A friend has agreed to sell me a black ash LP12 with an Aro and Armageddon. The only hitch is he does not have a cart or phono stage for it.
I would like to get a Prefix (no preference for N, S or K) to complete a classic vintage combination with an olive system. However, my understanding is the Prefix needs a specific part to connect to an Aro, but most (all?) Prefixes for sale come fitted with a connector that only matches with Linn tonearms.
Does this sound correct? Is there a way to acquire the right connector so I can just buy a Prefix and get on with it? Or am I stuck waiting until a Prefix with an Aro connector comes up for sale?
There is a plug on the prefix which fits into my Thorens tonearm. Bought an aro and checked with my dealer. As far as I know the plug on the prefix must be removed an the cable fitted directly to the aro.
The Prefix came with two alternative connectors; one for the Linn fitting and one for the Prefix. As you know, the arm leads from the Aro plug into a little connector on the arm board. The Prefix then connects to the underside of the little connector.
When I had a Prefix I used it with an Ekos. When I changed to an Aro I took the Prefix to the Naim factory and they swapped the connectors while I waited. I can’t imagine that nowadays! I would have a word with Darran at Class A. Failing that Naim may be able to supply the little connector and a competent dealer then solder it on. It’s all very small and fiddly and you’d need the right equipment.
If these options are not available then it’s a case f waiting for one with an Aro connector on the end. You say you don’t mind if it’s S, K or N; presumably you know they are for MC, Linn MC or MM cartridges respectively.
The connector looks like the one shown in this picture. It is secured to the armboard by 4 little screws. AFAIK, it was unique to the ARO so finding a replacement is not easy nowadays. I think Peter at Cymbiosis bought up a lot of the spare parts from naim so you could try him. Otherwise, I assume the Aro you have came with an armlead, so you could remove the connector from the armlead and fix it to the Prefix. However, your best bet is probably to just wait for a Prefix with an Aro connector to pop up for sale
Thanks everyone. I had in fact checked with Peter at Cymbiosis. His prompt and professional reply was consistent with the replies here. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing a trick.
I guess I need to accept the reality that unless I get very lucky, I should focus on acquiring a different phono stage.
I have a Stageline N that I power from the 52. If I stick with that I would pair it with an Audio Technica MM cart I believe Peter recommends.
Bearing in mind the system is 52/supercap/250 into SL2s (and sometimes swapping out for IBLs) and I have just acquired a SNAXO/hicap/250 to go active, are there cart/stage combos that would be a better match for this system?
As you have a 52, if you can’t get a Prefix why not just use the internal boards? They are at least as good as a Stageline. Or get the Aro plug swapped from the arm lead to a Prefix as Richard suggested.
Your system can easily show the benefit of a MC cartridge. I would suggest a stand alone phono stage that plays well with the cartridge you choose.
If you want to a low cost option to get your feet wet in the MC world then consider a SUT into your Stageline N. If you like what that does then you can splash out for a better, stand alone phono stage.
That’s what I meant. This plug (rare and sad when lost) needs to be mounted to the prefix. Think it is the one pushed through the hole in the armboard from underneath? Is it?
It turns out there are two Superlines for sale from a U.S. dealer but neither has the burndy blanking plug. Does the Superline use the same blanking plug as a SNAXO?
