Handy thing, wives...

Posted by: Top Cat on 20 April 2004

Hi all...

You might recall that recently I added a Prefix K to my LP12 to replace the K boards in my 52. However, from the start the Prefix wasn't working properly in the context of my system - there was no particular improvement in the sound over the K boards (all powered by 52) and the Prefix suffered enormously from static popping and to a lesser degree from RFI breaththrough.

Having decided to check out other options, I decided I'd remove the Prefix and re-fit the stanard cable. Problem is that for some inexplicable reason, whenever I lie on my back and try to work on something above my head, I start to feel queasy and can end up sick. Weird, I know, but then that's how it is.

Anyway, I successfully removed the prefix but was having some difficulties fitting the Aro cable once again (holding a torch in my mouth, one hand holding the LP12 steady and the other trying to manhandle the tiny Aro connector plug screws into their positions. I began to feel very sick, as if I'd been spinning round a lot. I know that sounds strange, but bear with me.

ANyway, my good lady returned from her jewellery class and I asked, somewhat sheepishly, if she could help attach those screws. No problem. However, she didn't stop there - before I knew it she was sorting out the P-clip and doing all the stuff that I thought was the elusive preserve of the LP12 initiates. Was I impressed!

Just goes to show - never under-estimate your woman...

John

PS. Deck sounds FAR better sans prefix (no pops, quieter, more musical) and I'm delighted again. A demo of a P75 awaits, but to be fair I could live with the K boards if push came to shove.
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by seagull
Career tip...

Don't get a job as a mechanic.
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Dev B
quote:
Originally posted by Top Cat:

PS. Deck sounds FAR better _sans_ prefix (no pops, quieter, more musical) and I'm delighted again. A demo of a P75 awaits, but to be fair I could live with the K boards if push came to shove.


John,

Something is badly wrong with your system, LP12 or set up if the boards are better than the Prefix. The Prefix should *smoke* the boards. The Prefix, is cleaner, more precise, dynamic, etc. I suspect your multi, super, duper, mains is giving you a weird result or the way your CD player works electrically with your system.

Naim spend a lot of time working our how earthing works in their systems and it is easy to screw up by connecting other products that don't work as well.

I would call Naim and discuss your problem before you start exploring alternatives.

regards

Dev
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Rockingdoc
But the Prefix is only standard K boards in a box.
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Dev B
quote:
Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
But the Prefix is only standard K boards in a box.


Malcolm,

You've said this before, it is more than that. The big advantage of the prefix is the shorter wire connecting the tonearm. It really makes a huge difference. It's a bit like saying a Armageddon is a justa x-former in a box, but when you hear what they can do musically to the Linn, and the way they complement the strengths of the LP12, they are both musically compelling.

regards
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Rockingdoc
I agree that shortening the arm cable makes a significant improvement, but I still feel that potential buyers are given the impression that the Prefix contains some electonic upgrade on the standard 52 boards.
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Markus S
quote:
Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
I agree that shortening the arm cable makes a significant improvement, but I still feel that potential buyers are given the impression that the Prefix contains some electonic upgrade on the standard 52 boards.


They do. IIRC the input cap has a larger value, giving a bit lower bass roll-off. And while the circuit is iedentical, I believe the lay-out is slightly different.
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Rockingdoc
Thanks for the info. I'll shut up now Smile
Blame my dealer, it was 'im wot told me.
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Simon-C
John

Slightly off topic.

I can't help you with your prefix but I may be able to help with the dizziness. Sounds like you have Benign Paroxysmal Positional vertigo (BPPV), most likely due to an otolith ie microscopic bits of chalk in your inner ear. V common and V treatable.

A good neuro-otologist may well be able to sort it by a couple of fancy head movements to dislodge the ' lump of chalk'

Let me knoe if you want any other info

Cheers

Simon

If the brain were simple enough for us to understand, we would be too simple to understand it
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Dev B
quote:
Originally posted by Top Cat:

[This message was edited by Top Cat on Wed 21 April 2004 at 9:53.]


John,

If you think all is well, you might find that the problem is with your Helikon and how it is grounded to the Aro.

Maybe the conductive paint within the Aro has deteriorated over time (which it can do). I had my Aro serviced (earth conductive paint renewed) and my Ortofon correcty grounded to the Arm and it made a MASSIVE difference.

Long and short: make sure your set-up is 110% before looking at alternatives, apart from your cartridge which I don't like so much, you have the best deck ever so it's a shame it's not working as it should.

regards

ps. I don't understand your 'tip it over the edge sonically' comment at all!!!!!!!!
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Top Cat
Dev, thanks for that suggestion - hadn't though of that. I'll defer to Robert's expertise on such things, but what does confuse me a bit is why I'm not having problems post Prefix removal - i.e. surely if there was a flaw in the paint on the Aro I'd still be suffering from the static pops?

Simon: Never heard of it, but if you're serious and you think that my horizontal nausea problem is treatable then PM me any info you have. I've had this problem for years and it's always been a nuisance - especially where turntable maintenance is concerned... Wink

John
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Top Cat
Touché, my dear Patrick...
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Bosh
Simon C

Does the C stand for Cawthorne or Cooksey by any chance Wink
Posted on: 21 April 2004 by Simon-C
quote:
Originally posted by Bosh:
Simon C

Does the C stand for Cawthorne or Cooksey by any chance Wink



Errrr.......no ?

Simon

If the brain were simple enough for us to understand, we would be too simple to understand it