Suitable phono stage required

Posted by: Richard F on 31 May 2003

Some time ago I purchased a LP12/Ekos/Dynavector Karat 17D Mk2. Unfortunately, the Dynavector has such a low output voltage (0.23mV) that my K boards in the Nac 72 (Hi-Capped) hardly notice the signal. Consequently, the sound is very flat & withdrawn. I've tried modifying the K board to S board status which only improved matters a little.
I was wondering if any members of this forum would be able to advise me on a suitable phono stage for this MC cartridge?
The rest of the system is Nap 250 & Cura CA30.

Any advise would be greatfully received. Smile

P.S, Does anyone know if Cura are still going?
Posted on: 01 June 2003 by robw
When funds allow I'm thinking of replacing my high output DV20X, which is nearly 3 years old now,to a 17D so I would also be interested in other forum members opinions as to which MC boards are most suitable in a Nac72. I've read elsewhere on the forum that S boards work best with Dynavector cartridges but haven't heard of any of the problems Richard talks about before.

Thanks,

Robert
Posted on: 03 June 2003 by Frank Abela
In my view, Naim's best boards for the 17D2 are the S boards. the K boards do exactly as you say, Richard.

If you want a phono stage with higher gain than the Naim offerings, then you're really looking at a 3rd party manufacturer. There are many about and none of the good ones are cheap. My favourite comes from Tom Evans Audio Design. the entry level Microgoroove is £400, through the Microgroove+ (£750) to the Groove (£1800) and the Groove+ with external power supply at around £4000 if you really want the best! Smile

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
Posted on: 05 June 2003 by Richard F
Thanks Frank. Yes I agree the third party manufacturer appears to be the only answer. I'll do a search for the Tom Evans and see what they have to offer. I feel 4k may be a little out om price range just yet, but could always start counting my small change bottle!
Posted on: 05 June 2003 by Laurie Saunders
The K boards should not be a problem with 0.23mV. They were designed for the Karma (I think) which had an output lower than this. The K boards are IMHO the best way of playing records through a Naim system.
If your K boards do not provide excellent sound, then I might suggest you have a fault somewhere in your system

The only improvement would be to go to a Naim (K) prefix. I have tried most of the high end phono stages on the market, at home, on extended dem.(including most of the Tom Evans` models)

IMHO, none of them will outperform the prefix.

Laurie S