|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
165.1.1.4
Hi. I have a VPI Scout, through the phono section (pretty goo, I must say) of a Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated. I'm considering an upgrade and was wondering what would be a betrer choice, the Cornet MC at 950.00 or the Jolida-SDA combo, 1.329 total.
Cheers
Follow Ups:
I'm not sure I understand the question. The VPI SDS alone is about US$1,000. I don't know about this other stuff you're talking about, with the SDS.I just bought one a few months ago. See my review for details and associated stuff.
My personal opinion is that, at the level of your system, there are better places to put your money than an SDS -- such as phonostage, or cartridge. Frankly, there are people who probably would look at my system and say that $1,000 would have been better invested in upgrading my turntable than in buying an SDS. (I figured I could always upgrade the table later, if a I chose to, and the SDS would make that table better, too.)
Yes, the SDS does make an improvement, but it's subtle. And, at the level of equipment that you have, $1,000 is a substantial amount of money. I suspect more dramatic improvements for $1,000 are possible if you buy a standalone phonostage or a new cartridge.
If you don't take my word for it, there are other SDS reviews in the "review" section of the Asylum. Everyone's reaction is pretty much the same as mine was.
While going for the broken record award I have to say that I absolutely LOVE my Cornet2 and CineMag SUT combo used with my Sound-Smith re-tipped DL-103. The Cornet is a winner!
I am very intrigued by this phonostage, but how does a non-DIYer like me get one made? The website doesn't seem to offer premade models. I know you made one for HenryH and he's psyched, but I don't suppose you want to get innundated with requests from other Asylees?Also, I assume it would work fine with an HO MC cartridge without a SUT? I have a Benz Ace HO on my new Scout, which is working very well with a little cheapo Creek MM phonostage (37db and 47k ohm) through the CJ CA200 control amp, but I see the phonostage as my next upgrade.
...Fielded offers to build Cornet2's for others. I would love to do it but, Hagtech has run out of the pre-punched and stenciled chassis to go with the circuit boards for the Cornet2. Punching and lettering a chassis would prove too labor-intensive for me to charge less than the $950 that you can buy the CornetMC, assembled and shipped straight from Hagerman for.Unless you want to build your own chassis, buy the CornetMC, you don't have to use the built in headamp.
--
Al G
Born To Tinker!
I didn't realize that the Cornet MC came fully assembled. I assume it sounds about the same as the Cornet2 if you don't use the build in head amp? How does it sound with the head amp vs. the Cornet2 with a SUT? Not important to me now with a HO MC, but curious for possible future cart upgrades.I'm also intrigued by the Wright 200, which is similarly priced but doesn't have a built in head amp.
The headamp in the CornetMC is the soon to be released Picclo headamp. I have not heard it. In general, I prefer a transformer over an active headamp.
--
Al G
Born To Tinker!
The headamp, named Piccolo, is not for sale yet except in the CornetMC. It is new. There is an outboard kit that is 'on it's way.Check out the blog on hagtech for some details on the Piccolo's road to market.
~ Pat O'Malley
.
No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
I didn't know either, so I looked it up:http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=AVPISYNCH
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: