REVIEW: Hagerman Technology Cornet2 Phono Preamp

Model:	Cornet2
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$249
Description:	Tube Phono Preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Hagerman Technology
Model Picture:	View

Review by anumber1 (A) on April 10, 2007 at 19:12:03
IP Address: 71.10.136.75

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for the Cornet2

After using vintage, restored, full function, Audio Research tube preamps for many years (an SP3A-1 and an SP-6A), I had the hankering to build and try a stand alone unit. I considered the BottledHead Seduction, but ruled it out due to it's use of the 6DJ8 type of tube. The Hagerman Technology Cornet2 fit my ideals well as it uses 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes in the signal path. I have a good collection of these types as well as experience with some of the many new production offerings of these tube types.
I built two units, one for a generous Vinyl Asylum inmate and one for myself. The Hagerman Technology "half kit" is a very well thought out kit. For $249, shipped, Hagerman supplies well written instructions, the casework, gold plated input and output RCA jacks and the circuit board. The remaining parts must be sourced through Digi-Key and Antique Electronic Supply. Ordering the parts is made easy by the pre-loaded Digi-Key order form and the supplied Antique Electronic Supply part numbers. The basic unit can be built for around $400 or so but the sky is the limit when it comes to using esoteric, "audiophile grade" parts such as capacitors and resistors. My unit utilizes the "stock" Digi-Key sourced resistors and just a few upgraded capacitors. The other unit utilizes AuriCaps in the locations specified for upgrading in the Cornet2 instruction manual.
The assembly went very well, the schematic is easy to read and the circuit board is very well marked and well laid out. I was able to assemble both units in about 15 hrs of bench time, including fixing a few minor mistakes I made while stuffing the board (I transposed the placement of a couple of resistors in the power indicator LED's circuit). Both units fired up and worked on the first try (no SMOKE!). I listened to the AuriCapped unit for about 12 hrs and shipped it off to it's proud owner. My unit has been in use for about a week and has about 75 hrs of use on it now. For tubes I am using a Sylvania 5Y3G rectifier, a pair of 1950s Mullard ECC83s and a 1950s RCA "Red Command" 5814 (Mil-Spec 12AU7).
The sound of the Cornet2 compared to the phono section of my ARC SP-6A preamp is very detailed. The Cornet2 has a large, spacious quality and very articulate bass. The classic ARC is outclassed when it comes to the detail and dynamics of the Cornet2. Plainly put, the Cornet2 sounds HUGE but maintains a musical, toe tapping vibe. I have been playing records non-stop since turning the Cornet2 on for the first time ten days ago with few exceptions. The unit is silent in operation with minimal background hiss at high volume levels and no residual hum at all.
I am *VERY* happy with the Hagerman Technology Cornet2!

Product Weakness: Funky size, tall and narrow case. Not much to gripe about really!
Product Strengths: Easy assembly for an experienced kit builder. The Hagerman website is fully stocked with the instruction manual and much more. Great Sound for minimal money.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	DIY Paradise Charlize T-Amp powered by a B&K lab grade 5 amp regulated power supply
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC SP-6A, rebuilt with modern caps and resistors
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI HW-19 MkIII/SME 309/ Sound Smith upgraded Denon DL-103/CineMag CMQEE-3440A SUT
Speakers:	Genesis Physics Model III
Cables/Interconnects:	AQ Lapis, Beldon 89259, AQ type 4 speaker wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Prog Rock, Rock & Roll, Blues, Folk, Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	12' x 12' x 13'
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY corner treatments,
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week (so far)
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Dedicated 20 amp circuit, TrippLite Surge strip
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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Topic - REVIEW: Hagerman Technology Cornet2 Phono Preamp - anumber1 19:12:03 04/10/07 (51)

I am wondering how it compares to the Wright Sound Company WPP200C Phono Preamplifier - JoshT 14:07:59 04/11/07 (1)

Re: I am wondering how it compares to the Wright Sound Company WPP200C Phono Preamplifier - mothra 01:05:39 04/12/07 (0)

Would love to see some Cornet pictures(with alternate chassis options) - NuWave 08:53:50 04/11/07 (2)

Cornet chassis designs..... - SHIF 20:02:36 04/11/07 (0)

Got to the Hagerman Audio Circle... - pretzel_logic 12:27:58 04/11/07 (0)

Am wondering how it compares to Jolida JD-9. (nt) - couger4u 08:16:38 04/11/07 (5)

