32.5 vs 62
Posted by: Jrook on 22 May 2002
Hello I am using a stageline for phono amplification in my non-naim system. My stageline is a type "N" for MM.I'm using a dynavector 10x4MKII which outs a healthy 2.5mv The problem is that My integrated amp works more like a seperate power amp the volume can be turned up all the way and the SPL's are not really that loud. I was wondering if I could simply use a seperate naim preamp then run that to my integrated amp. I am looking at a 32.5 with 729 boards and a 62 preamp.
Can anyone tell me which of these is considered the better sounding and could I use it the way I have mentioned. I am really new to the naim game and could use a helpling hand.
Best,
JC
Can anyone tell me which of these is considered the better sounding and could I use it the way I have mentioned. I am really new to the naim game and could use a helpling hand.
Best,
JC
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by kan man
Hi JC
If I understand you correctly you want to take the output of the stageline into an input on a Naim pre and then take the output from this into the input of your existing integrated amp in order to get more gain. I'm sure this is possible and I'm sure you will get more gain but I don't think it will sound very good and I think you may fry something. Just out of interest, what is your existing kit?
Regards
Steve
If I understand you correctly you want to take the output of the stageline into an input on a Naim pre and then take the output from this into the input of your existing integrated amp in order to get more gain. I'm sure this is possible and I'm sure you will get more gain but I don't think it will sound very good and I think you may fry something. Just out of interest, what is your existing kit?
Regards
Steve
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Rico
as the chaps above say, you'll need something to power the Naim pre from - either a Poweramp (250, 135, 500 excepted), or a *cap or SNAPS PSU.
The 32.5 is better than a 62, esp with 72 boards.
If you scored a power amp to run the 32.5, you could just ditch your integrated altogether. I've never compared the stageline with a 72 and internal boards (for example) - but may be worth a try.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
The 32.5 is better than a 62, esp with 72 boards.
If you scored a power amp to run the 32.5, you could just ditch your integrated altogether. I've never compared the stageline with a 72 and internal boards (for example) - but may be worth a try.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Steve G
quote:
Originally posted by Jrook:
Can anyone tell me which of these is considered the better sounding and could I use it the way I have mentioned.
While I was deciding what phono stage to buy I used a 32.5/SNAPS2 for this purpose. I fed my non-Naim integrated from the tape out of the 32.5 and it actually worked quite well.
Regards
Steve
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Paul Ranson
I think the tape output from a 32 will be at near as dammit the same level as the Stageline output.
So the only benefit would be to take the output from the SNAPS/HiCAP and connect it to an input on the integrated. Two volume controls in series etc.
A NAP110 would be cheaper than a HiCAP and deal with both pre-amp power and replacing gain challenged integrated. Food for thought.
Paul
So the only benefit would be to take the output from the SNAPS/HiCAP and connect it to an input on the integrated. Two volume controls in series etc.
A NAP110 would be cheaper than a HiCAP and deal with both pre-amp power and replacing gain challenged integrated. Food for thought.
Paul
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Jrook
Forgot to mention that I have a hi-cap and a flatcap. I actually have 2 stagelines one type "N" one type "S". Will be adding a second turntable with low output moving coil hence the second stageline "S" type. Thanks for the advice not sure if I will be trying to run the 32.5 into my integrated may just switch to a naim power amp and be done with it. Though I really love the sound I'm getting with the Audiomat.
Cheers,
JC
Cheers,
JC
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Eric Barry
If that is your plan you should snap up the 72'd 32-5, or pony up an extra $100-$200 for an early 72. Why? Because they have TWO PHONO INPUTS. The 32-5, in addition, has a mono switch, which is a terrific feature--really cuts down on noise from mono lps.
As to the quality of sound emitted by a 62 vs. a 32-5, I read a ca. '89 interview with Julian wherein he opined that the two were nearly identical, or rather that sample to sample variation swamped the differences in design. IMHO they offer similar quality of music, but I found my 32-5 to have deeper and more bass, and a more sophisticated and spacious sound. The 62 I had (contemporaneous w/32-5) was tighter and maybe pacier and that's the one I sold. However, the 72 boards should easily tip the balance towards the 32-5.
--Eric
As to the quality of sound emitted by a 62 vs. a 32-5, I read a ca. '89 interview with Julian wherein he opined that the two were nearly identical, or rather that sample to sample variation swamped the differences in design. IMHO they offer similar quality of music, but I found my 32-5 to have deeper and more bass, and a more sophisticated and spacious sound. The 62 I had (contemporaneous w/32-5) was tighter and maybe pacier and that's the one I sold. However, the 72 boards should easily tip the balance towards the 32-5.
--Eric
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Dr. Exotica
quote:The prices that I've been tracking the past half year are as follows:
You could go for the 32.5 and a Hicap power supply. In the US a used 32.5/hicap goes for about $1100.00. On the other hand you could go for a 32.5 preamp and 110 power amp. That would run you about $900 US.
- 32-5 - $270
- 72 - $630
- 110 - $360
- Hi-Cap - $650
I have also seen two 72ed 32-5s (one of which I bought); they went for $400 and $500. In case you are interested in more details on the prices (e.g., observed price range), you can goto
SwankRadio Price Guide, following the necessary links, etc.
In any event, I agree with what others have contended - a 32-5 (72ed or not), is a swinging pre-amp. I have been tremendously happy with the three that I own (<sigh> ... yeah ... I need to sell a couple of them ...)
Erik
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Dr. Exotica
I am glad you find it useful Patrick - I've been tracking this stuff out of pure curiosity (as well as trying to determine what I should bid/pay for used gear on Ebay or Audiogon). One issue that I want to address some day on this forum based upon what I've observed is Naim gear arbitrage.
Your points regarding dealer warranty, etc. are quite true and significant. One of the flaws with the price list I maintain is that it does not take into consideration equipment condition or warranties (nor does it differentiate between old and new-style gear - r.e., Hi-Cap, 135, 140, 250, 72, etc.). This is of course very significant, particularly given the cost of servicing.
Erik
Your points regarding dealer warranty, etc. are quite true and significant. One of the flaws with the price list I maintain is that it does not take into consideration equipment condition or warranties (nor does it differentiate between old and new-style gear - r.e., Hi-Cap, 135, 140, 250, 72, etc.). This is of course very significant, particularly given the cost of servicing.
Erik
Posted on: 23 May 2002 by Justin
When I was running the dyna 10x4MkII, I ran it into Naim S boards to great effect. I never had a problem with overloading and tone anomolies.
There will be those on this forum who will say that the load presented by the S boards is far to low for the dyna (100 ohms vs 47000 ohms). I disagree.
In my system, the dyna sounded just wonderful through S boards (I used to run a BPS through K boards as well). Consistently, I prefered the dyna into my high gain boards to the low gain (MM) boards.
Try it. Run your dyna into your S stageline. You'll get gobs of gain. Just keep the volume control down until you have a feel for just how much gain you have. Naim gear is very robust, and so I don't think you'll have a problem.
Judd
There will be those on this forum who will say that the load presented by the S boards is far to low for the dyna (100 ohms vs 47000 ohms). I disagree.
In my system, the dyna sounded just wonderful through S boards (I used to run a BPS through K boards as well). Consistently, I prefered the dyna into my high gain boards to the low gain (MM) boards.
Try it. Run your dyna into your S stageline. You'll get gobs of gain. Just keep the volume control down until you have a feel for just how much gain you have. Naim gear is very robust, and so I don't think you'll have a problem.
Judd