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Battle of the phone pres for my system.

I have a Yamaha GT-750 with a Hana SH mk 1. I had it running into my Musical Fidelity A1 and listened through Dynaudio Evoke 20 speakers. I have tinnitus so I listen off-axis and liked the sound. I had ordered a Decware Zrock3 and hadn't considered when I ordered it how I was going to use it. When if finally came, I realized I could only use it with my transport and DAC )and it was worth every penny.)

A friend lent me their Manley Chinook so I could see how it would work with my analog front end and the Manley/Decware combo was pretty sweet. I can't afford a Manley and after removing the Zrock3 and going head to head with the A1 didn't make me feel that I wouldn't choose it anyway. After casting about, I was all set on getting a 834 clone and putting in some nice tubes. Then I read about the Softone Model 4 and saw systems like @lalitk and @macg19 . It sounds like what I would want if I put some Mullards in it (though hopefully cheaper ones). I ran across many others who could afford a more expensive phono pre using the Softtone. 

As I was searching, the google AI wanted to help so bad that I asked it what it thought. It said the Softone would match better with my equipment and gave a bunch of reasons that were things I hadn't thought of, like gain matching and cumulative power running through the system. It seemed to think that 834 would be more problematic and too much syrup.

I told AI to make the 834 work or I would delete it from the internet, and it told me to put a 5751 (less gain because of the Hana's output coming in) in V1, then a Raytheon then a Mullard. Or something like that for gain and sound differences taking into account my tinnitus and to match my system. It seemed sound thinking, but again, stuff I hadn't considered. I didn't write it down, but it made me wonder. It congratulated me on my awesome thinking on putting together my amazing system. I closed the browser to make it forget this ever happened.

I figured I thought I would ask real people what they thought since I'd prefer empirical evidence over data surfing. The other point in favor of the Softone is that it's a real product and not an aliexpress special, though plenty of people are happy with their clones, all are one and one are all. 

Thanks.

 

letch
laaudionut
320 posts
 

@letch, I too deal with tinnitus, so I share your challenge when it comes to listening. Some years ago I got lucky on this site and was able to procure a Manley Steelhead V2 for $2600...best phone pre I have ever owned and still have it. I realize that this might be above your budget, bit if you can save and hold out until one comes up for sale, I would do it. If not, check out the Herron Audio VTPH-1 MC Plus Tube Phono Stage that is for sale on USAudiomart for $1700...an excellent piece of tube gear.

Best wishes for success!

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,786 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650331078-hard-to-beat-softone-model-4-tube-phono-stage-made-in-japan/

This is the other gent’s I have no relation to the seller. Seems like a great opportunity.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,178 posts
 

@letch 

I am late to the party…did you buy Softone Model 4 off USAM?  As @macg19 pointed out, Model 4 is a remarkably capable phono stage and punches far above its price point. One of its biggest strengths or weakness (in case of @macg19 ) is the built-in step-up transformer (SUT), making cartridge impedance matching especially important.

Based on the specifications, your Hana SH Mk I should be a good match with the Model IV. The synergy between the two should provide a very balanced presentation with good dynamics, tonal richness, and good musical flow.

In my humble opinion, the Softone’s greatest appeal isn’t just its technical performance, but how naturally and effortlessly it presents music. When paired with the right cartridge loading, it can compete with phono stages costing several times more. 

The only caveat, your Hana SH is not the most resolving cartridge in the Hana lineup. The Softone is capable of revealing improvements upstream, so if you eventually move to a lower-output cartridge such as the Hana ML or even Hana Umami Blue, the Softone can scale considerably further.

The reason I’m suggesting a cartridge upgrade is that the real magic happens when the cartridge and phono stage complement each other perfectly. System synergy is everything in analog playback. When the electrical match and sonic character are aligned, the music simply comes alive; more body, more texture, better dynamics, and a greater sense of realism. In my experience, the right cartridge/phono pairing can make a bigger difference than upgrading either component on its own.

Enjoy the analog pursuit! 

macg19
1,347 posts
 

Excellent advice.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,178 posts
 

@macg19 

Thanks! I am looking forward to your impressions on Sutherland Little LOCO. Another member here just upgraded his phono to Whest 30 RDT SE and he is really enjoying the upgrade from Whest Two.2. 

I’m not ready to give up on the Softone M4 just yet, at least not until I’ve had the chance to pair it with an Etsuro Gold cartridge. I never imagined that finding the right phono stage would be such a daunting task. 

One of the alternatives I’m considering would be close to an $18K investment, and if I go that route, it would likely be my endgame phono stage. I’m certain that I want a tube phono stage in my system, so we’ll see if I can make that happen down the road.

For now, I’m stepping off the upgrade treadmill, taking a break from the spending spree, and simply enjoying my favorite tunes on the system I’ve worked hard to put together.

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