"Wow" Upgrade to Vinyl One phono pre

Posted by hukkfinn (A) on August 13, 2008 at 08:05:22

I have always loved my tubed Vinyl One. I got it used on audiogon.com.

However, especially with MC carts, its sound is so BIG that I lose some imaging clarity compared to other phono pre's.

I could get an Art Audio Reference, which would cure this AND improve my overall vinyl experience. But I don't have the $$ now.

So, I sent my Vinyl One to Bob Backert, the brains behind RHB SoundDezign in Pennsylvania. I told him that I love the overall SOUND and FEEL of the Vinyl One, so I didn't want the circuit's setup altered in any major way. Bob listened to my phono pre for over two hours!! He then called back to suggest an upgrade to the power supply, which would cost $300 and would not touch the tubed circuit. I said "go." The results:

I love it more now!! It has better bass, punchier dynamics, and -- the main thing -- better imaging. Still has that tubed beauty, but everything sounds a little cleaner, and more definite. I am so happy with this upgrade that I wanted to pass it along.

(RHB SoundDezign already upgraded my preamp, a CJ PV12, which is how I knew them and why I trusted them with my "baby". With the CJ, they did major work to the tube circuit and the results were breathtaking).

A Reference from Art Audio would still be better, but for now I'm definitely satisfied.

Hukk

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Topic - "Wow" Upgrade to Vinyl One phono pre - hukkfinn 08:05:22 08/13/08 (8)

A friend of mine has done it, too...and then some... - kuma 19:23:55 08/13/08 (1)

That's cool - hukkfinn 20:07:45 08/13/08 (0)

RE: "Wow" Upgrade to Vinyl One phono pre - Fishfood 10:39:00 08/13/08 (0)

RE: "Wow" Upgrade to Vinyl One phono pre - trav 09:29:02 08/13/08 (4)

RE: "Wow" Upgrade to Vinyl One phono pre - hukkfinn 10:31:07 08/13/08 (3)

Can you be more specific? - Lew 08:38:03 08/14/08 (2)

RE: Can you be more specific? - hukkfinn 09:55:14 08/14/08 (0)

a circuit changes that actually make a positive difference... - kuma 09:00:11 08/14/08 (0)

"Wow" Upgrade to Vinyl One phono pre

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