Just connected my s/h Stageline S (circa 2002) tonight. It replaced a Cary PH302 tube phono stage, approx. 10 times the cost. Feeding the Stageline is a LP12/Ekos/Ortofon Kb into 282/HC2/PSC/200.

So, did the Stageline trounce the Cary? Well, no it did not. Now, to be fair, I've only had the Stageline powered for a few hours. Further improvements no doubt will follow. I am quite impressed with the Stageline, though.

Criticisms at this point would be a bit more groove noise than with the Cary (for tube stage, it is very quiet). Also, while bass and treble extension is impressive, I would have to say that the presentation has not gelled. It seems a bit disjointed.

Two questions for the learned:
1) How long does the Stageline take to get fully warmed (note: this is not a new unit so it should not need to be broken in)?
2) I see from the website that the Stageline was upgraded in 2003. Can one of the mods give an idea of what exactly has changed with the Stageline? Is there a material performance improvement? Can you return the unit to be upgraded?

I reckon that my Stageline snaps into focus about 24 hours into 'power-up'.

The 2003 upgrade was essentially to make the SL less susceptible to RFI (radio frequency interference). More of a possible performance degradation issue if you live in a densely populated urban environment.

AFAIK; there was no change to the basic circuitry.

The SL does sound a lot better, being powered from a dedicated p/s as opposed to being 'piggy-backed' off a pre-amp 'Aux 2' socket.

The SL has very recently undergone a p/s option change; whereby it can be powered by the new i-supply. Existing units cannot be modified.

John.

Thanks for the informative response John. (Do you always post at 4am?)

I will give it time to fully warm and see how things go. If I'm not satisfied (are we ever?), I'll try to borrow a HC and the required 4-5DIN, and in a final shoot-out try it against a brand new Groove.

Cheers,

Have just HiCapped my Stageline and the results are staggering, which I guess they should be!
Taking the Stageline out of the Aux2 input on my 282 has also, I believe, benefitted the whole system .

Regards,
Steve O.

I had the RFI mod done on the Stageline S I owned for a while. It did help a bit with RFI, but it was still pretty noisy with my cartridges of choice, Denon DL-103D and Dynavector XX-2. I think this phono stage really prefers a bit more output, say a minumum of .5 mv. Still, listening around the low level noise, there was a lot to like. Just from a general flavor point of view I found it to be more in the camp of new Naim stuff (112/150 for instance) than the older. Very rhythmic but richer and fuller sounding. I actually think this makes it a better combination with the older Naim stuff than the newer. I like it better with my Nait 3 than with my 112/150/Flatcap.

quote:

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(Do you always post at 4am?)

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I work nights, and am often able to have a play here during quiet periods in the wee hours.

Steve O;

Yes, big difference isn't it? My LP12 use is very occasional, so I piggy-back the SL off my 252. Trouble is - it definitely stuffs the sound of the CDS3, big time!

Happy listening y'all.

John.