Phono preamp

172.88.231.132

Posted on September 11, 2022 at 21:22:43

rockpassion
Audiophile

Posts: 501
Joined: July 9, 2002
Contributor
Since: January 4, 2006

I currently have a Bottlehead Eros phono preamp. I would like to try a new tubed phono preamp that might give me smoother highs and better soundstage. I do like the Eros but am wondering if improvements can be made if I go up to another level of Phono Preamp. My system consists of a VPI Hw-19 Mk IV TT with a Woody String Theory tonearm. I have a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC ES which really kicked up the presentation considerably. I also use a Cinemag 1254 stepup transformer.

My limited search so far leans towards a Modwright PH 9.0. My dollar range is $2000 - $3000 and used is acceptable. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Richard

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Jim Hagerman

22:59:04 10/03/22

RE: Phono preamp

mraudio

08:00:04 09/12/22

2

A similar experience

1973shovel

09:31:31 09/12/22

...

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Check this one out

Jim Hagerman

22:59:04 10/03/22

RE: Phono preamp

mraudio

08:00:04 09/12/22

2

A similar experience

1973shovel

09:31:31 09/12/22

RE: A similar experience

Mushroom Soup

19:10:46 09/13/22

Did you build the Bottlehead yourself?

ghost of olddude55

03:20:31 09/12/22

4

What Ghost said...

MaxwellP

05:58:19 09/12/22

3

and you too

Story

06:17:48 09/12/22

2

RE: and you too

Mushroom Soup

19:12:36 09/13/22

And changing the coupling caps to paper in oil and the 47k resistors made a world of difference. nt

viridian

06:59:02 09/12/22

Did you build the Bottlehead yourself?, posted on September 12, 2022 at 03:20:31
ghost of olddude55 Audiophile Posts: 32546 Joined: July 14, 2017	If so, does Bottlehead offer any upgrade packages for the Eros? I built the original Bottlehead Seduction years ago, then added the C4 upgrade several months later, and it was a noticeable upgrade. And I'm skeptical when it comes to upgrades. The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

What Ghost said..., posted on September 12, 2022 at 05:58:19
MaxwellP Audiophile Posts: 1622 Location: New York Joined: September 19, 2007	Did you try changing tubes or caps? I built a Foreplay years ago and little upgrades often made noticably pleasant changes.

and you too, posted on September 12, 2022 at 06:17:48
Story Audiophile Posts: 10431 Location: NJ Joined: December 11, 2000	just the tubes alone can make a world of difference

And changing the coupling caps to paper in oil and the 47k resistors made a world of difference. nt, posted on September 12, 2022 at 06:59:02
viridian	Nt

RE: Phono preamp, posted on September 12, 2022 at 08:00:04
mraudio Audiophile Posts: 459 Location: Northern Colorado Joined: November 4, 2006	I have owned both a Seduction and Eros with pretty much all the mods/upgrades, along with excellent tubes. While both are indeed fine, they are not in the same league as the Modwright or a Parasound JC3+. Both of which are very, very good and several steps above. Just my opinion, of course...

A similar experience, posted on September 12, 2022 at 09:31:31

1973shovel
Audiophile

Posts: 10117
Location: Greenville SC
Joined: February 25, 2007

I've used several tubed phono stages over the years, including Dynaco, Audio Research, and DIY, with the DIY using premium resistors, Teflon and paper in oil caps.

I recently bought a PS Audio Stellar phono, and the improvements were (I almost said "stellar") great. The Stellar replaced a Graham Slee Reflex X, which was no slouch.

I still enjoy tubes for line-stages and amps, but my experience is that good transistor designs can do better with low-level phono signals.

RE: A similar experience, posted on September 13, 2022 at 19:10:46
Mushroom Soup Audiophile Posts: 310 Location: Western New York State Joined: November 1, 2003	Huh. I love the way my homemade tube pre sounds but if I could get something made of sand that was quieter that might have some appeal.

RE: and you too, posted on September 13, 2022 at 19:12:36
Mushroom Soup Audiophile Posts: 310 Location: Western New York State Joined: November 1, 2003	I hate to say it but there are tubes that I wouldn't care to listen to. Don't ask me which, I only remember the good ones.

Check this one out , posted on October 3, 2022 at 22:59:04
Jim Hagerman Manufacturer Posts: 581 Joined: January 18, 2002	https://www.haglabs.com/collections/phono-preamps/products/trumpet-mc-vacuum-tube-phonostage

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Phono preamp

172.88.231.132