My system - Naim Uniti2, Stageline E, Michell Gyrodec SE with Linn Ittok LVII arm and Ortofon Kontrapunkt B MC cartridge, Proac DB3 speakers
My current setup sounds quiet when playing vinyl even with the turntable input adjustment on the Uniti2 set to +10. I’m wondering whether this is down to age or compatibility issues or maybe both. Specific questions:
Could reduced volume be caused by the cartridge getting old? I bought it second hand newish about 10 years ago and I maybe used it once or twice a week since then for max a couple of hours.
Could it be caused by compatibility between the Kontrapunkt (0.47mV, 5-200 ohms recommended load) and the Stageline (sensitivity 400uV, load 560 ohms)?
If I purchase a new cartridge with a higher output voltage, say a Sumiko Blue Point No3 MC (0.5mV, >100 ohms load impedance), should I expect a noticeable increase in volume?
Is there any way to modify the Stageline E to increase the gain? I realise this would require changing components but I know a few people who are handy with a soldering iron. And the unit is well out of warranty anyway.
I’m pretty sure I’ll get a new cartridge anyway as it’s old, so any recommendations that mean I’ll hear increased volume without modifying or changing my Stageline model would be appreciated. My budget is <£750.
The Stageline E is not really suitable here as it’s for Higher Output MC cartridges of around 1.0mV - this is why the volume level is very low. You want a Stageline S. IIRC Naim service can change the E to an S, (Maybe @NeilS can confirm or not here), although it may make more financial sense just to trade in or sell your E and buy an S instead. As for DIY, that’s not recommended and also a discussion that falls outside of forum AUP.
Thanks Richard. So my first mistake was to think that I should match the output voltage of the cartridge to the input sensitivity of the phono stage, correct? (I bought the Stageline after the cartridge thinking that was how to select which variant)
Thanks Christopher. Forgive the potentially stupid question, but why isn’t the 2.5mV output voltage of the 10x5 to high for the 400uV sensitivity of Stageline E? Am I misunderstanding what sensitivity means?
The Dynavector is theoretically a little high for the E but reportedly works well here. Even an S can work, so Peter Swain reckons, although a separate PSU is mandatory then. I guess you might only experience issues with a very high level cut at very high amplitudes, but the overload limit is very high and you’d probably be first exceeding the capability of the disc itself.
Full disclosure: Until a late night Rolling Stones and too much good wine incident, I ran a 10x5 on my Ittok into my Stageline N and was happy with it. I’m in a smallish room.
But a common complaint here over the years has been that the Stageline N does not have enough gain for the 10x5. So in replying to you, I took a leaf out of the late @IanRobertM 's book, a valued contributor here for many years. Ian ran a 10x5 on his Ittok into Naim’s E boards (for these purposes, equivalent to a Stageline E) in his Naim preamp, and was very pleased with the combination.
I’m a bit sketchy on specs, tending to value the subjective opinions of others more highly. Hence my 10x5 recommendation (that has worked for me) if you are looking at a new cartridge. Other HOMCs are out there too.
Electronica listener here, some rock, reggae, jazz and dub thrown in. I’m thoroughly enjoying my 10x5. No real comparisons, but it was an improvement on my Goldring 1042. I also used it to demo TTs, and it sounded good on all three, Gyrodec SE, 1200G and Origin Live Aurora. Worth a listen I’d say
I initially ran a DV 10x5 into a set of 322 (n) cards in my 72. Underwhelming to say the least. Then i sent a pair of 323 to Darran to be converted to e. Fantastic. Recommended.
I’ve heard some folks say the Dynavector 10X works well into the Stageline E but that doesn’t make much sense. The Dynavector 10x (and most “high output” MCs) are designed to work into a moving magnet phono stage (2-6mV, 47K). The Stageline E is a bit of an orphan - I’d get a LOMC phono stage (eg Stageline S/K) or a MM phono stage (eg Stageline N), rather than hunting around for a cartridge that will match up with the E.
I had a Hana EH on my Rega P25 with Stageline S and it sounded very good. I have upgraded to P8 with Hana MH and Cyrus Signature Phono but kept the Stageline. It is well worth keeping as a back-up.
I tried MM boards then the E boards,
With my 10x5
E was the way to go,
The MM boards I found I had to turn the volume up a lot more,
the E’s made it sound normal without cranking up the volume
Thanks for all the input folks, I’ve learned a lot.
What @sktn77a said about the E being ‘a bit of an orphan’ struck a chord with me. Feels like it’s limiting my choice of cartridge. So I’ve bought a second S and will see what difference it makes to the volume with my existing LO cartridge, and go from there. If all goes well, I’ll sell the E and hopefully come out evens!
If you are looking at the Hana high output carts, EH or SH, hold on to that E stageline. The E brings them alive. Of course the S stageline and a Hana El or SL preferably would be the ideal combination.
