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Fosgate Signature vs. Zesto Andros 1.2

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Posted on June 1, 2020 at 11:53:11
torc
Audiophile

Posts: 193
Location: Boston
Joined: October 17, 2002
I have been quite happy with my Fosgate Signature ll phono pre amp. It is an all-tube unit that is responsive to tube rolling and is reasonably quiet, just a smidge warm sounding (barely), and has a good bass sound - not at all lumpy or over ripe as tube units were once reputed to be.

But I have an opportunity to trade in my Fosgate towards a Zesto Andros 1.2. It is a much more expensive unit, but we all know that doesn't mean everything. I'm wondering if there are Zesto users who can tell me what they think. A bonus if you also know the Fosgate at all.

I mostly use Ortofon SPU cartridges, especially the GM E mkll. I have a Bob's Devices SUT that I use with the Fosgate, and that combo works great.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

David

 

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RE: Fosgate Signature vs. Zesto Andros 1.2, posted on June 1, 2020 at 17:43:26
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15386
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
too bad you an't try the zesto before you unload the fosgate.
...regards...tr

 

My thoughs on Zesto Andros 1.2, posted on June 2, 2020 at 05:24:15
zelig
Audiophile

Posts: 117
Location: Connecticut
Joined: March 7, 2001



I have used a Zesto 1.2 for about two years. Prior to that I was using an ARC PH-3SE (FET/tube hybrid) and a Cary Audio PH 301 Mk1, a classic 3 tube design. Before that ARC SP-11 MkII. Carts have been ZYX Airy3 and Dynavector XV-1s, so 3-6 ohm internal impedance and .24-.27mV in output. The phono pre goes into a integrated, BAT VK3000se. BAT does not publish the sensitivity specs but the Zesto has plenty of gain for this unit. I have about 4,000lps, sold 2,400 and probably since acquired another 1,200 or so. I currently listen mainly to rock, soul, jazz and Americana.

The Zesto is extremely quiet, MC or MM or MM + outboard SUT. For my ears, which are down above 13K, it has excellent frequency response and a nice full sound. You get great female vocals and sax/horn play. Dynamic response is great and resolution, even a low levels is excellent. I also used have tube power amps and was an incessant tube roller but have not felt the need to do so with this unit. I do retube each year with matched JJ ECC83s which I get for about $45/matched quad.

The Andros uses an internal SUT for gain on the MC input side. It is a Jensen JT44. I happen to have made a DIY SUT with these same transformers, 10:1 and 20db of gain. I also have a DIY SUT with Jensen JT 347s and for me, the 347 are better transformers. The MC inputs provide more than enough gain for the cartridges I use in my system. I cannot comment on the SPU which has lower output and don't know the rest of your system.

I currently have TT#2 with the ZYX feeding the MC input. My main rig with the XV-1s feeds an outboard SUT and then into the MM input. I used the JT 347 SUT, 24:1, 27 db gain and loved the sound. Recently I had asked David Slagle about transformers and he recommended a 20:1 for my setup as I was thinking about another DIY SUT. A few days later an EMIA (uses Slagle transformers) came up for sale at a price equal to the parts and this is what I am currently using into the MM input. It did move the dial.

I have not heard a Fosgate. I am quite happy with my setup using the MM input and outboard SUTs. If I not have the outboard SUTs, I would still be happy using MC inputs. My only concern would be gain within your system so I would keep your SUT and trying different combos with the Zesto MM and MC inputs.

I used to have a Bob's with the Cinemag 3440ah blue transformers and would rate the Jensen 44 equal or slightly better. The Zesto designer George Counnas is a pleasure to deal with and he uses the JT 347 on the Deluze, Alasso and Tessara. Transformers can make a difference.

Apologies for the length and good luck.

 

RE: Fosgate Signature vs. Zesto Andros 1.2, posted on June 2, 2020 at 06:56:57
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
Why do you need an SUT with the Foz? The Foz already has a gain switch. Just curious...

 

RE: My thoughs on Zesto Andros 1.2, posted on June 2, 2020 at 07:48:40
torc
Audiophile

Posts: 193
Location: Boston
Joined: October 17, 2002
That was very helpful - thank you. My goal is that I will love the sound of my SPU with the 0.2 output going into the Andros' built in step up transformer so that I can use my other 'table with a mono MM cartridge into the MM inputs. Selling my SUTs would be another financially helpful bonus.

My Fosgate goes into my PS Audio BHK preamp, and it seems I have enough gain, and they have been a good match.

Again, I appreciate that you shared your thoughts here.

David

 

RE: Fosgate Gain, posted on June 2, 2020 at 08:47:57
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
The Foz provides for gain switching of 60 db for carts with less than 1 mV. 42 dB for above. 60 dB is not enough gain from a phono stage for you?

I inquire as I'm also moving in an MC direction and feel no need for any more gain than what the Foz provides.

 

RE: Fosgate Signature vs. Zesto Andros 1.2, posted on June 2, 2020 at 09:53:35
torc
Audiophile

Posts: 193
Location: Boston
Joined: October 17, 2002
Hi Jaynemo,

The Fosgate has 60db MC gain. When I tried my low output SPU (0.18Mv), It just didn't sound as rich and round and saturated as I hoped. Someone suggested I try a SUT into the MM setting, and sure enough, what I hoped for from a SPU was all there. It just sounded better. I think these choices are taste-dependent, but that SUT sound sure seems to suit me.

David

 

RE: Fosgate Signature vs. Zesto Andros 1.2, posted on June 2, 2020 at 10:02:11
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
OK good to know. I'm in process of restoring a TD-124 which will include a new Jelco TK-850L....the cart is going to be MC I just havent decided which cart yet...probably leaning towards a low output Hana...well see how the Foz 1 handles it... when I get there.

 

RE: Fosgate Gain, posted on June 2, 2020 at 11:54:54
zelig
Audiophile

Posts: 117
Location: Connecticut
Joined: March 7, 2001
How much phono gain is system dependent and to some degree a matter of personal preference. Too much phono gain and you can overload the preamp, too little and you may introduce circuit/tube noise of the phono pre into the preamp and/or preamp noise as well when you turn everything up. Also, the numbers can tell you one thing but then your ears tell you something else. The OP uses a LOMC with really low output, hence my comments regarding gain. The Hana ML, with .4mV of output should in theory work well with the Fosgate. The OPs LOMC has half the output of the Hana ML, a big difference.

KAB phono gain caculator is useful.

https://www.kabusa.com/pregain.htm

Hagerman is useful.

http://www.hagtech.com/loading.html

Another interesting discussion regarding gain

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/rethinking-phono-preamp-gain-settings.682880/

Gain is one thing, another rabbit hole to go down is loading but that is for another time.

Enjoy the music.



 

RE: Fosgate Gain, posted on June 3, 2020 at 08:43:07
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
have any experience with the 47 Labs cart?

 

RE: Fosgate Gain, posted on June 5, 2020 at 03:33:47
zelig
Audiophile

Posts: 117
Location: Connecticut
Joined: March 7, 2001
No experience with that one.

 

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