Totally agreed with Steve.
RM-4 is the best head amp I've came across and it is still in my current setup. I only bought it because I had Roger modified one of the tube amp for me and recognized his good work. I then bought the RM-5 preamp and the phono section realized the phono section was really good ( much better than the line stage to match my system.)
I've used both the Counterpoint and Audio Reseach and neither came close to what Music Reference RM-4 offered.
I've tested the stock RM-4 with Arc SP-8, SP-11 MK II, Counterpoint 5000 and H.K. Citation I MM sections to mate with RM-4. They all worked out well with my VDH Black Beauty Cartridge.
Not only it is quieter and smoother sounding, it also has much better dynamic than both ARC and Counterpoint.
The ARC and Counterpoint has too much hiss when compared to RM-4. I've compared to many good step up transformers and I still prefer the RM-4.
You'll be surprised vintage stock HK Citation I phono section for MM is better than ARC SP-8, SP-10, SP-11, counterpoint SA5000, Lehman Black cube and etc.. Compared them in many setups and this preamp really sound better than the most. The line stage needs upgrade to better resistors (Carbon was a little bit soft and lack of focus than metal film type) and power supply caps then it will be as good or better than the most of the modern line stage. I wish Stewart Hegeman had design more of these timeless tube gears other than two amps ( Lafayette KT-550 and HK Citation II ) and this preamp.
RM-4 is the best head amp I've came across and it is still in my current setup. I only bought it because I had Roger modified one of the tube amp for me and recognized his good work. I then bought the RM-5 preamp and the phono section realized the phono section was really good ( much better than the line stage to match my system.)
I've used both the Counterpoint and Audio Reseach and neither came close to what Music Reference RM-4 offered.
I've tested the stock RM-4 with Arc SP-8, SP-11 MK II, Counterpoint 5000 and H.K. Citation I MM sections to mate with RM-4. They all worked out well with my VDH Black Beauty Cartridge.
Not only it is quieter and smoother sounding, it also has much better dynamic than both ARC and Counterpoint.
The ARC and Counterpoint has too much hiss when compared to RM-4. I've compared to many good step up transformers and I still prefer the RM-4.
You'll be surprised vintage stock HK Citation I phono section for MM is better than ARC SP-8, SP-10, SP-11, counterpoint SA5000, Lehman Black cube and etc.. Compared them in many setups and this preamp really sound better than the most. The line stage needs upgrade to better resistors (Carbon was a little bit soft and lack of focus than metal film type) and power supply caps then it will be as good or better than the most of the modern line stage. I wish Stewart Hegeman had design more of these timeless tube gears other than two amps ( Lafayette KT-550 and HK Citation II ) and this preamp.