I did not know the Nova digitizes the inputs. I have a Lehman Audio Black Cube statement phono preamp connected to one of the line in’s. Are the signals sent through the internal dac from the Black cube?
Upgraded my Project Carbon to a Technics SL-1500c back in 2020. Gave my original SL-2000 to charity about 12 years ago, the platter speed was starting to waiver. Changed the cart from the 2m red to the 2m blue.
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Hi @suneal - to answer your question: yes. Anything that is connected to one of the Analogue inputs on the Nova (but also the Star, etc) will be converted to digital and back.
As I’ve mentioned before: this is nothing to worry about; you’ll probably hear a couple of forum members that this is absolutely a no-go but even on a higher level like Linn Klimax this is done as well.
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Thank you.. after almost 7 years of owning the Uniti I’m still learning new stuff.
not probably but definitely 
with reasons, but we all have different ears.
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You’ll be hearing new stuff now !
Just to give an update on that, as there aren’t that many Prefix / Nait XS3 / Flatcap XS combinations around here I think, also with an Ortofon MC X20 on a later model Ittok.
- I started with the basic position of Prefix into aux2 of the XS3, and that was nice.
- Next up was powering the Prefix from the Flatcap with its SNAIC5 and a 4-5 pin DIN, which brought a considerable improvement.
- Obviously it was then time to also power the XS3 from the Flatcap with a SNAIC5 and SNAIC4, and that was again a big step forward.
- The final step was reverting the Prefix to aux2 while keeping Flatcap on the XS3.
This is the arrangement that I preferred, which aligns with the general guideline given here. It was slightly less airy than with both powered separately, but overall more coherent and right.
Thanks to everyone who helped with this one, moving from MM to MC has been a fun ride!
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Here’s what I’ve got, nothing special but it gets the job done for me. It’s a Pro-Ject RPM5.1 with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge that I’ve upgraded with a 2M Blue needle, the phono amp (not in the picture) is a Clearaudio Nano Phono.
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Hey @daddycool
Really enjoyed reading and studying your post, also the thoughtful curated picture to add to the story.
I’m genuinely interested in what the prefix can do. ( In the context of LP12 source and Naim Pre-amplifier, etc). Maybe it’s an experiment I might pursue for myself, one day.
Thanks for sharing.
(Adding more value to the collective knowledge available in this community).
R
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Thank you @ratrat most kind.
It looks like with the right LP12 config the Prefix works great with the Nait XS3, that’s all I can now say from this. It is a good level up from the Stageline MM and built-in MM phono stage of the XS3, and the amp is more than capable enough to show that wider window and higher level.
You have very different systems in both your rooms - I do understand the romantics of Prefix for the vibe of your analogue room, but Superline with HC-DR there is top notch so would that be pleasantly charming or a real downgrade?
You could of course, but am a bit hesitant to suggest this as your gear always looks so tidy, already do various experiments in that domain, with your Superline via aux2 of the NAC282, HiCapped or Supercapped. And our forum host seems to really like a SuperCap-powered Prefix…
The nice thing about having so much wonderful gear around! I just couldn’t possibly say how it would work out, or where it would lead you, but it sounds like fun, to me at least
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It is special in comparison to very many of the turntables now being sold in the likes of HMV and John Lewis .
It is very well designed and good value .
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Hi PS, would you mind saying where you found the Tiger Paw Javelin tone arm? Thank you.
I bought on line from an audio shop in the Netherlands. It was with turntable and lingo 3 power supply and price was too good as it was exactly what I was looking. I was really after an Aro but guess I will put up with the Javelin 
. I upgraded the power supply and just had a Dynavector XX2A fitted.
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That was a VERY lucky find…Enjoy!
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Yes, that probably sums up my idea. It might be an interesting experiment. But, fun too.
Likely set up, as Prefix “K”, (to work with a Linn Troika). Powered by an olive era HiCap.
It’s an idea - a curiosity - that I have harboured for some time now.
Maybe one day ?
Here are some thoughts on all this - just to make this a longer post to read and consider - for you and anyone else interested in these same topics…
Some years ago, decided to add Naim olive shoe boxes - NAC72 + HC + NAP140 - in between our existing and original LP12 and Epos ES14’s. In so many ways it was a nostalgic, romantic idea, a system from an earlier time, an homage to late 1980’s, maybe even a system that I should have had. (Back in those days). Also, very much for vinyl reply. A celebration of vinyl records.
Image Note : Part of the magic of the NAC72 - its modular build - we fitted : (1) NA323 (k) phono cards to “Phono” input ; then later… (2) 326 straight through or link boards to “Aux” input, for use with an external phono’ amp.
When the NAC72 came into our house - one of its attractions - it arrived with NA323 “K” internal phono cards. Which we used and enjoyed. At that time, our LP12 was still in its “all original form’’, untouched from 1986. Shortly after this, we decided to embark on a separate project to refurbish and upgrade the “old fruit box”. When it came back, we continued to use the NAC72 and internal boards, but it was also obvious our LP12 - now a version of Selekt - was now more resolving. It now leans more towards the modern Linn lean and neutral character, but also incredibly resolving. At the same time, the Ittok and Troika influences are still apparent, it has bags of boogie too. The transformation was astounding, (maybe as you have also experienced recently too, with you own upgrades). This led me to bring our Rega Aria into the system as an experiment to see how far old girl might go now ?
