He’s only just met us @Mather at least wait a few months before you have him remortgage his house to buy cables!
Blue jean cables are really highly thought of around these parts and are very reasonably priced.
Hi @bluzuner,
StudioPhono vs. UltraPhono, the Ultra has a lower noise floor + a Class A headphone amp.
The StudioPhono was my first "real" phono after trying out the built-in phono stage of my HINT 6 (which sounded pretty bad with my Ortofon Red and Ortofon Blue). I haven't compared to other phono stages at a similar price point but I thought it sounded really good and I liked it. The StudioPhono really helped smooth out the sound and got rid of the sibilance. It also improved the sound stage and details in general. It also is really flexible as far as adjustments (they're dip switches) where you can mess with gain and loading.
I also thought it sounded great with my Grado Gold v2 on my Pro-ject Debut Carbon Esprit.
I currently have a Parasound JC3 Jr. (which might be for sale soon) and it was a similar characteristic of improvements where it smoothed things out even more, added even better soundstage and more detail. I've just placed an order for a PS Audio Stellar Phono to compare to my JC3 Jr. after getting suckered into it by watching the interviews with the designer. I need to stop upgrading though.
All in all though, I think the form factor of the StudioPhono is great (it's pretty small) and it sounds great. Also has a mono switch and a subsonic filter (though I never noticed anything with the subsonic filter). If you buy from Crutchfield or Music Direct, they have 60-day in-home trials so I'd recommend giving it a shot.
Hope this helps and good luck with your search!
HAHAHAHAHAI have blue jeans for both interconnects and speaker wire, really nice product.
I only said that cause I was looking through the 100+ pages of this thread, and I thought it would be rude not to ask him about his cables
All indications are that Music Direct is still shipping gear and vinyl. And don't forget to use code LP10 for 10% off the MoFi records.Plus I could pick up all those Dire Straits MoFi's while I'm at it
That's Chicago, I'm assuming they are shut down for the time being. But it's not like my preamp is broken, I could wait.
All indications are that Music Direct is still shipping gear and vinyl. And don't forget to use code LP10 for 10% off the MoFi records.
What headphones did you groob?
Those are BEEEAAUUTFUL. Very very nice, my utilitarian MX50s are giving me side eye.Meze 99 Classics in Walnut/Silver. They seem really well-regarded and they look gorgeous.
Thank you for this. I've heard about that PS Audio piece, it's getting a lot of attention right now. I"m sure you'll love it.
I really trying to cap this at 500 bucks.
REALLY REALLY TRYING!
I just googled those. They look spectacular!Meze 99 Classics in Walnut/Silver. They seem really well-regarded and they look gorgeous.
I just googled those. They look spectacular!
I like my DS. But others here will have more experience with multiple phonos. I’m new to hifi with more experience in live audio. But I know what I like and It’s quiet, sounds great, and rock solid built. Tubes are hard to change but also well protected once you do.Hi, thought I'd ask about upgrading my phono preamp...
My main system has an U Turn Pluto in it. I also have a NAD PP-2e in the system in the bedroom. I'd like to replace the Pluto. My equipment goes Audio Technica VM540ML--Music Hall 2.3 SE--Cambridge CXA60--Q Acoustics 3030i.
I don't necessarily dislike the Pluto for what it is, but I feel like it struggles to get a grip on the high-end. As the volume rises, it gets a tad grainy. I do like it more than the NAD, but it does get a little shouty up top. And it's that way with most any cartridge. I use LC-1's for interconnects, so I think I'm safe there. I'm looking to spend $300-500 for this.
I'm looking for a new product, not one used. Although open boxes and demos are fine.
I know the two MoFi's are popular here, and have both gotten great reviews pretty much everywhere. One question I have is what does the step up from the StudioPhono to the UltraPhono get you? Also, I've somewhat interested in the ProJect Tube Box DS. That's moved down to $400 since it's gotten replaced. I'm open to others, also.
Thanks in advance for all your help!
One thing I know about the Puffin, and maybe you do too, is it takes the analog phono signal and digitizes in order for it to run thru the various sound filters/shapers it has onboard. For some folks that wouldn't matter, others might prefer their analog chain remain analog.2). I think for the preamp the main contenders are the Rega Fono Mk3 and the Puffin. Anyone have opinions? I know the Puffin you can make adjustments which seems fun, but also plug and play with no worries is nice too.
Adding to @Joe Mac's options, which are all great, there's another Musical Fidelity marked down at Music Direct....
Musical Fidelity - LX-LPS MM/MC Phono Preamplifier CRYO (Black)
www.musicdirect.com
I actually sold my MoFi Studio Phono for this model on my second system, there was absolutely nothing "wrong" with the StudioPhono, but since it was pretty much an even swap and MF had such great nods I wanted to give it a go. Long story short, love it, has some input options and it really does sing. It's going to boil down to budget and personal preferences, but I gotta say I was really impressed with Musical Fidelity
Awesome! Looking forward to your impressionsLooked like a pretty solid deal, so it's on it's way, with some vinyl to boot
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions!
I'm very jealous.First impressions of the Meze 99 Classics: Attractive design, nicely built. The whole thing is screwed together and looks like it can be dissembled and reassembled rather easily, which bodes well for long-term use.
Comfort is quite good. Very, very lightweight. Coming from my Audeze Mobius, it feels like wearin' nothin' at all.
Presentation feels really airy for a closed-back headset, with nice tonal balance and a smooth, highly detailed midrange. Very enjoyable thus far.
(sorry for the dust!)
View attachment 38914
View attachment 38915