SuperLine + Rega RP10 + what cartridge?

To be fair, the Apheta2 is a remarkable cartridge. It's a tremendous improvement over the original which could be magical one moment and non-committal the next. Really weird. The 2 fixes that and comes across with a well balanced fresh sound that will leave many more expensive cartridges floundering in many respects. It remains unforgiving so ancillary equipment has to be sympathetic. For example, it's not a particularly good match with the P75, but a very good one with the Aria. I tried a Superline but only had a little time for this and found there to be good potential. Some playing around with loading would provide dividends methinks.

On the subject of powering the Superline, I find that powering it directly off my 282/Hicap is a step change from the likes of the P75/Aria. Perhaps the powered input is better thought out in the Classic range, or my expectations are lower. I would be unhappy going back to one of the lower phono stages, good as they are. Admittedly, the Supercap alternative keeps eating away at me...

Frank.

I always liked the powered input for the superline over a directly connected hicap, this with a 282/hicap or SCdr. I didn't get the burndy to connect the supercap to the superline until after I'd Replaced the 282 and at first tried using the freed up SC connected to the superline by Snaic but still prefered the powered input, until I got the correct burndy, then there was no contest.

Paulie posted:

Thanks all. Not a lot of live for the Alpheta 2, it would seem. Perhaps Dynavector in the way forward. 

I have an Apheta 2 and like it very much.  In comparison to the original Apheta it's a much better cartridge.  I'm using a Stageline powered by my SN2 which works surprisingly well.  My dealer loaned me an Aria for a week a while back and whilst there were some differences, especially in sound stage, I didn't feel that it offered much of an upgrade on my Stageline 

I've got the Apheta 2 on mine... no complaints and I've never even had a teeny tiny bit of upgraditis.

HEY DAYJAY --

Thanks. That sounds like a similar configuration to what I'm leaning towards. What load plug did you end up using (if any)?

Thanks....

Paulie posted:

HEY DAYJAY --

Thanks. That sounds like a similar configuration to what I'm leaning towards. What load plug did you end up using (if any)?

 

Thanks....

Hi Paulie, no load plug it was simply plug and play and all appears to work very well together.  I wanted to try the Aria just to see if there would be an improvement from using the same companies stage but there certainly wasn't enough to make it an upgrade.  The Stageline, in my view, is bloody good for what it costs.

The Stageline comes preconfigured for load, hence you buy a Stageline S for most MCs or a Stageline K for MCs with Linn-like load needs or an E for those with higher output (but still very much MC output) or N for MM cartridges. You cannot reconfigure the Stageline afterwards as far as I know.

If memory serves I tried both my own 453 and the standard 500 plug, and I think the 453 was better. Most likely, the best would be a 400 plug since that is the same as the setting on the IOS Ref for that cartridge.

Frank.

Yes. I understand RE: the Stageline. I'm definitely opting for the Superline and didn't know whether or not there was a suggestion for the load plug with the Apheta 2. I'm a newbie as far as this high end a phonostage and cartridge - thus, my curiosity about the effect of the load plugs. The stage I have now (Lehmann black cube II) is a plug and play. No load adjustments. 

Do a search for "Superline Loading Thread".....set aside plenty of time to read it  . The Superline is a very flexible pre with standard plugs provided  and  specific load plugs have come available for specific cartridges over the years.

ATB,

Mark

Looking for a new phono set up is an ordeal but the effort is worth it.  My experience is presented below.

The Superline is world class and a relative bargain.  It will likely be your last phono stage.  The real question is the optimal match for the Rega arm if you are committed to it.   I recommend you consult your favorite cartridge manufacturer directly to see what matches best.  Don't just take the dealer's word.  When I bought the Kleos SL, I contacted Lyra for their recommendation given my Moerch DP6 red dot arm and my years with the Helikon.   They knew immediately what to avoid and we gravitated to the Kleos.  There are only a few Lyra dealers in the US, maybe ten or twelve, and some do no business and can never get your order filled.  There is only one or two Lyra dealers who also carry Naim.   You should identify the cartridge family you like, and see if you can find a low gain option with mass that will work well with the Rega.   You might try Benz, or Dynavector, or you could contact Lyra and they would make a candid recommendation.   Tell them I sent you.  You can easily reach the CEO or the designer and you can contact me for their coordinates.

The Superline makes the Kleos SL optimal in my case because of its 64DB of gain which is what the Kleos SL requires.  The variable load and capacitance plugs make it easy to optimize with whatever cartridge you select, provided that cartridge works with the arm mass and does not have too much gain for the Superline.  I recall the Rega arm as rather heavy, which is a feature with certain higher end Lyras and a defect with others.   The red dot Moerch is on the lighter end of the spectrum, and I did not want to spend the money for an additional arm wand upgrade, so Lyra recommended the cheaper Kleos, given my constraints.  The high end Lyra cartridges require more arm mass to sound their best, evidently.    You can call your favorite cartridge house and they will likely know with conviction what you should do.  This level of obsession is required to optimize your phono setup.   The financial commitment can snowball in a hurry if you are not selective.

