@simao Yes, an odd review. - No, the preamp isn’t heavy, but I don’t know many cables you hook up to it will “flip it over”. Seriously?
- Yes, the instructions are brief, but not very confusing, to me. It would have been nice to have the dial markers ‘marked’, but really, I’m kind of liking the simplicity of Jim’s decision.
- Why does Mikey think it will mostly be hooked up to bookshelves speakers? Odd comment.
- I’ve played a few of my Joni albums, and I don’t hear the same thing he has. Is it full? Hell yea, but to my ears, on my system, nothing is ‘excessively’ done.
- I certainly wouldn’t say my SoundSmith Zephyr is lean or analytical, and my Zephyr has never sounded better. Perhaps he is speaking as it would/may be a good match to tame the AT cart sound, as example. But that doesn’t mean that’s what you need to balance out it’s ‘tubiness’.
One the good side, I do agree with the fullness (including soundstage) and weight the Trumpet provides, also it’s punch, and brings out the best in the mids, mid-bass, and bass regions. To be honest, that was lacking in my vinyl system prior, so the Trumpet pleases me a great deal. But I don’t feel the highs are as compromised as he might be stating or suggesting. Of course, ‘in general’ I prefer a softer and fuller sound throughout the range, so the Trumpet only makes the sound I prefer better, and brings more of that ‘to the table’ (pun intended). I dunno, I get a sense he really didn’t spend much time with the Hagerman. |
Mikey likes transient speed and air. Me too. Many folks like tube warmth. I prefer tube sweetness. I run tubes. But I do not like excessive warmth or thickening at all so I get Fremer's perspective in this review. I don't know what the standard tubes are but you have a whole world of rolling possibilities there which may do wonders for the sound. I'm looking forward to your journey.
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@noromance
Yep, I agree, that seems to be his desire, personally.
I have twitchy fingers to try some new/NOS tubes, but have not taken that leap yet. As I’m new to tubes tied so directly to sound, I will need guidance on the various tube sound signatures to make that first choice. I know one thing, I will probably spend a decent amount in my first decision, and not simply swap for swapping sake.
The main preamp tubes are the 4 of the new Mullard long plate 12ax7’s. They seem to get high marks for what they cost, but I’m sure there are better choices out there, if willing to spend a significant amount more. |
How is the comparison going with the LFD? |
@vinylvin The Hagerman is definitely a more robust, tubey sound - wider and more expansive soundstage at the cost of slightly less imaging. But I like that. Haven't rolled tubes yet.
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