Connection between Stageline N and NAC172-XS

Did you buy it new from a dealer?

Was it the same dealer who supplied the 172 (and did they recall that you have the 172 when you discussed buying the Stageline)?

If you bought it from a different dealer, did you tell them which preamp you had?

If the relevant answers are all 'yes' then the good news is that it isn't your problem as the dealer has got it wrong. You can probably get it swapped for a third party phono-stage for equal or lesser (with credit) value. 

If, on the other hand, you're stuck with it because you bought it privately and/or without covering the compatability aspect with the vendor then you'll need an external power supply and a 4 pin DIN to 5pin DIN grey interconnect. 

That power supply could be a Flatcap or HiCap of any age. If you're really lucky though you might be able to find a Naim i-supply on the 2nd hand market. This would be ideal for you as it's the least expensive possible solution, but they've been out of production for a while, so best of luck. 

Mike

You are, indeed, screwed! You either need an external power supply for the Stageline, or a different phono stage. 

The good news is that if you do go for a Flatcap or even a Hicap, the performance of the Stageline is much improved over powering off an AUX2 socket on one of the lower end pre-amps.

Drats: It's my own fault - I was excited about getting a Naim only system and didn't do my homework. 

I am foggy on how to add a Flatcap - I have checked out the connection guide from them

https://www.naimaudio.com/site...cation%20Rev%20J.pdf

and while there is a set up for 152XS for a Flatcap XS and Stageline (Page 20 in the page numbers, page 23 in the PDF), there is no equivalent for 172, so wondering how it would be different. 

It's basically the same, except you don't need the green wire ( which is actually a 5 pin to 5 pin snaic) between the flatcap and the 172. This is because the 172 is self powered. 

Ah, so there would be no benefit to the Flatcap except for the Stageline. Seems like a poor avenue to go down given the investment for rewards... :/ 

thanks for all the quick input!

That is indeed the case. If you have a really good turntable the flatcap powered Stageline is ideal. What are you using? 

You know that the 172 cannot be upgraded with a power supply, don't you?

I do now

My turntable is not good (Music Hall USB-1) and am planning on getting another one later, but the first round of upgrades was pre-amp / amp. But honestly, considering getting rid of the turntable all together. 

I have thought and it looks like I am going to try to sell / return the Stageline - any suggestions on 3d party phono stages that go well with Naim gear? I think it will be MM cartridge as I am not yet at the point of spending a ton on turntables. thanks for the advice!

...in which case, there's a lot going for inexpensive but surprisingly capable (and widely available) phono stages such as the Cambridge 650P and the Pro-ject Phonobox SE. Either can be picked up used fairly easily for around £50 and both perform way beyond expectation - i.e. they'll be great with a basic vinyl setup and yet will still be great as (and if) you upgrade your vinyl front and and cartridge.  Also consider basic stages from Rega, Creek, Graham Slee, Heed etc...

Davis posted:

I do now

My turntable is not good (Music Hall USB-1) and am planning on getting another one later, but the first round of upgrades was pre-amp / amp. But honestly, considering getting rid of the turntable all together. 

IIRC your turntable has a built in phono amp all you would need are rca cables or rca to din.

It is built by hanpin model  DJ-U45 i think.

Yep - that's how I have it now, just trying to get better sound out of it. 

Richard Dane posted:

...in which case, there's a lot going for inexpensive but surprisingly capable (and widely available) phono stages such as the Cambridge 650P and the Pro-ject Phonobox SE. Either can be picked up used fairly easily for around £50 and both perform way beyond expectation - i.e. they'll be great with a basic vinyl setup and yet will still be great as (and if) you upgrade your vinyl front and and cartridge.  Also consider basic stages from Rega, Creek, Graham Slee, Heed etc...

Awesome - thanks for the info and suggestions.

If your turntable works with a built in phono stage, I would just use that for now. Then when you're ready to upgrade, do the TT/arm/cartridge/phono stage all at the same time to make sure they work well together.