The Superline outclasses any phono stage I have had by a long way, and it is readily available as a demo for under $2500.  The Supernait II can handle it.    The self powered option from a Naim preamp is part of the Superline's appeal.   Keep it until you can upgrade to the HiCap, or better yet, the Supercap DR.   Together, they represent the best phono section available according to Hi Fi Critic, and I have to agree.    You could change out everything else in your system and the Superline can remain the anchor of the phono section for many years.   Congratulations on the Superline.  You and I have the best, and the upside from a bare Superline is available at incremental expense and substantial.   That should be a good feeling.  

Have fun and good luck with the path forward.

Paulie posted:

I'm definitely opting for the Superline.....

But why ignore the obvious, demonstrable synergy between an Apheta 2 and Rega phonostage, such as Aria, or better, IOS?

C.

Christopher_M posted:

Paulie posted:

I'm definitely opting for the Superline.....

But why ignore the obvious, demonstrable synergy between an Apheta 2 and Rega phonostage, such as Aria, or better, IOS?

C.

Exactly! Why agonise over alternatives, if REGA do make perfectly capable phonostages that match Rega cartridges. 

Especially as the amp being used is SuperNait2.

Thank you Adam. My operative word was 'demonstrable'. And I wonder if that's where the problem lies.....

Chris

Christopher_M posted:

Thank you Adam. My operative word was 'demonstrable'. And I wonder if that's where the problem lies.....

Chris

Quite likely 

Both Apheta 2 and Aphelion are high output MC cartridges. Rega Aria and Rega iOS are designed to match them perfectly, via adjustable gain settings. Not many phono stages do that.

Typically manufacturers focus on load and capacitance settings. Rega adds gain, with Aria having pre-sets for their cartridges.

Also there is a visual synergy between Rega's components: Aria and RP10's power supply are housed in identical cases.

Personally I found the Aria to be pig ugly next to my Naim boxes and with an Apheta 2 the Stageline was just as good and better in some areas (soundstage was wider with the Aria though).  It is pretty much the only piece of kit I have loaned from my dealer, apart from speakers, that I have taken back and he did warn me in advance that whilst it was different it wasn't necessarily any better in his view.  Simple solution is to find a friendly dealer and try them both/all

Wow, just shows how beauty really is in the eye of the beholder! An RP10 and Aria are on my upgrade shopping list - love the sound, and think cosmetically the Rega ps and Aria look really attractive. Different to the classic black boxes yes, but 'pig ugly' - not to my eyes!

The RP10 with Apheta 2 is a wonderful turntable. I think it must be one of the best value tts on the market.  I use mine with a twin psu NVA phono 2 and am more than happy with the results. Did so much foot tapping the other day that I nearly wore out my socks. Overlook this at your peril ! ��

I had problems with my original Apheta 2 and so it went back to Rega for a replacement.  In the interim, I installed an Audio Technica OC9/II - not the current version III - and it sounds terrific on the RP10 and cost around CAD$400 from an online retailer.  I understand the manufacturing process has been improved for the Apheta 2 to improve reliability and, although I have received a replacement Apheta 2, I'm continuing to enjoy the AT OC9 for now.  It seems a very cost effective and enjoyable option...

Paulie, What happened next? Chris

After much thought - and help from the community on this form - going with the Apheta 2 through a SuperLine..... Next up, load plugs! lol 

I absolutely love my RP10/Apheta 2. The only tt I would like to hear side by side is a Phonosophie P3/Armageddon/Aro/xx2 but I can't see that happening. A RP10 with the IOS is something special. Although I do not use the IOS I'm more that happy with the music coming from my speakers. The RP10 digs out a lot of detail from the groove and will allow you to use a vast range of phono stages. I think that the (obvious) secret is finding one that works for your ears. 

Paulie posted:

After much thought - and help from the community on this form - going with the Apheta 2 through a SuperLine..... Next up, load plugs! lol 

Good choice! You will not be disapointed.

Enjoy the music.

Adam

Frank Abela posted:

If memory serves I tried both my own 453 and the standard 500 plug, and I think the 453 was better. Most likely, the best would be a 400 plug since that is the same as the setting on the IOS Ref for that cartridge.

Frank.

Hi All:

I have an RP10/Apheta 2 on the way, upgrading from a P9/Apheta 1. Its going into SL/SC - 282/SC -250-2 -S400. Anyone care to share any loading experiences for the Apheta 2? I currently use a 576R Z-Plug which has been great, but I'd be happy hear of other options if there is a better one.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

I'm using the P9 with an Apheta 2 and I love it.  Z plug 576R.

Would love to hear the Aphelion but my next step will be to SCDR my SL.