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New phono stage arrived

I Have been running a Lab 12 melto tube unit, and hated it ever since I got it. I should have held off, but I was in a rush and the one I wanted wasn't available so I was told it was just as good? That was a red flag I missed. Anyway I tried every setting on the Lab 12, and wasn't about to start pissing around with tube rolling so I started the research. 

I bought a Charisma Audio Musiko Phono stage for half the money, and it sounds twice as good. Very easy to configure with dip switches on the back. I have it paired with a Rega P3 TT with a Goldring Eroica XL MC cart. The system is dead quiet, no noise, very articulate and precise. The sound is very bold and present, A nice pleasant feel to the music. I started with some Eva Cassidy, and then Dire straits. Looks like I found the missing link. 

hilroy48
chipcalzone
50 posts
 

I got an email from a Jay Mcdonald regarding the LAB12 Melto and I can't figure out how to reply on Audiogon as I don't have a verified payment uploaded. Anyway, Jay if you're out there. Here's my reply:

Hi Jay,

Yes I still have the Melto, and I'm very happy with it. I'm also using the LAB12 DAC Reference for my digital side. 

I have two friends who got the Melto and Melto2, which is the higher model. They're both happy with it.

I got mine pre-owned, and unfortunately, the stock tube was defective, so I have no reference for how the stock tubes sounded, as I immediately swapped tubes. But my friend is using his Melto with stock tubes, and it sounds good.

LAB12 makes great gear, it scales up with reference-level gear and isn't a bottleneck even in high-end systems. Hope this helps, and good luck!

Regards,

Chipcalzone

jay73's avatar
jay73
246 posts
 

@chipcalzone I got your message, thanks for the feedback. Looking into it!

chipcalzone
50 posts
 

Welcome! Good luck!

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