version. The V1 sounds poor through it. It doesn't even compare to putting it through the NAP100. (Although my LP12 through the nait2 sounds as good (if different) to the V1 through the 100. That's why I want to find a solution whereby I can put both sources through the same boxes!)

I think I'll have a look for a pre-owned 72 with a phono stage and take it from there. Sounds like the best plan.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Sounds like your Nait2 needs a service. I have had the V1 through my serviced Nait2, and it was sublime. I have also used a 160 with the V1, which was marginally better, but more 'different'.  I also ran a 72 in between, and quite honestly preferred the Nait2. If you really want a step up, a SN2 with a Stageline is a good place to be.

gary yeowell posted:

mat posted:

gary yeowell posted:

-1 to the Cirkus, you have a lovely turntable, why spoil it. Pick up a Nait2, move on the Nap100, buy an Adikt and have the t/t serviced. Job done.

I have a Nait2 CB version. The V1 sounds poor through it. It doesn't even compare to putting it through the NAP100. (Although my LP12 through the nait2 sounds as good (if different) to the V1 through the 100. That's why I want to find a solution whereby I can put both sources through the same boxes!)

I think I'll have a look for a pre-owned 72 with a phono stage and take it from there. Sounds like the best plan.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Sounds like your Nait2 needs a service. I have had the V1 through my serviced Nait2, and it was sublime. I have also used a 160 with the V1, which was marginally better, but more 'different'.  I also ran a 72 in between, and quite honestly preferred the Nait2.

Interesting. It feels like the non phono inputs on the Nait2 are inferior to the phono. The V1 through any of them is poor but the LP12 through the phono sounds awesome. Perhaps a service could fix that but since the LP12 & Nait2 sounds as good together as they ever did (I bought them in the 80s) I feel that it wouldn't be worth the cost.

What speakers are you driving with the Nait2? I'm very surprised you think a 72/160 is only marginally better.

I've had them driving Shahinian Arc, Shahinian Compass, Linn Kan, NSats and SL2. The thing with the Nait2 is it sounds amazing until it runs out of steam, which only happens with difficult to drive speakers. I genuinely think that a Nait2 will run a 72/160 very close or actually be preferrable if the speaker is chosen wisely. If your Nait has never been serviced, i'm not surprised you think the Nap100 better.... and just think how much better the t/t will sound if it sounds good now.

mat posted:

Oh! I forgot... do i NEED a hicap with the NAC72? Doesn't it come with its own PS?

Just had a look at the NAP100 manual online.  Doesn't seem to have a power output to supply a preamp, so yes, you would need a HiCap (or SNAPS or Supercap). That would probably take even a used NAC72 over your quoted £400 budget.  However, there is a NAC62 on a certain auction site which looks like it may go for a price placing it within budget.

To other posters : please note the OP's quoted budget : £400

Hi Mat,

2k albums is a nice collection, and your LP12 in good condition will be your best source, but it will need a service (circa £150 - if all is OK).

I like Duns suggestion of a 32.5/Hicap (CB not Olive would be my recommendation), BUT this is a first class preamp built for vinyl; I would try and buy through a dealer so you can borrow it, you may not enjoy it with digital.

However, all this is looking like more money than your budget. I would be inclined to wait and save, and use the time to listen to some kit and get a better feel for where you want to get to. With 2000 albums the LP12 would definitely be on my must so list.

M

20years in storage? Hmmm.. As J.N. Mentioned earlier, it's possible that the bearings may have seizure issues which re-lubrication may not address if corrosion has got to them. I put my LP12/Ekos in storage for quite a bit less than 10years whilst I worked overseas and when I moved back, the Ekos was a mess. Linn were great about reconditioning it for a low price relative to a new one (given that I strongly suspect they simply gave me new one anyway rather than reconditioned it!) but it still cost a chunk of change. I'd humbly suggest you get your dealer to check this out before doing anything else regarding resurrecting your TT. Fingers crossed its OK of course.

Follow the advice above; then listen on a quiet evening, glass of wine on hand, nice and relaxed.