I’ve recently retrieved from family the record collection I had as a youth (70/80s). I’d like to be able to play it occasionally. I have a 72/180/[CDX-v2?] into Epos 14s, enjoyed since purchase in the mid 90s. That gives some context of what this desired deck would work with.
I’m not likely to get seriously in to the whole vinyl thing, so don’t feel like I need to spend a huge amount. Besides most of my vinyl cost a pittance really, 50p - perhaps £10 max a disc back then and it wasn’t pressed to be ‘high fidelity’. That said of course I want to get the best possible from it.
I’ve looked at this briefly before and as I recall Linn and Rega [?] were names that cropped up. I might have that wrong. But then I get a bit lost in talk of cartidges, phono stages and so on.
Can anyone suggest the deck + ‘other bits’ I might look into so I can give my records an occasional nostalgic spin? Many thanks!
Just buy a rega p1 plus, this includes a phono stage so you can connect direct to any line input on the 72.
Everything you need is in the box apart from a suitable interconnect with a 5 pin din on the amp end.
Thank you for that suggestion. I’m intrigued, it seems so much simpler than I’d expected!
The turntable user-guide includes the following:
‘BUILT-IN PHONO STAGE
The built-in phono stage is a high specification pre-amplifier. It is
designed to amplify the signal from a moving magnet cartridge to a
suitable level for all line level inputs of an appropriate system or audio
amplifier. This allows simple connection to a wide variety of products
using either the standard twin phono to phono lead (supplied) or phono
to 3.5 mm plug (not supplied).
Note: A 3.5 mm to phono lead must only be plugged into an appropriate
input. DO NOT CONNECT TO A HEADPHONE OUTPUT SOCKET (as found
on a mobile device or similar), as this could damage both the device
and player.
OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
Connect the output sockets of the built-in phono stage to a suitable
‘line level’ input on your amplifier using the appropriate phono leads.
IMPORTANT: Many amplifiers have a built-in phono stage. Never
connect the P1 Plus to an integrated phono stage. These are usually
marked ‘Phono’ or ‘Disk’ input.
IMPORTANT: Please turn down the volume on the amplifier before
switching the unit on or off.’
I’d appreciate any thoughts on this, just to check my understanding: The interconnect needed would be… twin phono (on the Rega) to a 5-pin DIN (on the 72), perhaps the unused ‘Tape-1’ input? Might you know a generally appropriate (in context) quality brand of cable as Googling it I see they range from £2 - c700. Sadly the Naim dealer I used for my original purchases that used to sell or hand-make cables for me is no longer in business…
I picked up an old’ish Rega Planar 2 with Rega Carbon cartridge a few years ago from a dealer. It was about £250 and always sounds good even connected to something like a Nait 50, so I think it should be fine with your 72/180. But see what you can find.
As already mentioned, hopefully you already have 322 MM cards in your NAC 72, or look out for some on ebay for about £100, ideally serviced by Class A or Naim. You might also need some BNC-to-phono converters but they are just a few quid.
I’m not sure if the 72 would be too revealing of a P1 or not without trying but as Robert stated, it comes with built in phono stage so might be the ideal way to get started.
From what you’ve said, I’d suggest a P1 Plus too.
No need to go mad if you’re just dipping your toe in the water. I wouldn’t want to fork out a grand on the Technics only to find your vinyl is a bit rough …
My local dealer in South Yorkshire has a selection of open box / used P2’s and P3’s in various colours at very attractive prices if they are not too remote or too high a model for you ?
It strikes me that if the records have been left gathering dust for many years it may well be worth budgeting for a record cleaner of some form such as the Knosti Disco Antistat Record Cleaning Machine (cost around £60 in the UK)
To be honest, I think there are some other options in that entry level price bracket I might consider. There are more ponies in the race than Rega.
Both Denon and TEAC make some very decent budget decks with built-in phono stages. The TEACs have the advantage with the nicest arms and motors. The Rega’s with the best plinths. The Denons a reasonable mid point.
When I picked up a TN-4D a fews year back, it opened up all sorts of bargain bin finds. And direct drive so no belts to change.
To prepare to do this and look for signs of installed phono boards I wanted to see what the interior circuitry is like. Also more specifically, where I might expect to find these boards. I found this earlier chat that appears to clearly show which boards are and aren’t located where (in the illustrated example). I’m just posting it here for my and future reference: NAC 72 - Position of Boards - which one missing?
