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Want to upgrade to a different phono stage, something completely free of harshness. I originally wanted one with MC options but I might be settling down with my Grado The Reference Reference for a while, so MM would be ok. Current ones I am considering are the Cornet 3, Transcendent, Pro-Ject tube box DS, and the Reduction/Eros/Seduction. This will replace a Bugle w/separate power supply I built about 10 yrs ago. I saw the K&K was highly recommended but I wanted to stay below $1k if possible, and the build might be a bit complex for me.I know this shouldn't affect my decision, but I have a spot in my current setup for a smaller stage (like a Seduction or narrower). Anything larger and I'll have to build a shelf outside my cabinet or remove a component, and make/buy a longer tonearm cable. Ideally I'd like a Cornet 2 but Jim said those boards are gone, and claims the Cornet 3 uses the same circuit. Just wish I could find more feedback on the 3.
Edits: 01/10/17Follow Ups:
The Tavish Audio phono preamps are really giant killers in their respective price ranges. For under $1K, you cannot go wrong with their classic. For $1600, their top of the line "no expense spared" phono stage is severely underpriced, and plays more like a $3,000 phono stage. I have an upgraded Rogue Ares (Blue Cinemags), and the Tavish made me sick to my stomach (because I could have saved a lot of money!!)
You might look for a used Wright WPP100C (which is the phono pre in my system). A few come up for sale every year according to HiFiShark, and price will be <$1000 -- which is about what they sold for when new. You'll get a phono pre full of tubes, with a sound "completely free of harshness," and able to fit into tight spaces (with its separate power supply).
Is your Hagerman Cornet II stock or upgraded?
Another solid recommendation for the EAR 834P.
I have the mm model and use it with an Auditorium 23 standard SUT for my DL-103's.
I didn't opt for the mm/mc version of the 834P because, IMHO, its step-up transformers are not quite up to snuff. If you're going to exclusively use a mm cartridge the standard 834P is all you'll need. Add a quality SUT if you decide to go mc.
Cheers,
SB
You'd have to find one used to meet your price point but it would definitely meet your needs and responds very well to tube rolling.
I've used mine, which I bought used for $795, with a Grado Reference Platinum, Grado Reference Master, and Clearaudio Virtuoso through the MM input and with a Shelter 502 MKIII through the MC input.
It doesn't offer much in the way of settings, however, so I selected carts that I knew would work with it.
I use a cornet 3 into Cinemags. Stock build is good but I upgraded caps & resistors in the signal path. Also using some NOS tubes but again stock were not bad.
Find it has a good musical sound. Not the quietest but it has a richness without overt colouration. Can't compare it directly to the EAR as I have not heard one in my system. The small Allnic is better and I suspect the Cornet fan base preferred the power supply to the wallwart.
At the price it is a must consider. OPUS has tried Budgie and Cornet so s second opinion is available
Sometimes you get tired of rebuilding..
Opus 33 1/3
Can a 6dj8 function properly with less than 12 volts on the plate?
Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"
They probably use voltage multiplier..
Opus 33 1/3
I have built and used the Seduction and the Eros. The Eros is a major step up from the Seduction and approximately the same size. The sound is very clean with good detail and bass for both. But I believe the Eros presents a better and more accurate soundstage than the Seduction.
If you can handle a soldering iron and follow directions I think these are great sounding Pre's for the money. Plus, the Bottlehead community is there if you have problems or want to do any mods.
Richard
I keep looking at those bottlehead designs, trying to figure out how people create room on a shelf/rack and run cables vertically to the front and around those tubes. I don't know if I can accommodate one, otherwise it's one of my top choices.
I'm a big tube fan but when it comes to an MC gain stage I'll have to say that you would be much better to look for a SS phono stage with a tube preamp. Implementing gain with tubes is messy business that often ends up with a noisy background.
Do a search on the amp/pre asylum for Allen Wright and see what he had to say.
I acquired and have since rebuilt a Classe' 6 just because of it's phono stage.
Find a nice stand alone SS MM/MC phono stage and run that into a good tube preamp. I think you will be happier and spend less in the end.
I have a VTA PH16, betters my Cornet 2 a little bit, and there a few other models. All under a $1,000.
Thomas
"In a democracy, uneducated voters get the leaders they deserve."
I guess that means the Cornet 2 is for sale? :-)
I have 3 systems and it's still in use. They are well worth the money if you can find a used one.
