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Phono Preamplifier Redux .. Damn This is Getting Expensive

I posted previously in search of a phono preamplifier, but as I put together a system I refined what I was looking for.

My current Analog food chain consists of Technics 1200G turntable, Hana ML cartridge, unknown phono preamplifier, McIntosh MA12000 integrated, Sabrina X, pair of REL S/812 subs.  Also, Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner and a mix of Alpha V2 NR and Venom V10NR power cables.  Other cables: AQ Earth balanced interconnects, William Tell full range speaker cables.  Also, had to make some room acoustic modifications.

So, here is the problem.  I just got a Holo May DAC DTE and have been streaming by Roon, mostly purchased and ripped files on a Synology NAS.  The problem is that my digital side sounds much more musical than my analog.  Part of the remedy is on the way with 3" Tiger Maple equipment rack, but digital and analog are not close.  My Sutherland 20/20 LPT is going back.  It has limited front/back sound stage and the upper mids and treble are a bit shrill.  I say this because the Holo is just beautifully musical throughout.

Music Direct will be taking Sutherland back and has suggested the Esoteric E-02 Balanced as a solution.  So this post I'm raising my budget to 9-10K new, or used and prefer balanced out.  Looking for detail, dynamics and silent background.  I just can't have the digital so much more enjoyable... of course there is always selling all analog and staying digital, but that doesn't feel right.  

So, where do I go for balanced out and more musical, but retaining micro detail and dynamics?

vonhelmholtz

Showing 5 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,255 posts
 

The Hana ML is an incredible value. It excels in tone, detail and soundstage.  
To beat it you’ll probably need to spend 2-3x more for the cartridge.

Funny how we chase this…I’m in the same boat. My analog set up (MoFi UltraDeck/Hana ML/Sutherland KC Vibe II) sounded better than digital (benchmark DAC 3 HGC). I upgraded the DAC and now the digital sounds awesome and the analog is lagging slightly behind. There’s no end to it. You’re most likely going to end up beating your digital with your next analog upgrade and be on a mary go round with the DAC. 😂

On a serious note though…assuming your current analog set up is properly done, you might need to swap your table for something like Dr. Feichert with Kuzma arm, swap the ML and get Umami Red or mid tier Koetsu and get a phono amp like ARC Ref3SE. And then you’ll be right where I predicted…

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,255 posts
 

@hdm I have Sutherland KC Vibe II set at 60db gain, 200ohm load with my Hana ML. Hana recommends >100ohm but to your point, there’s no harm in trying and may be worth a shot for the OP. 
One other thing I discovered with the ML is it’s super sensitive to VTA. Also, on my table it sounds better with 2.04gr of VTF which is slightly higher than the Hana recommended max of 2gr. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,255 posts
 

Also, think about where to position the equipment rack - between speakers with all components close to one another gives you an opportunity to buy short cables of better quality vs. setting up on the side wall and running cheaper and longer cables. Ran a 15ft Mogami XLRs from pre to amp with rack on the side. I’m back to everything between speakers and my 2 pairs of 1m Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper XLRs connecting DAC to pre and pre to amp. Mogami was fine for a while but ultimately they’re not on the same level. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,255 posts
 

@vonhelmholtz 👍

best to hold off and set everything up properly on the rack either between speakers or on the side wall. Like I said earlier, the ML is a phenomenal cartridge. Also, the 20/20 is a great piece. Don’t go buying anything on impulse.
Good luck and keep us posted. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,255 posts
 

Pass XP-17 has XLR out

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