Vinyl first

Posted by: trickytree on 16 March 2003

Ive just bought a s/h LP12/Ittok/K18 to go with my 62/90. Speakers are Kef coda 2,s. As ive got K boards fitted to my pre amp im using a QED phono stage into a line input for the time being. (I have an old sansui deck that im keeping for trying s/h records, 12" singles etc, hence the cheapo phono stage.)
The system is to be used solely for vinyl so where do i go next.
1. Buy some MM boards for my 62
2. Save for a MC cartridge
3. Save up even more and have a prefix fitted to the deck and a MC cartridge
Can the K boards be used with any MC or were they meant for the Troika?
Im confused, poor and suffering from severe upgradeitus, please help me squander my pittifull savings.

Yours, trickytree

Posted on: 16 March 2003 by Jay Coleman

If your budget is pretty big, save for and buy an MC cartridge. The K boards were originally designed for Linn cartridges but may work with others, ask Naim directly.

OTOH, if your budget is not so big, some of the Rega MM cartridges (Exact, Elys?) are quite excellent and might be just the ticket with MM boards. Try to find a sympathetic dealer and have a listen.

Jay Coleman

Posted on: 17 March 2003 by greeny

The K boards are the optimum for a wide range of cartridges (originally designed for the lin Karma I believe, hence K). I use a Lyra Lydian on an Ittock using K boards and it sounds superb. I also had a K18 and the Lydian is a significant upgrade, it depends on your budget though.

Posted on: 17 March 2003 by trickytree

Thanks for the advice, a (good) MC would be my preffered option. Budget isnt a factor other than the time taken to save up, and putting up with the phono stage in the meantime.

Posted on: 18 March 2003 by bjorne

Trickytree.

Maybe a powersupply for your tt would be better than an expensive mc. I use a K18 myself but will try a Clearuudio mm cart this weekend. I have heard some good stuff about them. I will report later about it. It will be used on a Lp12/armageddon/Aro.

Posted on: 20 March 2003 by willem

bjorne,

I'm very interested to hear what you think of the Clearaudio. Tried one about two years ago, didn't like it at all, prefered K9 by far.

My TT is about the same as yours.

willem

Posted on: 21 March 2003 by trickytree

bjorne

interesting point concerning a power supply instead of cartridge upgrade. Fits in with the linn/naim system hierarchy, illgive it a try as theres lots of life left in the K18.