Connecting StageLine Gen 1 to NAC 102 / Hi-Cap / NAP 180 system

Hi-Fi Corner
1

"Hi everyone, I have recently purchased a pre-owned Naim StageLine (Gen 1) phono stage. My current main system consists of a NAC 102 preamplifier, a Hi-Cap power supply, and a NAP 180 power amplifier.

Currently, the NAC 102’s Output 5-pin is already connected to the Hi-Cap, and the Output 4-pin goes directly into the NAP 180. Since the NAC 102 does not feature a powered AUX2 input like the newer preamps, I realized there is no vacant powered socket to host the StageLine without downgrading my preamp’s power arrangement.

Could anyone advise on the best way to integrate the StageLine into this setup? Should | look for a dedicated i-Supply, a FlatCap, or even a second Hi-Cap to power the StageLine independently? Any advice on the necessary cabling (such as a 4-pin to

5-pin interconnect) would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!"

2

Not the i-Supply because it was intended for the second gen Stageline and you have the first.

So, Flatcap (any variant) or Hicap. The Snaic 5 that comes with the FC or HC would power your Stageline. The signal from the cap would be returned to your NAC102 with a Naim 4-5 interconnect, as you suggest.

The original Flatcap from the mid 90s, which was olive (but slimline) would keep the cosmetic look all of a piece, if this is important to you.

1 Like
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Get internal boards for the Nac 102,they are better than a Stageline.

4

Thanks Christopher! Just to clarify, my current Hicap is already being used to power my NAC102. In this case, do I need to buy another separate Hicap (or a Flatcap) dedicated just for the Stageline? Or is there any other way to power it without adding another power supply box? Thanks!"

5

Yes, another power supply needed.

Maybe easier or more affordable if you can source 5xx phono cards to install inside the preamp, no idea if this is an option you like or are aware of,? basically those cards are similar to those inside a Stageline.

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The 180 should be connected to the Hicap socket 3, not to the 180. If you can get the internal boards for the 102, do that.

1 Like
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Thanks for the suggestion! Since I already bought the Stageline N for my MM cartridge, I think I will stick with it for now. I’ll probably look for a pre-loved Olive Flatcap or Hicap to power it up so it matches the aesthetic of my Olive setup. Much appreciated.

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Thanks HungryHalibut! You caught me! I just realized I had wired it wrongly before. I have now unplugged the 4-pin cable from the NAC 102 preamp and moved it to the Hicap (Socket 1), running straight to the NAP 180

NAC 102 + HiCap + NAPSC + NAP 180 Connection Question
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Hi, I replied having made the assumption that your existing HC would continue powering the NAC102. Yes, you will need another power supply for your new first gen Stageline.

(The only case where you would not, would be if you only have one source and it’s a turntable. But you would have said! In this case, you could power the NAC102 from your NAP180 and then power your Stageline with the HC, again returning the signal with a Naim 4-5 interconnect.)

Hope it works out.

C.

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That’s an option but I doubt you’d notice any difference.

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I think it is easy to hear the difference,with the internal boards music sounds much tighter,dynamic and alive.

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I preferred a Stageline/Hicap(olive) to the 523 cards mounted in the 82.

So that combo has stayed.

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I prefer internal boards and double Hicaps on Nac 82 over
one Hicap on Stageline and one on the Nac 82.

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SC on the 82 & HC on the Stageline is my config.

Regarding the 82, I’ve posted in the past that the most VFM is 2*HC; the SC does bring improvements but not as great as adding the second HC.

Hey ho. All good fun. Now if only I could sort my my Meridian 5.1 system then I could “die with a smile on my face” :zany_face: