Best Match Phone Stage to run with Naim Nova

Rega’s own phono stages would be the obvious first thought, but I recently got a Arcam rPhono between my Project / Ortofon Qunitet and Naim NAC-N 272 and while I didn’t do exhaustive testing I’m very happy.

I would trust Rega - go for the Aria if your budget allows.

Thank you Eloise, Yes, the plan as of now is to go with Rega's own phono stage. But was just thinking if there may better opinions for a better blend. What are some of your thoughts on the Rega phono stage ?

Yes Adam this the plan, to go with the Aria. Thanks ???? 

Freedomsounds posted:

Yes Adam this the plan, to go with the Aria. Thanks ???? 

Aria saw me progress from RP6/Exact II all the way to RP10/Aphelion. And it copes very well.

Are you aware the nova converts analogue to digital, then converts back to analogue. Is it really worth investing in a high quality phono stage.

No, Fatcat I was not aware of that , but I am now  & its good to know. Thanks 

fatcat posted:

Are you aware the nova converts analogue to digital, then converts back to analogue. Is it really worth investing in a high quality phono stage.

Rega seem to offer a cheaper solution in the recent generation Fono MC as alternative using Ania MC

No wasted electronics either, smaller box, a wallmart psu but very much more affordable

You actually pay for two phonostages buying the Aria

No idea of the final compromise though

Hi. I watched some review on the Aria which says the MM section is wonderful, but the MC - not much so. The guy rates the Avid Pulsus a lot in that regard. But, of course, do try to audition, as hearing for yourself is what counts.

Another vote here for the Rega Aria.  It's simply brilliant value for money with a Rega MC cartridge.

Hope this helps, FT

Freedomsounds posted:

No, Fatcat I was not aware of that , but I am now  & its good to know. Thanks 

Don't worry about the internal conversion of analogue signals - I use an LP12 with my Nova and it sounds very fine; certainly better than my all analogue Superuniti in the same set up.

As for a phono stage, I use a Naim Stageline which is a hangover from the days when Naim had a powered input in their pre amps. With the Nova you would need a separate power supply for a Stageline which makes it poorer value than the Rega alternatives.

I believe the ADC in the new Uniti’s convert the analogue input to 24 bit /48 kHz for the DAC to process from there on. I read that for the Atom anyway so presume to be the same across the range.

Wow, Thanks to all for your imput, this is a great help. 

Rothwell Rialto - great value and excellent performance.