Hi
I have a SN3 with a Hicap DR on it.
Currently use its phonostage to connect my SL1200G TT and it sounds great. I also have an NDX2 a with a CHC555 on it which is a keeper.
I am keen to try and get more from my vinyl and was wondering how much difference a Phonostage / MC upgrade might make.
Anyone using a SN3 with external phonostage - wondering what your experience has been? I have read great things about the Gold Note PH10.
Cheers
I’m wondering why are you assuming MC will automatically be an upgrade.
I am not assuming that - interested to hear opinions?
Despite some recent claims, it’s quite a fact. Not in the 100- 1000 euros range, where you can find better MM than MC. but when you go up, generally MC are better
And the best cartridges available are MC.
I would say better at some things, but not everything.
Try a Lyra Atlas. Then, if you still prefer an MM, then maybe consult an audiologist 
Ha ha…I think a more fair comparison is with a Lyra Delos. 
Just the cost to rebuild a worn Atlas is probably 5 x the cost of most of the best new MM cartridges.
I generally prefer MC cartridges for my taste but there are some excellent MMs out there too.
The SN3 phono stage is quite good and although one could take advantage of an external phono stage for an MC, the Naim Stageline S is good too as are others like a Graham Slee device, it is also possible to have an MC cartridge by getting a high output version direct in the SN3 MM phono stage. It is also possible to add a step-up transformer before the SN3 to boost the signal from a low-output MC up to the MM input level. It’s like a phono stage but does not have an RIAA circuit, Rothwell among others offers this kind of device.
It’s all about your preferences and I would try and listen to as many alternatives as possible and trust your ears.
Fixed Coil vs. Moving Coil: Why make the jump to a different technology?
https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/fixed-coil-vs-moving-coil-why-make-jump-different-technology
Agree 100%, that’s probably why I like Grado so much, lower moving mass than what any moving coil cartridge could ever dream of attaining.
What cartridge do you have right now? There are some really good MMs for under $1000. The limitation on an MC will be the SL1200G arm.
I can appreciate the strengths of good MCs, I’ve auditioned very expensive ones in multiple occasions, but for the type of music that I listen to I still prefer the drive, bass heft and dynamic slam of a good MM. MCs tend to lack in that department, all of them to some extent, it is by design:
MC = Anemic Finesse
At least to my ears, but I’ll take you up on that checkup…BTW I don’t use either technology, Grado low-output woodies have no such compromises.
I have an Ortofon 2M Black and it sounds great but struggles a bit with the highs sometimes eg XTC vocals. I guess it might be affected by the vinyl/recording.
I find this a very interesting observation and discussion. I use a Rega Ania in my P8 now and wonder what a good MM might bringt to the table once I need to chage/ replace.
I mainly play rock/ guitar music, what kinds of music are you referring to?
Although there are plenty of Ortofon MM users here with Naim phono stages who love the result, many, including Naim, would say that Ortofon and Naim are not ideal partners.
You may find you get more of what you are after using one of the more natural partners for the phonostage in the SN3 before splashing out on a new MC cart and stage. One of the Audio Technica AT95s, or Dynavector high output MC, or Sumiko Moonstone (as a starting point) are all known to work exceptionally well with both Naim MM phono stages and the Technics deck.
I think you’ll be surprised what the SN3 phonostage can still do with a different MM cart… and maybe a better headshell on the SL1200.
You can try a Superline with a supercap
Been wondering the same thing for my Ania Pro. Especially with the release of the Nd7.
I have a Hana SH cartridge which is a high output moving coil. That means that my in built phono in my NSC 222 is fine. No need for a new phono. I also found a pleasing improvement in sound on the previous cartridge. Plenty of reviews on line.
What are the MC , expensive ones, that you have heard? Some, like Koetsu or Benz are a bit “anemic finesse “. For 1k, as Josquin said, you have the Lyra Delos. You have all the drive and bass you can dream of for that price. Good MM can have also that, but compared to the higher level of MC, they will lack the textures, colours , resolution and extension of the bass.
All sorts really - guitar, soul, old disco & pop. I also find the sound of CMAT’s records really struggle with the tone of her (amazing) vocals.