What order: stageline, flatcap or cartridge?

Posted by: JP Moree on 11 November 2003

Hi,

I hope to get some advise on the best upgrade path. My current setup:
- Project Perspective Turntable
- Denon DL160 MC cartridge
- Rotel phone stage
- Nac 112
- NAP 150
- Monitor Audio PMC703

I have about 600 Euros to spend and went to my dealer for an other cartridge (Grado, Ortofon< etc.) I like the sound of the DL160, but it is lacking some detail and "liveliness". Instead of upgrading the cartridge he recommended to try the Stageline first. Allthough some increase in overall balance, I am still not happy with the liveliness of the sound and the improvement is minor to my ears. In the coming 12 months I want to add a Flatcap as well. Can somebody give me motivated advise on the recommended upgrade path. Eventually I like to replace my Monitor Audios with e.g. Allaes.

Thanks in advance!
JP
Posted on: 11 November 2003 by Charlezz
A s/h Hicap without hesitation........... Smile
And Stageline.
Posted on: 12 November 2003 by Naimed-In-NY
Unless a person is familiar with the Rotel phono stage and your cartridge, this is a tough call. How old is your cartridge? If you are going to need a new cartridge soon, you may want to go "source first" and get a better cartridge. (If the cartridge is relatively new and you already are dissatisfied, you may want to replace it anyway.) After the cartridge, I guess I'd go for the Stageline next. Again, I'm not familiar with your phono stage, but I am very happy with my Stageline. I think the Stageline represents excellent VFM, and would allow you to realize the synergy of combining a Naim phono preamp with Naim amplification. Given its relatively low cost, you should be able to get a Stageline and decent cartridge for your budget. Once you have the turntable set up maximized, I'd start saving for a power supply. If you are interested in buying second hand, a used Hi-Cap would be better than a new Flatcap2 at approx. the same price. If you want to buy new and can't swing a Hi-Cap2, at least you'll then be in a position to use the Flatcap2 to power the preamp and the Stageline. For the same source-first type of reasons, you probably should add the power supply before putting money into new speakers.

Of course, it's your ears you have to please. Best of luck with the demo'ing.

MBM