Stageline N with Adikt?

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Ever since I got the FC2 that I only use to power the output stage of my CD5, I’m wondering what other improvements I could gain from it.

One option would be to add a Stageline, also driven from the FC2, to connect it to my Linn Adikt MM. I have been happily using the MM stage of my Linn Kairn (with Brilliant PS) for years without any complaints.

I’ve had a look on here and there certainly have been many discussions on Stageline N in the past. The Adikt/Stageline N in particular gets good reviews, by the sound of things. I guess the only question would be how much of a step up it would be from my in-built Kairn phono pre. My instinct tells me it should be significant.

Another question is if age of a second-hand unit matters. I assume servicing is possible, as no moving parts.

Any experiences with regards to moving from a Kairn MM phono pre to a Stageline N?

3

After about 2h of A/B testing today, I’m now answering my own question.

The in-built phone MM stage in a Linn Kairn (with SPS, ca 30+ yrs old) is good when fed by a Linn Adikt.

But not as good as a Stageline N with FC2 and an Adikt. A clear improvement. :+1:

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4

Yes a Stageline should be a good phono stage for you.

I doubt it is worth sending a used unit off just for servicing there isn’t much that could need replacing. So, as long as the unit is performing well I would just use plug it in and enjoy.

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5

The one I found is 16 years old, 2nd model.

I didn’t realise the difference between SNAIC5 180 and 240, so I will be needing another cable to connect CD5 and Stageline to the FC2, but that’s just a minor hiccup.

6

The Stageline should have come with a SNAIC 5 pin cable that can be used to power the unit from a power supply like the FC2 or a NAIM pre-amp and carry signal. You will then need an interconnect cable 4 pin that will go from either the FC2 or direct from the Stageline to RCA phono? (or whatever the LINN unit uses) for input to the amplifier. It does not matter much which box you take the signal output from just use whatever is most convenient. Going from the Stageline itself is the shorter signal path so it is worth trying both to see if you can hear a difference.

7

Well….

The Stageline came with a SNAIC5. But because I have a SNAIC5 that came with my CD5 and my FC2, I assumed I have a spare one.

So I asked the seller if they could swap the SNAIC5 that came with the SL for a 4pin->RCA (which I need for my Linn Kairn). They were able to swap it, which was nice.

Turns out the SNAIC5 I have spare is a 180, not a 240, which is what the FC2 and SN needs. Hence why I now need to purchase another SNAIC5 240deg.

I hope the above makes sense. :+1:

8

It does make sense accept the 180 cable you have is not a SNAIC cable it is an interconnect and does not carry power just signal.

Here is a FAQ link to identifying Naim cables that may help.

How to identify SNAICs and Interconnects

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9

Thank you. I am mainly to blame for the mix-up. But there’s a lot of confusing info out there and not every connection scenario fitted mine.

I’m sure I’m not the first to get the wiring wrong. And I won’t be the last! :grinning:

But thanks again for responding.