No comparison really. The Cornet is a smoother, more - HenryH 08:27:32 04/11/07 (4)

Re: No comparison really. The Cornet is a smoother, more - tketcham 19:18:41 04/11/07 (3)

Listen to a Cornet II and you might be swapping. . . ;8^) /nt\ - HenryH 20:09:19 04/11/07 (2)

If they were available pre-built I might. '-) nt - tketcham 06:34:50 04/12/07 (1)

Actually, I see that he offers the Cornet MC pre-built... - tketcham 06:43:33 04/12/07 (0)

can I get in on this love fest too? - troporobo 07:04:40 04/11/07 (1)

Nice job! Love that case! nt - JoshT 13:33:11 04/11/07 (0)

Hagerman Technology Cornet2 Phono Preamp - sanesmith 23:35:55 04/10/07 (3)

Re: Hagerman Technology Cornet2 Phono Preamp - anumber1 04:49:23 04/11/07 (1)

I hear the new Tung-Sol 12AX7 is a keeper as well. - HenryH 06:51:59 04/11/07 (0)

Re: tube choice - ffrr 23:57:54 04/10/07 (0)

Thanks for the detailed review... - HOK 20:35:43 04/10/07 (0)

Congratulations! - OMalley 20:07:25 04/10/07 (11)

Looks like we are in the same boat - NuWave 09:02:19 04/11/07 (9)

Reference Audio Mods - OMalley 09:25:52 04/11/07 (8)

So i would need to get three of these thingies? - NuWave 18:24:07 04/11/07 (7)

3 of 'em? no. - OMalley 04:30:21 04/12/07 (6)

That's it? - NuWave 09:12:49 04/12/07 (5)

and the cost = $38.50 not $120 [nt] - OMalley 10:01:31 04/12/07 (0)

the dual - OMalley 10:00:09 04/12/07 (3)

and it sounds that much better? - NuWave 14:03:27 04/12/07 (2)

the yellow jobbies - OMalley 15:44:13 04/12/07 (1)

I had a run in too - NuWave 08:40:35 04/13/07 (0)

Thanks! - anumber1 20:20:04 04/10/07 (0)

Nice job Al. Chosen a favorite between the ARC and the Cornet? /nt/ - powermatic 19:39:18 04/10/07 (3)

Well, - anumber1 19:50:31 04/10/07 (2)

Re: ARC (stock) - cdb 21:25:05 04/10/07 (1)

My SP-6 has been rebuilt. - anumber1 04:53:46 04/11/07 (0)

Moved my Cornet II up on top (pic) - HenryH 19:33:04 04/10/07 (16)

Re: Moved my Cornet II up on top (pic) - cdb 21:21:27 04/10/07 (1)

Re: Moved my Cornet II up on top (pic) - HenryH 21:27:33 04/10/07 (0)

Great look! When you get into tube rolling... - Ivan303 20:05:48 04/10/07 (11)

anybodoy ever try the Weber Copper Cap WY3GT - OMalley 05:36:04 04/11/07 (0)

Am using a Phillips GZ34... - pretzel_logic 05:17:58 04/11/07 (1)

The CineMag SUT works great with the Cornet II. - HenryH 06:55:11 04/11/07 (0)

is there any quote from JH - OMalley 04:27:58 04/11/07 (3)

Then the Sovtec 5Y3 isn't really a 5Y3... - Ivan303 07:31:35 04/11/07 (2)

Comparisons - OMalley 11:35:02 04/11/07 (0)

The Hammond T-370BX power transfomer... - anumber1 10:59:42 04/11/07 (0)

Just ordered one. /nt\ - HenryH 20:20:06 04/10/07 (1)

Please let us know if you notice any differences... - Ivan303 21:06:56 04/10/07 (0)

That is EXACTLY like the one I am using! - anumber1 20:07:59 04/10/07 (1)

Heard a number of tubes rolled throught a Cornet... - Ivan303 21:33:06 04/10/07 (0)

Looks good! - anumber1 19:40:55 04/10/07 (1)

Spinning Mayer's "Continuum" now. You're gonna love that - HenryH 19:50:25 04/10/07 (0)

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Product Weakness:	Funky size, tall and narrow case. Not much to gripe about really!
Product Strengths:	Easy assembly for an experienced kit builder. The Hagerman website is fully stocked with the instruction manual and much more. Great Sound for minimal money.