Naim superline

Isn't the 2M Blue an MM cart?  SuperLine is for MC only.

IMO, your deck can handle a much better cart, and there are lots of choices.

Good luck!

Hook

You're correct, the 2M is a MM, I am looking to upgrade to a Hana MC cartridge to go with the superline.

the rest of your system is certainly up to the level of a Superline. however, i think you'd be more likely to get the sound you want by spending the money on a new turntable. a s/h Rega P9 would be a good choice. you could also get a brand-new LP12 for around the price of the Superline. (which is what i think i would do, were i you.)

The RP6 is an excellent TT and would host a good MC cartridge (say a Dyna 10x5) and would sound superb through a Superline.   However, whether that is the best way to invest at this stage is another issue.  

I love Rega TTs and I would suggest you audition an RP 8 or better still a 10.  I think you'd discover a completely new dimension to music on vinyl 

Good luck. 

Lindsay

Sounds like all you are unhappy with is the output level of your turntable set up?  If so buying a Superline or new turntable won't necessarily change that as phono stages generally have a lower output levels than most digital sources.  But you can do better than  an Ortofon 2m Blue and Stageline (the latter not being  my favourite bit of naim kit) without having to go all the way up to Superline level.  

I'm running a Dynavector DV-20x2 Low output cart with a Dynavector P-75 phono stage, which is a combination that offers great synergy especially in Dr. T mode (which  basically configures the P75 to act as a current amplifier).  FWIW, I listened to 3LPs last night and the volume control on my SN2 didn't get much past the 10 o'clock position and it was still pretty loud.   

Another option would be the Rega Aria phono stage. Either way careful cart and phono stage matching is key.

Thanks for the info, had a LP12 with a Tag McLaren PPA20 phono stage, the RP6 Knocks it for six, with a hicap powered stage line. I've never understood the hype of the LP12, and all the upgrades on offer, more of a cult following now than an audiophile TT. 

I won't be giving up my superline any time soon and it works really well off AUX2 power, I prefered this to a hicap.

The low output Hana have an output quoted at 0.5V this is at the top of the range for a standard supercap so you might get the volume setting you want. I've only used mine with cartridges giving ~0.3V and I'm turning the volume down from 10 - 11 to 8 - 9 when I put a CD on.

1 the superline is reputed to prefer a slightly lower output cartridge than the 0.5V of the Hana (search for a thread about a Lyra Kleos SL). No personal experience to back this up, the difference is probably subtle.

Cat_1965 posted:

Thanks for the info, had a LP12 with a Tag McLaren PPA20 phono stage, the RP6 Knocks it for six, with a hicap powered stage line. I've never understood the hype of the LP12, and all the upgrades on offer, more of a cult following now than an audiophile TT. 

Having owned an LP12 for many years, I've heard all the alternatives but still prefer the good old Linn. I get you prefer your Rega, and jolly good luck to you, but those of us who prefer an LP12 do so because it sounds best to us, not because it's  a cult. 

I've heard many good things said about the Hana from people I trust. However, I would be concerned about the output being a bit high - check with Naim on that.

The Superline would open the door to the RP6 very much, the Hana too from what I hear. Technically, the RP6 would be outclassed, but it's a brilliant turntable for the money. I think you would be immensely satisfied with the upgrade in the short/medium term, but the RP6's limitations would eventually (a year? Maybe 2?) make you wish for something less limited. If so, you know it's the turntable that needs upgrading rather than anything else.

I'd just check with Naim about that 0.5mV output. Oh, and check the latest price of a Hana, they're likely to have gone up since the referendum.

Frank.

Frank Abela posted:

I've heard many good things said about the Hana from people I trust. However, I would be concerned about the output being a bit high - check with Naim on that.

The Superline would open the door to the RP6 very much, the Hana too from what I hear. Technically, the RP6 would be outclassed, but it's a brilliant turntable for the money. I think you would be immensely satisfied with the upgrade in the short/medium term, but the RP6's limitations would eventually (a year? Maybe 2?) make you wish for something less limited. If so, you know it's the turntable that needs upgrading rather than anything else.

I'd just check with Naim about that 0.5mV output. Oh, and check the latest price of a Hana, they're likely to have gone up since the referendum.

Frank.

I have not tested so many of the carts out there but the Hana SL works fine with the internal mc cards in the 82.

You could just go for a Superline E to be on the safe side. I did this as I don't have any carts of very low output, I.e under 0.3mV and few at0.5mV or slightly higher.

however, if you like the Rega then possibly better to go for an RP10 instead with a more modest cart and preamp.

All the good advice has been has been taken on board, a few more things to consider but in the end I should reach the goal I'm searching for, thank you.