I’ve been using the Superline as a replacement for the previous Stageline, since 2013. It has been always powered by either a Hicap or, since early 2015, a Supercap. The Supercap is the oldest black box I own and has recently been shipped back to the UK for a service and DR upgrade. This has given me the chance to hear it powered only via the 552. So this is really a trial by subtraction at best or downgrade at worst.
First up, it is different. My initial session brought to mind veiled, closed in, and playing in the room next door. But this was very much the first few minutes. Within a few minutes, I guess I grew more accustomed to the presentation and actually, all the details were present and correct. It remains a very balanced phono stage. By that I mean there is no emphasis on highs, mids, lows. Very neutral.
The first session had been late night and at respectful volumes. Today, I had the day off work and in an empty house, had the chance to make some noise. Perhaps sound stage, whatever that is, is slightly reduced. But other than that, I am much more impressed with this half sized box that I was before. That it can deliver so well without an off board supply is testament to its quality. Would I be tempted to stay as I am? Probably. But as I have a SCDR to look forward to, even if this is basically a left over from the 252 days, I shall not.
I have to fess on a couple of other issues. I only just got the TT dead level this week too so that might add something. I have not heard the sound with the SC for a couple of weeks as I had to get a new Snaic from the UK to make the 552 connection. I changed the load plug settings very recently too. So overall, not tremendously scientific. But all the same, I am happy to report that the Superline is an excellent piece of kit and does not especially need an extra box to make great music.
Dave
Posted on: 24 February 2017 by Marksnaim
I found stepping up to an old HC2 brought quite a large improvement to my Superline. I suspect that the 552 powered Aux may be more effective than my HCDR Powered 282 Aux though.
hopefully you will find the combined benefit of recap and DR upgrade to your Supercap, putting it back on the Superline and the other reported tweaks should put a smile on your face.
Posted on: 24 February 2017 by u77033103172058601
I tried the experiment of using the 552 instead of my SC to power my S'Line, in the pursuit of box reduction. It lasted barely a few minutes. Veiled, closed, muddy, incoherent....basically complete crap. The SC stayed.
If you don't have the Z-foil resistor loading plugs that is a worthwhile small and inexpensive upgrade as well.
Posted on: 24 February 2017 by Wm.
I see you have an RP8 (I have a P9). I also have a Superline, but with HC-DR. Down the road, Ill be considering a SC-DR. However..
Have you been tempted to try an Aria? Just wondering your thoughts as I see quite a few Rega TT owners on this forum going down that road. Everything is a cost benefit analysis, but with no power supply upgrades or plugs, if they are comparable on the RP8/P9, that is a lot of extra coin to invest elsewhere... just never heard it myself.
Posted on: 24 February 2017 by Corry
Wow, sorry to hear that Nick. I rather like the 552 powered Superline. It's not the same as a Supercap - which is pretty awesome - but I think I prefer it to a dedicated Hicap.
When I first got my SuperLine, I ran it from the Aux input of my 282. Even then, it was appreciably better than the Linto it replaced. What I particularly recall were the coherence, fluidity, and the generally engaging presentation, albeit within a constrained envelope that gave it a slightly (and not unappealing) “dimly lit” quality. Upgrading to a HiCap improved the hi-fi qualities – dynamics, bass, detail, imaging, etc. – but the underlying musicality took a slightly backward step. After a couple of years of that, I upgraded to a SuperCap DR which – of course – was best of all.
Posted on: 24 February 2017 by Bodger
I see you have an RP8 (I have a P9). I also have a Superline, but with HC-DR. Down the road, Ill be considering a SC-DR. However..
Have you been tempted to try an Aria? Just wondering your thoughts as I see quite a few Rega TT owners on this forum going down that road. Everything is a cost benefit analysis, but with no power supply upgrades or plugs, if they are comparable on the RP8/P9, that is a lot of extra coin to invest elsewhere... just never heard it myself.
WM: No I never tried the Aria. At the time of buying my original Stageline, I was in the process of converting my system to a full Naim system. Once I decided on which black boxes I would get, then I realized that I needed a phono stage and the obvious choice was the Naim box. At that time I had a P5 so the vinyl source was not exactly maxed out and the Stage was more than good enough. Many years later when I started taking vinyl more seriously and decided on the RP8, I went the Superline for some meaningful, to me, reasons. I got an great deal on an ex-dem unit; I had a Hicap spare; I also had decided to go 552 and would have a spare SC for it. The old SC did not have a great 2nd hand trade in value and I did not have the luxury of being able to try alternatives due to geographic location.
I hear there are some good synergies with a Rega phono on a Rega TT but I can only assume that there are also some decent synergies with the Superline and a full Nain rig. This is my guess as I have never tried the alternatives. So my lazy and constrained decision making led to where I am now. My one regret was that I bought the RP8 just before the RP10 was released. I did not know this was coming out and having decided to upgrade to the flag-ship model, I soon found out I had missed out. My TT was ordered with the Apheta all in-1 deal and I will think about alternative cartridges in future.
In terms of extra coin, I view shopping around at the phono stage, Rega TT market relatively great bang for the buck. Compare this to new speakers or the move from 252 to 552 and the vinyl source/accessories are great VFM. I know vinyl replay can get silly in terms of potential spend but you can get great music for less.
Dave
Posted on: 25 February 2017 by Bodger
Good story Dave. Always enjoy this kind of story where less can apparently be more (or nearly more).
Chris
A few days in now and I really enjoy the music. It may need a little more juice to get the best sound but the overall result is very enjoyable. Long weekend here in Greece, Monday being a public holiday so lots more time to bond with the machine. It will be a few weeks before the SCDR returns and I have to say I am also looking forward to that.
