I did a listenging test to compare the tape monitor relay input to the selector switch CMOS-FET input. Graham Slee, Janis Ian, Paul Simon and Barbirolli conducting Sibelius 2nd provided the short program.
If there is a difference between these two inputs, it is not much. Certainly a tiny amount compared to my recent switch from MAS Gray interconnect to MAS Blue. If there is a difference, the selector switch CMOS-FET connection is better. Maybe a little more low level detail and a little better rendering of space. Maybe not.
With the system as it is now, the MAS Blue is much more pleasing on the Slee phono preamp. The Gray is too forward in the upper midrange and lower treble. I guess I attribute some of this to the Hafler 9300 power amp. I did the testing with the Gray interconnect, which does etch the details and control the bass better than the Blue.
If this selector switch is "cheap and cheerful" as the Brits say, then cheers for Hafler using it to increase profit without hurting the sound. They STILL had to drop out of the hi-fi hype market shortly after making this preamp and are now kaput.
I also asked John Hillig about the selector switch, since I still plan to have this preamp modified by him. He wrote back as follows.
"Modified 915s sound pretty good. I too was worried about the FET switching but I have a better view of it now. "
If there is a difference between these two inputs, it is not much. Certainly a tiny amount compared to my recent switch from MAS Gray interconnect to MAS Blue. If there is a difference, the selector switch CMOS-FET connection is better. Maybe a little more low level detail and a little better rendering of space. Maybe not.
With the system as it is now, the MAS Blue is much more pleasing on the Slee phono preamp. The Gray is too forward in the upper midrange and lower treble. I guess I attribute some of this to the Hafler 9300 power amp. I did the testing with the Gray interconnect, which does etch the details and control the bass better than the Blue.
If this selector switch is "cheap and cheerful" as the Brits say, then cheers for Hafler using it to increase profit without hurting the sound. They STILL had to drop out of the hi-fi hype market shortly after making this preamp and are now kaput.
I also asked John Hillig about the selector switch, since I still plan to have this preamp modified by him. He wrote back as follows.
"Modified 915s sound pretty good. I too was worried about the FET switching but I have a better view of it now. "