Thomas
"In a democracy, uneducated voters get the leaders they deserve."
I am reconsidering the PH16 because after some measuring, I might be able to squeeze their 12" chassis in my rack next to my fairly narrow Meridian preamp. How is the sound of the ph16? I'm trying to find something the opposite of harsh. I need something without any glare.
My PH16 has plenty of detail, but I wouldn't describe it as harsh. I installed 4 GE smoked glass 6dj8's and Jensen copper PIO caps, which were a definite improvement. The Hagerman Cornet has a tad less detail in the higher frequencies but smooth mids, I prefer the PH16 for it's bigger soundstage and clear, smooth sound, if that makes any sense. I hate trying to compare 2 components using subjective words.
Thomas
"In a democracy, uneducated voters get the leaders they deserve."
I am personally using the Hagerman Trumpet MM phono stage. To me, the sound is very clear, open and musically pleasing. I have replaced all 8 tubes with Dutch Bugle Boy tubes. I had been using a Krell KRC-HR preamp, but since my only source is analog, I have recently replaced the preamp with a passive volume control built with Vishay resistors.
That stage is about the cost of my entire system.
I bought a Cornet II used which I am very happy with.I plan to upgrade some of the caps.as is advised on the Hagerman thread on Audio Circle.
That's my first choice if I can find one. A seduction recently came up but I passed on it.
Best Phono I've heard
Google Lionel Seemungal and Walter Yip
Des
Des , do you have link to the circuit ? Google search brings almost nothing.
Rgrds, W
PM sent
Des
perhaps you could send details to me as well?
(being of Trinidadian extraction...).
Big J
"... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
You don't accept mails
D
How does the PH-16 better your Cornet II?
Decware ZP-3
+1 EAR 834P!
nt
If you can find a used Grado PH1 in good condition, especially later production that came with a buffered "pc" type power supply instead of the basic and annoying wall-wart unit, that would be a wonderfully musical and synergistic pairing with your cart. And unless you are dead set on a tube amp, consider a home demo with a Sutherland Insight set to 40db gain. Compare what you hear in a venue offering live acoustic and preferably unamplified music. You might be pleasantly surprised at what a well crafted solid state circuit can do.
EAR 834p. It comes as either MM only or as Mm/MC at higher cost. You can't go wrong buying one used, and they frequently come up here on the asylum trader page, or on audiogon. Stock tubes are a bit dark, but a bit of tube rolling with NOS 12AX7 types can deliver sound of outstanding clarity and musicality. Lots of folks here have used one and there is no shortage of posts, so a search is your friend. Good luck
I recommend the MM only version. And a step up for MC. I have the deluxe version, but don't like the built in transformer for MC. The MM section is excellent IMO.
Great unit, nice sound, much nicer than say the Vincent Pho8...
Is that a full tube circuit, or a hybrid?
n/t
The standard Budgie is an all tube circuit, but it is also available as a hybrid using SK170 JFETs. The standard has 6K-ohm output impedance. The hybrid is only 600-ohm output impedance. The hybrid is a better match for SS preamps due to the lower impedance.
The hybrid is not listed on the Parks website, but if you contact Shannon I'm sure he could supply one for you.
I have the hybrid version and feel no need to "upgrade".
Both are highly recommended.
P.S.- It is also a small unit (7"x5") so that is a plus for you.
.
Freak out...Far out...In out....
I would think adding more into the tube signal path would make it sound 'worse'. The description on the website states the opposite. Can you have TOO much gain for a MM?
I have not heard the standard Budgie. I can tell you that the Hybrid is VERY quiet, and provides surprisingly "black" backgrounds with good bass response and dynamics. As far as gain...At 46db gain it is still lower in volume than my tuner or CD player but not by a lot. I don't think you will have an issue with to much gain.
.
Freak out...Far out...In out....
"The hybrid is not listed on the Parks website.
It is now.
Regards,
Mike.
What cartridge, turntable and preamp are you using with the budgie?
Edits: 01/10/17
Current table in rotation is a SL-1200 with KAB mods. Cartridges are 2M blue, Denon DL-110, or DV 10x5. The preamp is a Yamaha CX-1.
The Budgie has dip switches for loading that allows the use of most any cartridge.
The hybrid version has 46db gain compared to the standard version at 38db.
.
Freak out...Far out...In out....
N/t
n/t
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