Did anyone compare these phono’s even though they are in different price classes?
The difference in sound quality is even bigger than the price difference suggests
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If you only had £1,100 to spend on a phono amp, the Aria should be on your short list. It’s a great product.
However, if you had more budget, say £2,700, then the NVC TT is so much better.
The NVC TT needs a power supply, which you probably know. It can be powered from your 332, or from a separate external psu. You probably know this ?
FWIW, the SuperLine is better. But, in your case, with 300 series in the house, I would stick with NVC TT, it’s still an exceptional phono amp.
Good luck
R
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Thanks! Yeah I was aware of it that I needs an external PS or new classic pre amp.
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@Hifi_Naim_CNNL To me, it also depends on whether one wants to have an “all Naim” system. Also the quality of the sound was important to me . My dealer felt that the Naim phono stage would offer significantly better SQ than the Rega. It was also within my budget. I am currently using a Rega Exact MM cartridge so I am not taking full advantage of the NVC TT. When I need to replace my cartridge I will move to Rega MC for my P9. I don’t use the TT often, so it might be a while until I replace the cartridge.
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I have had both and NVCTT is better in an all Naim system with a Rega P10 TT source.
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Not sure whether this is correct. My dealer told me that the NVC TT can be powered from the 222 but needs the NPX TT if used with the 332? Maybe someone could verify?
I originally used the NVC TT ‘bare’ into my NAC 332. I added the NPX TT a short while later, when I was given an offer of a discounted price by a dealer.
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Ah so, presumably there was a step up in performance with the dedicated power supply to the NVCTT thus keeping in step with the expected hierarchy?
Definitely. The usual improvements that you might expect from the addition of an external PSU. Better focus and control, greater detail and separation; generally a greater sense of ease in the overall presentation. To use the cliché: more music, less hi-fi.
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The question isn’t which one is better but rather which cartridge do you plan to use? A phonostage is critical to getting the most out of a cartridge and careful matching is paramount. If you’re running a high quality, punishingly low output moving coil for example that is a different prospect altogether from a midrange moving magnet.
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Agreed. My cartridge was a Hana ML (low output MC).
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I compared an Aria to an NVC TT and an NPX TT. The difference is substantial, albeit at a significant cost. I bought the NVC/NPX TT combo and think it has been one of my better purchases, as it works so well with the NC kit. If you are prepared to spend a lot more than the Aria costs, then I suggest listening to it. If you don’t want to spend that much, my advice is not to listen to the NVC.
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@Hifi_Naim_CNNL If you can hang on a little while, Rega have a new MC (only) phono stage due for official release soon (my best guess is at the Bristol show). Rumoured to be a ‘mini Aura’ in sound signature, priced at approximately £1500, and I would imagine a big leap in performance over the Aria (which I own and is very good value for money with the current discounts).
I think the logical competitor to the NVC / NPX would be the Rega Aura, as it’s much closer in price - now that would be an interesting demo shoot out!
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Gotta love that, the poor man’s Aura!
I still remember being blown away by an Apheta into a Rega Ios, the Aura’s predecessor.
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Agree, the Aura is something special. I recently heard the difference between the Aria and Aura in a dem, and the difference isn’t subtle or subjective!
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Would it not work with OC if one had the NPX TT?
Phil
You are correct the NVC TT needs an NPX TT to be used with OC kit. You would need the NPX with pre-amps from other manufacturers.
@paulbysea I am confused. I am using the NVCTT WITH MY 332 and I don’t have an NPXTT and yet you claim one is needed. Can you please explain?
Thanks Paul
One would expect it to be close to Superline + SuperCap at the list prices.
Phil