What are the benefits of the Stageline?

Stageline ? I have one running of nait 5 power supply. I've had it for three weeks now, it's a replacement for a Musical Fidelity XLPS. On the face of it these two items are broadly similiar, price and soundwise. I've found that the Stageline is more musically analytical, i.e. it's easier to follow musical logic (PR&T). The MF might have done round earth better, and probably does with the extra power supply. For an idea of what the Stageline is really capable of an external Flat Cap or Hi cap would be required. That's not in the budget yet. There's an interesting resume of the Stage Line of the infamously famous Michael Fremer of Stereophile in a recent Sfile (May or june, i can't remeber now).

P

Peter

I can't comment directly on the Stageline as I went straight to a Prefix for my LP12, but if it's as sensitive to power supplies as the Prefix, I'd highly recommend using one (instead of using the powered socket available on a Nait5 / 112 for example).

I'd agree with Paul's comments - I originally used the secondary o/p of my Flatcap2 for the Prefix, but the addition of a SNAPS (very cheap s/h), modified for dual rail use, has transformed it.

I didn't play a single CD at the weekend!

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes

I've been thinking of a Stageline, but I have one question.

Does it use plug-in boards so that it can be changed between MM and MC use? Even if it had to go back to Naim to get them changed?

It's just I'd hate to have to buy two of them to allow for when my fickle whims make me try a new cartridge

Chris L

Oh, and P.S. can it run off a unmodified SNAPS, or does it definitely need to be dual-railed?

Chris,

Definitely needs to be dual-railed, it a very simple job that you, if confident with soldering iron and screwdriver, or a dealer should be able to undertake.

Better still though, if you buy it at the right price, get it recapped and ask Naim to do it. I think they quote about £80 - 100 or so for the service and mod.

Buy one for £70-80 and it's still cheaper than many people sell flat-caps s/h for. It's a nice dinky box (1/2 depth of a Hicap) and easy to accomodate.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes

Andrew,

I don't need to buy a SNAPS, I need to buy a Hicap. The reason I was thinking of a Stageline is 'cause, once I get my Hicap, the SNAPS will be redundant. Adding a Stageline seems a relatively cheap way to get an upgrade, and still have a use for the SNAPS!

Cheers

Chris

Thanks for all your comments.

I run the Rega into my 72 at the moment and I've a Flatcap2 powering the 72 and CD3.5. I suppose I'd look for a 2nd-hand flatcap to power the stageline or, funds permitting, get a new hi-cap, chuck that into the 3.5 and use the FC2 on the 72 and stageline. Sound OK??

Personally I haven't noticed any impact on CD performance since putting the phono boards into the 72. But then again in the past 4 weeks I've listened 90% lp 10% cd!

Getting back to my original question what are the actual "musical" benefits of the stageline? Is it a lower noise floor, better soundstage...? Paul, you mention that with the Stageline music's more integrated, I feel that already v.s. my CD3.5, can I just expect more of that?

Thanks Jay

PS I'm surprised I didn't get a "get an LP12" or "get a better cartridge" comment!

Ooops sorry false alarm. I needed a 102 instead and I've gotta say it sounds pretty good.

Jay

Paul

Have we met?

Jay