 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
68.100.49.10
Yes, this is basically another one of those "I have this much $$$$ whats the best I can get threads". But I would also like to discuss the postitives of Tube and SS phono stages.A little background on my situation. I've got an MMF-5 with the original Goldring cartridge. I'm currently using the phono stage on my dads old HK reciever which I then connect to my Gilmore Lite and then into either Grado Sr225's or AKG 271's. Right now I am finding the highs to be etched and harsh. I've messed with the VTA and VTF out of the wazoo and the highs are still a problem. I have not touched the cartridge for fear of messing up everything and then not being able to fix it myself. From eyeballing it looks to be set up correctly (if that even means anything). I'm betting that the rough highs are a combination of my cartridge, which I've read that others have found harsh too, and my unsatisfactory phono pre-amp. At this point in time I'm focusing on the phono, though hopefully in the near future I'll be able to upgrade my cart. I'm thinking Grado Platinum, Dynavector 10x, or Denon 103.(feel free to post opinions of these carts too)
Now to my main question. If I understand correctly tubes will make things a bit more warm, hopefully taiming by harsh highs without sacrificing PRaT. Two tube phono's I'm contemplating are the ProJect Tube Box and the Jolida 102b???. I've also heard good things about the SS Trigon VangaurdII that Todd is selling, but the recent $100 price increase is kind of a turn off.
So please tell me what you think about the gear listed, add sugestions if you've got something that I have'nt mentioned. The phono must be MM and MC. I'd like to keep this around the 500 hundred dollar mark.
Follow Ups:
I've had really good luck with my SS phono pre. It is dead silent, flexible, and I don't ever have to mess with it. I would at some point like to try a really good tube phono pre, but I'm in no big hurry to do so.
Tubes are the best. But you will end up wanting something top notch. The best bang for buck is modding a pre amp with phono section.Believe it or not the 10X5 and Goldring 1042 sound very similar. They both sound nice. BUT the 1042 has an edgy mechanical quality to it that really detracts from it. The 10X5 is more refined, detailed and has much less surface noise. It's just a much better cart. I did an A/B comparison. Sometimes I like the edge the 1042 has though. Good for rock.
On how you listen? Martyh's suggestions are excellent. I feel though, if you listen casually, a good/decent solid state phono stage is O.K.. That is, you're doing other activities, out of the listening chair etc.. But, if you listen critically, for extended periods, then tube is the frosting on the cake. Sure, there are some that have their particular minor failings, but on balance. A more lasting and satisfying relationship.At five hundred, has to be plenty of used that will do the job. And new, many kits if you have a measure of interest and patience (Hagerman, DiyHiFi, etc.)
Trust your ears, don't be afraid to experiment. If it don't sound right to you, it isn't. Good Luck.
For an inexpensive preamp I suggest you look into a used Lehman black cube, I see them at agon for 2~3 hundred now and they are good sounding and very flexible. It has a very natural and listenable sound with great bottom end punch. It’s far better than it should be considering the price. The preamp works well with the DL103 you mention in your list of possible cartridges, a wonderful combo that I am listening to at this moment while checking different loads. (easy to switch on the black cube) I only have about 5 hours on the 103 but I can already see how it has earned its reputation, the midrange is just beautiful, so musical it’s hard to walk away from the room to type.
Good luck with your search
Marty
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