The addition of the external Rega Aria phono amp gave a significant uplift to our vinyl record play back, and prompted a further question - how far could one go with this - with better external phono amp stages ?
Image notes : Our LP12 - previously with Rega Aria - plus Naim olive shoe boxes
The era correct solution might be a Naim Prefix, with either olive HiCap or even olive SuperCap? Which was carefully considered, at that time. I went on a search and looked at a few. But never had a chance to hear this option. Maybe this curiosity still persists?
With Solstice arriving and the prospect of new Naim boxes - at that time - we waited to see if a new phono stage might appear.
So, later, we considered (1) Naim NVC TT, with and without psu (2) SuperLine, with and without psu (3) and Rega Aura.
The SuperLine with HiCap DR was our preferred choice. It’s an outstanding phono’ amp, elevating our LP12 to something quite special. Now maybe the best source in our house.
Image Note : Our LP12 now, with SL + HCDR, plus Naim olive.
Coming back to the original idea…
I’ve no doubt SL + HCDR is a better SQ option, compared to a Naim Prefix + olive HC.
However, keeping everything within era still has a certain appeal.
As for the idea of moving our LP12 + SuperLine over to the other system (with NAC282 + SuperCap → active PMC 25.23i ). It’s unlikely. Thinking about system building, my personal opinion is to NOT attempt equivalency between different formats or sources in a hifi system. It avoids all the trouble associated with comparisons ( and any disappointment) between, say, vinyl records and digital streaming. They are just different.
Bringing the SuperCap DR into our Vinyl first system is another great idea - to use as psu with our SuperLine - maybe another intriguing experiment, in time. I would be fascinated to listen and learn. However, don’t ever see us accommodating a full width box in this system. Hence, a SC would never stay beyond an experiment. If anything, we would prefer to make this system simpler, with fewer boxes. Maybe fewer shoe boxes, to be specific.
In any case, we have moved to create two very different systems, quite deliberately.
WHY are these two systems different ?
Both are built on a Naim foundation, but they represent two distinct philosophies of high-fidelity sound. The difference between them isn’t just about the components; it’s about “Classic Character” vs. “Modern Precision.”
System One: The “Olive” Soul & Analogue Mastery
This system is a love letter to the “Flat Earth” era of Hi-Fi. It prioritizes the LP12 as the primary source, supported by the legendary NAC 72 - HC - NAP 140 combination.
- The Sound Profile: This setup offers incredible “PRaT” (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing). The Epos ES14 are world-renowned for their mid-band transparency and “musical” engagement, especially when driven by the 140.
- The Experience: This is an intimate, organic system. The refurbished Troika/Ittok combo is a classic pairing that provides a lush, involving analogue experience that modern digital often struggles to replicate.
- The Tech: It uses the older “half-width” Naim cases, which are highly regarded for their specific tonal sweetness compared to the later “Black” series.
System Two: Modern Resolution & Active Control
This system is built for the high-resolution era. It is significantly more powerful and technically advanced, utilizing
- The Sound Profile: With the NAC 282 and SuperCap DR, this system has a much lower noise floor, massive dynamic range, and far greater “grip” on the music. It is designed to be analytical without being clinical.
- The Innovation: The move to the PMC Active upgrade kit is the biggest differentiator. By removing the passive crossovers in the speakers and using dedicated amplification for the drivers, you get much faster transients and tighter bass control than the NAP 140 can provide.
- The Source Focus: This is a digital powerhouse. The Naim DAC + 555 DR is a formidable combination that brings “analogue-like” weight to Qobuz and CD playback.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | System One (Analogue First) | System Two (Digital/Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Emotional engagement & Vinyl ritual | High-resolution transparency & Power |
| Speaker Type | Classic Passive (Standmount) | Modern Active (Floorstander) |
| Pre-Amp Tier | Classic “Olive” (NAC 72) | Reference “Black” (NAC 282) |
| Power Philosophy | Discrete & Minimalist (NAP 140) | Massive Headroom (SuperCap/Active) |
Summary of the “WHY”
We have essentially created two different ways to enjoy music:
- System One is for “leaning in”—sitting down with a record and enjoying the texture and “soul” of a vintage-leaning setup.
- System Two is for “total immersion”—a high-performance rig that can handle the complexities of modern streaming and provide a massive, acoustic soundstage.
Hope all these musings make for an interesting read on a Sunday…
In reply to how a Naim Prefix might work - maybe an experiment - with system one.
Also, maybe a relevant post in the context of the utility of vinyl record players, in this “show us your turntable” thread.
Mostly, my intention is just to listen to a lot of music now and for a while yet.
BW
R
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I like the concept of one system for vinyl and another for digital. I know you’ve done more than just that though.
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Post Script
Just thought of another way to explain the philosophy of these two systems here…
The “Poetry vs. Prose” Perspective
System One is the Poet: It’s about the “feel” of the performance. It uses the legendary LP12/Ittok/Troika alchemy to find the emotional heart of a recording. It doesn’t care about being the loudest; it cares about being the most moving.
System Two is the Architect: It’s about the “structure” of the sound. With the 282/SuperCap and Active PMC power, it maps out the recording with startling precision. It gives you the scale, the depth, and the absolute authority of a recording.
Happy listening to all on a Sunday
R
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And that’s being polite its a very poor source IMO
Martin
As @varyat says, that was a very lucky find - congratulations. Last time Peter Swain @Cymbiosis was here to upgrade my Radikal, he said he would let me know if a Javelin came his way. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. They are rather rare.
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