@Darimian You might want to consider a new Rega TT that better matches your new SN3. When I had my SN3, I used a P9 with an Exact with very good results. You might want to audition a p6 with an nd9. The P8 and P10 are significant steps up from that, but at a greater cost. If you chose to upgrade your TT/cartridge, what might your budget be?
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I actually got a minor shock, when I used the SN3 phono the first time.
It sounded very dark, compared to my Cambridge 640P.
But, I like the darker sound.
Kuzma with Rega RB300 and Grado Gold.
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An alternative to changing the cartridge is to try a different phono stage. The SN3 phono stage has rather old-fashioned specs that donāt work particularly well with most modern MM cartridges.
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Agree this would be a sensible step to consider and was mentioned a few times earlier in this thread.
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Hi, @Darimian .
Somewhat analogously, I started with a c.2000-2005 Planar3 and Elys into a 112/150 and thought the Rega Fono of the day (2005) was excellent, and preferred it to the Naim Stageline in that combination.
That said, I am sure there must be a turntable-cartridge combo that sings with the phono pre onboard your SN3.
For me, I preferred when Naim did not include the onboard phono pre, for more flexibility with all the inputs. Separate phono preās were a revelation to me, and guidance toward them was a good thing, IME.
Many changes since:
Elys to Exact
Fono to Aria
Planar3 to RP10 Aphelion
Aria to Superline/Supercap.
All positive results. Still remember the Planar3 was great; it reignited my love for vinyl!
Best of luck.
Nick
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I seem to recall thread where the exact opposite was stated; that the capacitance in the SN3/XS3 phono stage was actually a good match for MM carts - esp the new Rega ND line.
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The SN3 is similar to the Stageline N, Nait 1/2/3, and the old 322 MM boards with a relatively high input capacitance of 470pF. Whereas the Nait 50 is only 100pF which is the same as a Rega Fono 5.
I donāt really understand how these high input capacitance values (470pF) work ok with modern carts like the AT VM95 Series, although Iāve only tried them with 322 cards and Nait. Maybe the warmth of the older CB amps helps to offset the increased high end. But does that mean they are too bright with SN3/Stageline N? The VM95s are certainly an excellent match for the Fono 5 and I seem to recall they also worked well with the Nait 50.
Anyone know if Naim has done something else in the SN3 to improve compatibility with modern low capacitance carts or are they simply unsuitable? By the time youāve accounted for tonearm wiring and RCA cables, the SN3 has three times the total capacitance that the VM95 Series requires (100-200pF).
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In my opinion:
Newer MM cartridges that are not affected by the high capacitance are actually not true moving magnet cartridges, but rather moving iron (Grado, Ortofon, Nagaoka) or neodymium (Rega) or high-output moving coils. So thereās choice.
I could never get MM favourites like AT and Goldring variants to work well, but we all have different ears and systems. Hope this helps.
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I confirm, the AT-VM95 shibata on the Technics SL-1200 really sings through the phono stage of my NN50.
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Good point - I was also using a Valhalla/Ittok/K9 body which is quite warm by modern standards.
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Would you say that your system is slightly on the warm side anyway, or not particularly?
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P3, as good as it is, is way out of its depth with a SN3. Caveat, I strongly advocate for the source first philosophy.
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Hi
Not particularly Iāve no wincing highs or boomy lows.
Very happy with a lively and good slam when required system.
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Thanks. Makes me think that Naim are somehow making allowances for the high input capacitance.
What makes you think that?
Just that folks are getting a well balanced sound from the SN3 and AT carts even though the ampās input capacitance is about 3 times what the cart is designed for.
Specifically, the AT carts have a recommended load capacitance of 100-200 pF. The SN3 has an input capacitance of 470 pF, but internal tonearm wiring, cabling, RCA connectors all add up to about 90 - 130 pF, totalling up to 600 pF with the SN3.
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As said, everoneās ears and systems are different.
Some general principles may apply, and shared as guidance, but how they pan out is personal.
(as you said there are folks that are gettingā¦but there are also folks that arenāt gettingā¦)
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Yes, itās a fair point.
I just find it intriguing.
@110dB Are you able to help us understand this at all? - i.e., my previous post. There seems more to it than simple maths.
Someone mentioned the Rega P6, which is a steal for the price, especially used. Iāve had a P8, a P10 and currently have an LP12. The P6 holds up amazingly against these decks and I could actually be happy with one myself. Moorgate acoustics sell plenty of used or open box P6ās, so you could get a good deal from Paulā¦ then itās just the cartridge to consider
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