Phono Upgrade Experience Needed

Posted by: Mark Dunn on 27 March 2001

Hi all:

My current system is Armageddon/LP12/ARO/DV XV-1/102/NAPSC/HiCap/250/A5/Credos.

I'm considering an upgrade and as I'm a vinyl only user the logical step would be a Prefix/*Cap. However, the RF issues of the Prefix scare me a bit. Another option would be an 82 but I'd use such a small portion of it's facilities that I think a different route mught give me a better 'bang for my buck'.

I've asked around and the Audiomat Phono 1 Pre-pre-amp stage is winning a lot of followers for its strengths in both the flat and round worlds. Does anyone have experinece of this piece or can you recommend an alternative way to go?

Thanks in advance,
Mark Dunn`

Posted on: 27 March 2001 by Evan D. Jay

Hi Mark,

If you have RFI, I highly recommend Tom Evans' The Groove.

Regards,

Evan

Posted on: 28 March 2001 by Mark Dunn

Hi all:

Thank you for the input so far. I'd totally forgotten about Frank A's Groove love but as I'm in Dallas, TX (not the U.K., J-C) it might be tough to hear.

To those who recommend the 82, you're beginning to win me over, - but how will it be with 'only' one Hi-Cap? Another advantage of this direction (which only just occurred to me) is that all the separate non-Naim phono stages have RCA phono sockets for in/out, which would mean surgery if I wanted to get the best out of it in true Naim fashion (I hear Dave Dever sighing in the background).

One last thought, what about S'Capping the 102. I remember someone here had that for a while. What's the scoop?

Best Regards,
Mark Dunn

Posted on: 28 March 2001 by Paul B

I have used the 102/Supercap for just over a year. The Supercap elevates the performance of the 102 remarkably and is a stepping stone to a 52 (which I just purchased by the way). Since you already have an excellent front end, I would recommend a Supercap. However, if you don't plan on ever purchasing a 52, then the 82 would be a good choice instead. However, IMO the 82 is not the equal of the 52 even with a Supercap. But the 82/Super is very, very good nonetheless.

Paul

Posted on: 28 March 2001 by Frank Abela

Mark,

Tom Evans will make a version of the Groove that takes BNCs from the LP12, so you can get the full benefits (hah!). I'm guessing Evan isn't having RFI problems thanks to all that copper shielding employed in the Groove.

As to other considerations, the 82 is an ALMIGHTY better preamp than the 102 (better value for money in my view). However, you really must consider whether you think you may go for the 52 eventually. If so, I would strongly advise you to consider supercapping the 102 instead. It makes a big difference over the Hicap and leaves you with 'just' one step to the 52. The pain is offset by you offloading your hicap back to the dealer unless you really want to go Prefix, or have a CD3/5 which would benefit from the add-on.

FWIW, I believe you'd be better served by going for a top-flight phono stage, but if you're thinking about other formats in the near future, then a preamp change may be more appropriate.

Regards,
Frank.

Posted on: 29 March 2001 by Evan D. Jay

Mark,

Please contact me privately.

Evan

Posted on: 29 March 2001 by Edwin

Try to audition the 82. You will be astounded at how much better it is than the 102. I was.

Posted on: 30 March 2001 by Rico

quote:
To those who recommend the 82, you're beginning to win me over, - but how will it be with 'only' one Hi-Cap?

The 82's superiority should be easy to hear (on a power amp with integral PSU) with 0 HiCap. I can't make recommendations re supercap your 102, or go for a prefix... but can confirm that the 82 is certainly a step up.

Rico - all your base are belong to us.

Posted on: 30 March 2001 by Mark Dunn

Hi all:

Thank you for all your input. It's now time for some serious decisin making.

Any other thoughts always welcome.

Best Regards,
Mark

Posted on: 30 March 2001 by NigelP

Go with Frank's advice here if your looking to get to the top of Naim's tree. The 82 is very good but it's not in the same league as the 52! The 52 is the most transparent preamplifier that I have ever heard and you should go and listen for yourself. The trouble is I fell for this before I had sorted out my front-end on the CD player (yes I'm a vinyl junky) and it cost me loads to sort that out so beware!