Whest Audio PS.30RDT Special Edition

I don’t know what your gear is. Usually, the gain and loading in phono preamp is all you need. Once you set them correctly, you are good to go.   Some cartridges may benefit from slightly different dail.   Here are some Gain guidelines for Whest 30RDT SE:

- For Cartridges, 0.18mV to 0.3mV: set gain to: 65dB.
- for Cartridges 0.4mV to 0.6mV: set gain to: 60dB.
- for cartridges, 0.7dB to 1.5mV: set gain to: 55dB.

But listen first in case these settings overload your preamp. IF you find that it sounds distorted, then drop the gain setting from 65dB to 60dB, for example.

For load: set according to manufacturer’s recommendation.

Not sure about synergy’s importance, these phonos are universal.

W is a very small company with a very high price tag.  Not many lab tests except a few and they show a failure design.   We did find some imperfections in the hardware build-up. Some of these have great concern.   Many consider its design at an amateur level.

I suggest trying a reputable/reliable company, such as Pro-Ject or Cambridge.   Many consider Pro-Ject to be a benchmark reference sound for all Phonos.   A popular example: Phono Box SEII (2009).   You could try checking out the Vinyl Engine forum, very dedicated.

@mard I had Pro-Ject tube phono, It’s not even close. 
McIntosh MP100 is a great phono. One of my favorite. It’s similar to my 30 but is not as quiet and not as fast/dynamic. The highly praised Lab12 Melto2 is not on the same level as the Whest 30 despite being more expensive. 
 

If lack of publication of measurements you can read impact your assessment of the Whest phono stages and alter your perception of sound, which I hope isn’t the csse but brain can trick you, then I understand. I measure quality of presentation with my ears. I can’t hear 0.001% difference in most specs. And I am sure the 30, if it was measured by some publication, would fair very well. 

As to settings and gear…

James set the 30 to work with my Umami Blue at least to provide a good starting point - 100ohm, 65db. The Blue is 0.4mv

VPI Prime X -> Kimber Carbon phono cables -> Whest 30 -> Kimber Carbon XLR -> Boulder 866 -> Audience FtontRow sp cables -> Wilson Sabrina

Power cables are Kimber PK14 Ascent on phono and PK10 Ascent on amp 

My digital front end is Meitner MA3i. So the bar on sound reproduction is set fairly high. 

"@mard it’s very possible my new 30 sounds nothing like your 10-year-old one."

Things cannot be as you described!   I also receive a similar saying back in 2014 here in Audiogon. I even regret looking at them!

WE are all "greatly" puzzled by the yearly upgrade program that Whest launches!  The cost is so high it’s almost like buying a new PP.   No one else is doing it!   And why do we need to upgrade all the time?   People have been using their CD, Preamp, Amp, and even their vintage cartridge for over 20 years and never consider upgrading at any point in time.

Things cannot be as you described!  
 

@mard yes they can.
Manufactures constantly improve internal parts even without designating a new model for the product. Pass Labs, Audio Research, Boulder and other manufacturers are on this list. If a model is in production for 10 years, I guarantee you there are parts on the latest units that are different from the original. This includes capacitors, resistors, even power transformers. 
No one forces anyone to upgrade by the way. I don’t see anywhere that it’s required.

I won’t continue this argument as it’s pointless. I’ve shared my opinion on this phono stage and what I’m hearing in my system is something very special.

By the way I found this thread from way back where the owner of 30RDT SE is also quite happy with this phono stage. There might be something wrong with yours in addition to all these grievances you’ve expressed  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/an-evening-with-the-whest-ps-30rdt-special-edition