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End Game Phono Preamp (tube)

Before you say ALLNIC a few caveats - I will only be using one TT so only need one input (MC). ALLNIC has up to 4 which is a lot of extra engineering I don't need and don't want to pay for. I'm coming from a very much loved Hagerman Trumpet MC with all the finest (to my ears) NOS tubes, external linear power supply, upgraded footers. It sounds terrific but I just have to scratch that itch to see if I can do better. If the only improvement I'll be getting by going up the food chain is less hiss, well, I can live with the existing hiss truthfully. I'd be expecting improved imaging, depth, resolution, cymbal decay beauty. Maybe I have it all now... if anyone has first hand experience with the Trumpet and can with an informed opinion offer a better option I'm all ears (hehe). 

fastricky
tablejockey
4,407 posts
 

VTL TP-6.5 Series II

" I jumped on an opportunity that came up on USAM,"

@fastricky 

You know that in the end it's simply "try it and find out" game.

EVERY/ANY brand/model, can be picked apart and won't appease all ears.

That listing price looked reasonable, based on the current list. Hopefully you were able to negotiate and even better price. 

Fremer's take on it left me with the impression it's just another nice sounding tube phonostage-NOT a bad thing!

$20K MSRP-Hmm...? 

How much can really be done with phonostage anyhow?

Wonder just how far off something like this is from a VAC/ARC Statement piece@ 4X the price?

Based on the brand and Fremer's assessment, looks like you picked a winner. 

Enjoy it👍

Get tweaky with $ Euro NOS glass-YOLO!

 

Post removed 
fastricky OP
150 posts
 

@tablejockey 

Thx! I'm feeling like I arrived at the perfect solution, it ticks all the boxes I'm after: Resolution / Clarity / No Low Mid & Bass emphasis (the Hagerman does emphasize and I need to get away from that) / better depth / better imaging and conviction of images. 

I already have a great stash of NOS tubes so all set there. I might be most excited to finally offer (in an upcoming thread) what my thoughts are moving on from the Trumpet MC (a beloved bit of gear for me for a long time) to a Phono Stage 10x the price, yet to see anyone do such a comparison. Stay tuned! 

kennyc
3,033 posts
 

@atmasphere since you need a square wave generator and an oscilloscope to do it properly. 

Ha! I have both brand new but no clue how to use. I am planning to drink the guidance on WAM engineering to buy set up tools and get a few carts examined.

Seems Koetsu stone carts like my Corralstone D do best with a SUT. My conundrum is which SUT and how high I have to spend for a voltage phono. I do own a Lejonklou Slipsik 3 which is a very old generation. My transimpedience current phono is VDH Grail SB because my SS audio chain emphasizes dropping the noise floor. 

kennyc
3,033 posts
 

@fastricky AT ART20, AT ART1000x, VDH Colibri Strad XGW, ZYX UNIverse III. 

Holy smokes! Your running top cartridges with an entry level phono? It’s great that you’re addressing this audio bottleneck.

I also run a variety: VDH Colibri Grand Cru, Koetsu Coralstone D, Aida Mammoth Gold MkII, Lyra Edna (bugs me that not lambda, will likely upgrade), various SPUs,Miyajima Infinity mono. Want to get to DS Audio W3 (lower noise floor) but out of budget. Maybe get when visit Japan after wife retires hopefully soon- our 24yr old triplets still on her benefits. 

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