Stageline MM to Supernait2 and HiCap DR

Posted by: JoexNaim on 20 November 2018

What would be the correct way to connect for best vinyl sound? Can you use the HiCap DR to run both Supernait 2 and Stageline like a Flatcap XS? I’m presuming not, so would I get best sound running Supernait 2 with the HiCap or the Stageline with it leaving the Supernait bare?

Posted on: 20 November 2018 by cat345

If you intend to play primarily vinyl, you should use the HiCap with the Stageline.

Posted on: 20 November 2018 by JoexNaim

Yes vinyl only, thankyou for that.

Posted on: 20 November 2018 by joerand

I did the SN2/HCDR/Stageline N trials. The HCDR is transformative on the SN2. Too forwardly hi-fi for my taste so I tried the HCDR powering the Stageline (with a Rega RP6 and Grace F9-E MM cart). Some added black ink, depth and polish to the vinyl sound, but short of anything transformative. To my ears certainly not worth the $2.5K USD cost of a HCDR.

The bare SN2 powers a Stageline quite capably. If you're looking for more from your vinyl side I'd suggest spending on a cart or phono stage upgrade. No need to go much beyond (if at all) the cost of a Stageline N to find one with more air, imaging, and soundstage width/depth.

Posted on: 21 November 2018 by JoexNaim

Sound advice Joerand, sometimes can’t see the wood for the trees when upgradeitis strikes!

Posted on: 21 November 2018 by varyat

If you are in then States?...Lounge Audio LCR phono pre is very affordable and provides a significant step up over the Stageline, imo. Used units come up for a few hundred as the stage has evolved over time and trade-ups are common.

ATB,

Mark