New Phono Preamp or SUT?

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Hi

I’m looking for advice on upgrading the phono section of my Naim NSC 222.

My current analog setup is a modified Rega P6 with a Sumiko Amethyst cartridge. I’m very happy with the overall presentation, but I’d like to improve the phono stage and, at the same time, have the flexibility to experiment with MC cartridges in the future. The NSC 222 is connected to my NPX-300 and NAP 250. My speakers are Borresen X3.

I’m considering two possible approaches:

1. Add a dedicated external phono stage, preferably one that supports both MM and MC cartridges.

2. Keep using the MM phono stage in the NSC 222 and add a good step-up transformer (SUT) so I can use low-output MC cartridges.

I’m particularly interested in the second option because I like the idea of keeping the signal path relatively simple and using the Naim’s built-in phono stage, but I’m not sure how good the combination of the NSC 222 phono stage + SUT would be compared with a really good standalone phono stage.

I also tend to prefer the presentation of tube-based phono stages — smooth, fluid, natural and immersive, with good tonal richness without becoming overly warm or losing detail.

For those of you with experience with Naim systems, what would you recommend?

Are there particular tube phono stages or SUTs that you think would pair especially well with a Rega P6 / Sumiko Amethyst and the NSC 222?

I’d especially appreciate recommendations for specific models (e.g., Audio Research, Conrad-Johnson, Sutherland, EAR, Manley, Hashimoto, Lundahl, etc.) and your thoughts on the sonic differences between going with a SUT into the NSC 222 versus a dedicated MC/tube phono stage.

My main priorities are musicality, a fluid and enveloping presentation, good dynamics, and ultimately getting the best possible sound from my vinyl setup.

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@Milton I don’t have the 222, but I read that it can power the NVCTT, via the 8 pin DIN. Ultimately it will depend on your budget and how much improvement you want. The SUT approach is more simple and less costly, but would you then be limited by the built in phono stage of the 222? I am using a 332 to power the NVCTT via the 8 pin Din. I really like the NVCTT and find it very flexible. I would think it offers better SQ than an SUT. For me budget was not an issue but it may be for you.

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I’m soon to have a 222/250 system when we move into our new apartment. How do you like the X3’s? What’s your room like? I will not shop for speakers until we fully move in in a few months from now.

I will be considering the vinyl playback system to use . . . I tend to believe in ‘source first’ with vinyl but have not set a budget. I will likely be looking at MC cartridges and a phone stage. There are so many options.

I used the NVC TT with my Solstice for a while but was amazed at how much better the Super Line sounded when I substituted it in. I won’t have the Super Line for the apartment setup, and in theory could ship the NVC TT for a lot less than buying something new, but I am a bit jaded by not liking it that much with the Solstice. Others seem to like it a lot more than I did however.

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When I had a 222 I used a high-output MC cartridge with it, a Dynvector 10X5mk2. The 222’s phono stage worked really well with it. If the Dynavector is compatible with the Rega P6 arm, I would consider the 10X (or a high-output 20X if money stretches that far) to be a good match for your 222.

1 Like
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Sounds like a viable relatively economical option. The Rega will probably need arm spacers.

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Hi,
I have used SUTs with several MM phono inputs with very good results. Among the amplifiers were the SN3 and an Einstein The Tune, cartridges were the Sumiko Pearwood and Transfiguration Temper.
If the phono stage in your NSC 222 is in the same league as the one in the SN 3, try the SUT route. A good way to see what you can achieve is via a pair of plug in transformers. I have used these:

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The Ortofon T 5s are identical, Empire sold them too, but I don’t remember their name. All three are readily available on the used market. When I bought mine, the Sonys sold for around 10% less than the Ortofons.

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You should take a look at the graham slee elevator, an excellent head amp.

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@Milton - You have not stated a budget? I would not be afraid of spending a bit more for a phono stage if funds are available. I have good experience utilizing a tube stage with Naim in the past-it certainly will give you natural fluidity and tone that the Rega is somewhat lacking. So…good idea!

Tron makes the Convergence stage which is a steal at its’ MSRP. If you are in the UK that would be my first choice to seek out. Allnic Audio has a great “starter” Model in the 1205 ( may have been updated to a different model #). Both of these tube units provide clear, quiet operation that will give you what you are looking for. Not “tubey” in any way. They will give you a greater density in sound which should compliment the Rega’s fast delivery. Happy hunting :smiley:

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@Milton

Hi Milton

Interesting situation

Don’t bother with SUT’s , the 222 phono stage is an excellent one

My view if the RP6 tonearm would accept Dynavector cartridges there is the new high MC 20x2A H - evidently excellent

Key is to keep it simple

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I have a 26:1 SUT feeding a stageline N powered from my 552 and a supercapped superline. They can be surprisingly close but that depends a bit on arm as well as cartridge. I wouldn’t discount a good SUT as a viable option.

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The Borresen X3s are an excellent match with Naim. I previously owned ProAc DR20s, and the Borresens are more dynamic and faster, so they really complement Naim’s PRaT philosophy.

My listening room is 13 feet wide, 27 feet long, and 8 feet high. The walls are concrete. I have some light acoustic treatment on a few walls, the ceiling, and the front corners.

I would recommend positioning the speakers about 4 feet away from the front wall and at least 8 feet apart. In my case, my listening position is about 10 feet away.

I also recommend getting the Stack Audio Auva 70 feet rather than the AGD ones. They made a noticeable difference in my system.

The sound with the Naim New Classic 200 Series is great. You won’t regret it. Mine are the white finish, and they look absolutely stunning.

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Thanks for the recommendation. It’s definitely an option worth considering.

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Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check availability and pricing.

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Thank you Yeti.

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I haven’t set a budget yet, as I’d like to first determine which direction makes the most sense. Thank you very much for your recommendations.

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Wonderful things happen when speakers are properly positioned in the room.