Naim Prefix

Posted by: Laurie Saunders on 07 November 2001

I recently installed a (K) Prefix (Michell Orbe/ SMEV/Lyra Helikon/52/SCap/135s)- initially powered from my `52. The improvement was huge(even cold)in every area of peformance. I then added a seperate power supply to the Prefix- another equally large improvement-more of everything( lower background noise, lower surface noise,dynamics, speed, seperation, clarity, tansparancy, musicality,grip, control, treble purity, bass power and clarity etc etc.) Anyone using an MC catridge with a Naim Preamp really should make the Prefix their next upgrade.For the size of the improvement it really must be considered a bargain. With a Hi-Capped Prefix I doubt if there is a CD player in existence that comes anywhere close.
Posted on: 07 November 2001 by Hermann
... and think about what a Scap driven Prefix can do smile

Hermann

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by JosephR
Great post, nobody could answer my Prefix query previously, and now your post just answered it !
I'm off to get my Prefix. I also use the Orbe/SME IV, did you have someone terminate the Prefix with the Din plugs for the SME V ? How do you connect it to the 52 (while I still look for a power supply), also through DINs ?

TIA

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by Simon Matthews
I am really happy with the benefits gained from my prefix/hicap.

Does anybody use a supercap to individually power their prefix? I know this is pretty outrageous but is the difference obvious? If so then I assume this is a worthwhile upgrade in no compromise vinyl based system.

If anybody uses a supercap/prefix I would be very interested in a description of the performance benefits and how 'night and day' they are.

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by John C
If you search on supercap, prefix and Ron Toolsie you'll find an excellent description.

John

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by Erik
I had a Prefix/Hi-cap on my LP12 and once tried a super-cap and the difference was HUGE. Much bigger than going from the 52-powering to hi-cap.

/Erik

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by Bosh
Joseph - your dealer should connect the arm to the prefix which then connect to the powered input (usually covered with a plastic cap ) on the 52

Be warned though, doing this will compromise the 52 on all inputs not just Turntable and a Hicap is to be considered essential. (I appreciate the view on Supercapped prefix but £2300 is hefty wedge)

DMB

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by Laurie Saunders
To Joseph R: speak to Naim; they can do the conversion; it is quite cheap; get a new armlead(at least 9 inches) and supply naim with a new sme armplug. Installing is a bit fiddly- I have my prefix sitting on the shelf - it has a small slab of MDF bolted to it as a base. Good luck-you won`t regret it
Posted on: 07 November 2001 by ken c
With a Hi-Capped Prefix I doubt if there is a CD player in existence that comes anywhere close.

i agree...

enjoy

ken

Posted on: 07 November 2001 by Ulrich Hohn
Simon, I have in Edition Gale from Jose Serebrier the symphony for percussion. This symphony ended furious. All five drummers give the maximum what they can do. Without the Supercap my head's pounding. It is impossible to hear what each of the drummers do. No unit but a Supercap for the Prefix can help - even sixpack DBL's with Supercap/Xnaxo are'nt able to let you hear what all five drummers do. I have made a test with this disc at a dealers demo.

Ulrich

Posted on: 08 November 2001 by JosephR
Thanks, everyone ! Vinyl already sounds superb with the onboard "K" card, I am already drooling for the Prefix/Hicap or Supercap ...

BTW, Laurie, are you using the standard Helikon ? I found it to be a bit oppressive at loud volume, so I've ordered the low-output SL version ... looks like it's gonna be a long wait, though, as it's a limited edition and I guess they still have to make more stocks ...

Posted on: 08 November 2001 by Laurie Saunders
Joseph R: Yes I am using the standard Helikon. The volume control is about the same position as for my CD player for the same volume. It is not oppressive-just very controlled and dynamic. By the way, if you are ordering a new prefix, you can specify the longer armlead and sme plug at the time of ordering. Naim will supply it that way. I purchased my prefix second hand, & sent it to Naim with the new armplug-they replaced the original short armlead and fixed the new plug.Once yo have it, it is less hassle to install it yourself than going to a dealer. The only fiddly part is inserting the new armplug into the base of the arm. This means slackening off the three armboard bolts to give you enough room to actually remomove and replace the plug. The whole installation took me about 15 minutes!
Let me know what the outcome of your "adventure" is; best of luck -Laurie S.
Posted on: 13 December 2001 by JosephR
quote:
Originally posted by Laurie Saunders:
By the way, if you are ordering a new prefix, you can specify the longer armlead and sme plug at the time of ordering. Naim will supply it that way. I purchased my prefix second hand, & sent it to Naim with the new armplug-they replaced the original short armlead and fixed the new plug.Once yo have it, it is less hassle to install it yourself than going to a dealer. The only fiddly part is inserting the new armplug into the base of the arm. This means slackening off the three armboard bolts to give you enough room to actually remomove and replace the plug. The whole installation took me about 15 minutes!
Let me know what the outcome of your "adventure" is; best of luck -Laurie S.

Laurie, I finally got and installed it yesterday, after some fiddling alright with the Michell's armboard, and readjusting VTA, etc. First impression - Super ! Definitely a no-brainer upgrade. This is the best phono stage I've ever tried on the Naim, and it's only Hi-Capped, now looking for a Supercap. All the superpatives regarding the Prefix are spot on ... I don't think any phono stage will be better for Naim, the Prefix just brings out the great Naim sound even more. Other phono stages bring out their own character ... And the Hicap, cables, Prefix aren't even warmed up yet the Naim way - at least a week !

Thanks to Paul Desmond, I had it pre-terminated with the SME DIN, excellent work. Didn't have the need to get a longer lead (may cause hum) ...
I was pleasantly surprised and pleased that it didn't look like the picture in Naim's website (see below), it actually is encased in a slim black box, pretty enough not to be hidden from view.

One query, the supplied cable from the Hicap to the 52 is colored gray. I was just wondering whether it really is gray or there is a better black version (4-pin to 5-pin). I tried to use a black Snaic, until I realized the Snaic had 5-pin to 5-pin, so I ust used the supplied gray cable ...

TIA ...

Posted on: 13 December 2001 by airness
quote:
Originally posted by JosephR:

Laurie, I finally got and installed it yesterday, after some fiddling alright with the Michell's armboard, and readjusting VTA, etc. First impression - Super ! Definitely a no-brainer upgrade. This is the best phono stage I've ever tried on the Naim, and it's only Hi-Capped, now looking for a Supercap.

TIA ...

Hi Joseph,

You know who to contact if you want to get rid of your Hi-Cap. smile

Thanks.