Need some advice to get a short list together for audtioning a phono stage.
Current system NAIT 5, Dynaudio Audience 50.
TT is an ageing Systemdek IIX with LINN Basik plus and an Nagaoka MP11 Boron MM Cart.
This I am currently listening to via a phono stage on my Yamaha AV amp.
It is now time to upgrade and get a decent phono stage for the NAIT 5.
Only issue that I see with the NAIM units is that I have to make the decision whether to go MM or MC now, or pay again for the upgrade later.
Does anyone have any other suggestions on what I should be listening to? Budget should be in balance with the rest of the system, i.e. <£500
I've heard good reports on the Lehmann Black Cube and also the Linsley Hood kit from William Hart.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Rob Doorack
The obvious choice is the Stageline, it has a wonderful synergy with the Nait 5. Unless the Black Cube has changed a lot since I last heard one it's not a sympathetic partner for Naim gear. The BC is more appropriate for a round earth, "soundstaging = music" system. In lower priced cartridges the high output MC Dynavector 10X4 is pretty hard to beat. It's significantly better than the BPS in every way. The Nait 5 / Stageline / 10X4 system combination is a killer - it's what I'm listening to now.
Should you choose to go to a low output MC in the future you could buy a transformer such as the inexpensive "Hi Fi News" Black Head to mate your MM Stageline to the cartrdige.
Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Peter Stockwell
I have to agree with Rob, I have Nait5 + Stageline. I swapped a MF-XLPS for it, and don't regret it one bit. The Stageline has a tighter hand on the rhythmic pulse than the XLPS, and the cabling is neater. It might be a touch less rich in it's harmonic presentation, but nothing to worry about.
Peter
Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Tony L
Wahey, someone else remembers Stilton Audio! At the time I used a Stilton'd MP11 Boron in a Xerxes / RB300 / Onix OA21 / Kan II system until I later bought a 62 / 140 and went for my first MC, a Stilton modified Audio Technica ATF5. They were good modifications.
Tony.
Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes
I had a modded Nagaoka as well, in a Rega Planar 3.
It was a fantastic cartridge for the money, v. musical.
Andy.
Posted on: 13 August 2001 by SB
Thanks for all you advice, looks like the Stageline is the way to go. Cheers..
