LP12 to 552

Though you are limiting yourself, I honestly think it isn't that bad an idea (even if I use a Kandid myself...).

For the Adikt, an option that used to get recommended a lot was the Lenjonklou Slipsik. Alternatively, I've owned a Linn Uphorik and it is a lovely phono stage, with both MM and MC capabilities, that could easily be someone's final phono stage.

All that said, a Stageline works (I don't think it's that great, and I've had a Stageline N with the Adikt in the past) and more gains would be had by investing in the LP12 proper rather than on the phono stage or cartridge, IMO.

I would investigate a moving coil cartridge.The Linn Krystal is supposed to be pretty good sounding and will work a treat in your Ittok arm.You will be amazed at the separation and bass lines from it.It also looks lovely.

Sorry cant offer any advise on the 552 as I don't use Naim amps

I would have thought that with the 552 you should be aiming for an MC cartridge. But this begs a question about phono stages. Here I think you will end up with two options - Urika or SuperLine - and you need to work out now which route to follow. You don't say what your power supply is for the LP12 but I think you should be looking for a Radikal which also powers the Urika. If you go for the SuperLine you will inevitably end up wanting a SuperCap. I have the Radikal/Urika option with a Dynavector cartridge. I briefly had a SuperLine but I had neither room for it and a SuperCap nor the money for a Supercap. There is a thread from a few years back describing the visit of some members of the forum to Cymbiosis to compare these options. The result wasn't conclusive but I think one can conclude that the Urika is not a sonic compromise. In addition, I can tell you that the Radikal which I had fitted a while before the Urika, is a major improvement over a Lingo 2. If this makes any sense I would suggest trying to get hold of a secondhand basic MM phono stage while you decide on a longer term approach.

Clive

OP - how much do you want to spend and what do you want to do?

Are we talking Stageline-type sums and a change of stage alone, or are other options/price levels open to you?

If not, then yes, you can do what you are proposing (I have used a stage line on my 552). It is not however the best out there by a long shot - IMO, it is one of Naim's less impressive products, but as ever, others have felt differently.

michael nolan posted:

i am shortly to embrace a pre loved NAC 552 which is great news.

I have a question on LP12 connectivity. My current set up is an LP12/Ittok/Adikt playing into my trusty NAC 52.

It seems from my research on the Forum that I can get a Stageline n and power it off the 552 (not optimal), later adding Hi Cap etc.

Am I really limiting myself by staying with MM cartridge? or is there another Phono stage worth getting for MM cartridge?

If vinyl was my main source, then In the context of a NAC52 system, I would apply the money available (presumably something in the region of £10k) on upgrades to the LP12. Following the 'source first principle' the Keel/RadikalUrika upgrades would completely transform your LP12 and  leave you enough money to buy a Linn Krystal MC cartridge.  I don't know how it sounds in a tick-tock but it sounds unbelievably good (for the money) in an Ekos SE

Cdb posted:

I would have thought that with the 552 you should be aiming for an MC cartridge. But this begs a question about phono stages. Here I think you will end up with two options - Urika or SuperLine - and you need to work out now which route to follow. You don't say what your power supply is for the LP12 but I think you should be looking for a Radikal which also powers the Urika. If you go for the SuperLine you will inevitably end up wanting a SuperCap. I have the Radikal/Urika option with a Dynavector cartridge. I briefly had a SuperLine but I had neither room for it and a SuperCap nor the money for a Supercap. There is a thread from a few years back describing the visit of some members of the forum to Cymbiosis to compare these options. The result wasn't conclusive but I think one can conclude that the Urika is not a sonic compromise. In addition, I can tell you that the Radikal which I had fitted a while before the Urika, is a major improvement over a Lingo 2. If this makes any sense I would suggest trying to get hold of a secondhand basic MM phono stage while you decide on a longer term approach.

Clive

If you know you're going to stick with Linn cartridges the Urika is the obvious choice; it's designed to work with the Kandid and sits inside the plinth (mounted on the baseplate), shortening the connection between the arm and phono stage).  It sounds great and, I believe, is better at blocking RF interference than some other phone stages.

My comments assume, perhaps wrongly, that the NAC552 has cleaned you out.

I'd be very surprised if the Stageline N is shabby on a 552. As already mentioned, Lejonklou used to get a good shout with the Adikt. You'd need a dem.

Myriad options exist if my assumption is wrong

Cheers, Chris

I think the Stagline is at its best in N form.  Powered off the NAC552 it should perform very well indeed.  In some respects as good or even better than a dedicated Hicap (more seemingly impressive from a Hicap but a bit more "together" when powered off the 552).  

Having compared the 552 powered input on a Prefix with several power supplies including a Supercap, the results were fairly consistent....

The powered input was very balanced and evenly poised, but ultimately lacking in detail and sheer joie de vivre of a Supercap....which admittedly did leave the Prefix sounding a little unbalanced and forward-it drew you in, was immediately impressive and yet had you listening by the 'seat of your pants'....it was an active listening presentation rather than allowing sounds to wash over you. 

The 552 powered option always sounded squashed in dynamics and rolled off at the frequency extremes-what it did, it did very well, but there were certain aspects missing. 

The Supercap/etc also acted as an 'extension cord'. The LP12 straight into the 552 required the LP12 be sited within a meter of the 552-not always achievable. But adding a supercap and a pair of connections between the turntable/SC and the SC/552 allowed more flexibility in placement-at the expense of an additional shelf-and several kilobucks. 

Depending on your budget,  upgrading the Ittok to the Ekos would be a big step money-wise and sound-wise.  

There's a lot of good advice above.  I have tried the Stageline powered by the 552, but have ended up with a Flatcap doing the job... it sounds fine with a MM cartridge (Shure V15), and removes the job of supplying external power from the 552... but perhaps you are right to aim much higher. 

No-one has yet mentioned the interconnect, so I thought I'd mention this vital piece of wire...the SuperLumia works very well with the Radikal / Urika... when you get to this combo (which undoubtedly you will, eventually).

 Thank you all for your help a few weeks ago. I have been away.

So Chris hit the spot when he rightly pointed out that the 552 has me cleaned out and yet I need to connect the Linn somehow.

Yes I have Radikal for the Linn. So ultimately i will get an Ekos arm then probably Urika and the SuperLumina.  But it has been reassuring to hear from Richard he rates the Stageline N.

Its a wonderful addiction!

Michael

If you do upgrade your LP12 please don't just assume that a Super Lumina phono to DIN is the best way to connect an Urika to a 552