Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 13, 2018 8:08:24 GMT
HI, I've been re-visiting my LPs since changing my amp to a WD KEL84 valve jobbie. I have an Inspire Apollo deck with an AT33PGT cartridge serving a Cambridge CP2 MC pre-amp.
The sound is good but lacking bass - when compared with listening to the same recording from a digital source (Cambridge CXC: Beresford SEG DAC; Radio Paradise etc).
Any recommendations? (I have checked the cartridge set-up). I was wondering if the Rega Fono would be a better bet as it has more adjustments to match the specific characteristics of the cartridge.
Budget: "restricted".
The G Slee also took my eye but not sure if the low 0.3mV output from the AT would be an ideal match. I know G Slee offer a free loan.
Thanks,
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2018 8:39:36 GMT
I am about to put my Rega Fono up on the Classifieds if you’re interested?
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Post by MartinT on Apr 13, 2018 10:38:27 GMT
The AT33-PTG is not lacking in bass (I have one), although it's not the ultimate bass excavator. My immediate suspicion would be the Cambridge phono amp seeing as the rest of your system sounds good with CD etc.
Graham Slee do some good phono stages, as do Whest. Perhaps look on the used market to see what bargains are to be had?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2018 11:21:53 GMT
I have not heard that many good things about Cambridge Phono amps, in fact most I’ve seen have been quite negative.
Shame you need MC, I hadn’t seen that point earlier.
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Post by ChrisB on Apr 13, 2018 12:22:22 GMT
For a low price, I think the little battery powered Angle Audio unit is superb. I used the mm version with fantastic results with the Decca mkiv cartridge.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 13, 2018 15:47:24 GMT
No votes for the Rega then? Thanks.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 13, 2018 16:23:25 GMT
You've got an extremely capable cart being hampered by an entry level phono stage. I can assure you that you won't be hearing anything like its full potential. Personally I would wait till you can buy something a bit more substantial.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 13, 2018 16:44:05 GMT
You've got an extremely capable cart being hampered by an entry level phono stage. I can assure you that you won't be hearing anything like its full potential. Personally I would wait till you can buy something a bit more substantial. Yes, In the back of my mind I had the feeling that I was setting my sights a little low. So perhaps I can change the question...what mid-range mc unit do people recommend? i have joined the G Slee forum so can get a loan of one of theirs. Thanks
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 14, 2018 7:27:41 GMT
A Leema Acoustics Essentials for £320?
Any good?
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Post by Slinger on Apr 14, 2018 11:58:41 GMT
If the above is in your price range, how about an NVA Phono 1 at £300.00? I should stress that I've never heard one, but I have heard lots of positive things about them, Not exactly an "audition" but they come with a no-strings-attached money-back guarantee and they have a good upgrade path. They can be set to mm or mc before purchase, and the manufacturer states that they can be "matched precisely" to any cartridge before they're sent out. You can find them on eBay, or you can inquire about them further on the Hi-fi Subjectivist forum, where the guy who makes them can answer any questions you may have, and where some actual owners of them post.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 14, 2018 15:05:11 GMT
The Leema looks good value if it's the one on AOS you are thinking of.
NVA a very good suggestion and they are upgradeable too.
I really liked my old Puresound P10 tube phono but you would need the matching SUT to go with it for MC use. If you could get a used pair that would be great.
Another option would be a second-hand Croft.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 14, 2018 17:55:59 GMT
Thanks everyone; much appreciated.
I did look earlier at the NVA offering (mustn't mention this too loudly on the AoS forum). Isn't NVA stuff very sensitive to the type of cabling? I can't find a 2nd-hand Croft.
I've played around: changed cables,; increased tracking weight; changed the position of the Cambridge CP2 (it seems sensitive to nearby mains interference), But ..and it's a big 'but', the sound is still inferior to the digital sources (less muddled, slightly better top end etc). I know the two sources will sound different, but I was hoping for an approx. parity.
At least the bass has improved a little.
I'm tempted by the 2nd-hand Leema and by some of the Pro-Ject tube amps..but am very much open to suggestions/advice.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 14, 2018 19:08:26 GMT
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 14, 2018 19:35:34 GMT
Thanks Jules, the Trichord Dino seemed to be THE in-thing a few years ago, so I've always been on the look-out for a good 2nd hand version.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 14, 2018 19:42:42 GMT
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 15, 2018 18:00:58 GMT
The Allnic is tempting but the gain of the amp seems very low for my AT cartridge (0.3mV). Specs: "There are two unbalanced RCA inputs (one MC input and one MM input), and one set of unbalanced RCA outputs. With the simpler CR RIAA filter there are no impedance adjustment options, but the MC input has four variable gain settings (+22dB, +26dB, +28dB, +32dB (1kHz), while the MM input has a single +38bd gain setting (1 kHz)."
The Cambridge CP2 has a 55dB gain - which I find a little low.
Thanks
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Post by ChrisB on Apr 15, 2018 18:17:52 GMT
No, I think you only have to be careful with cables for pre and power amp connections.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 15, 2018 19:59:26 GMT
The Allnic is tempting but the gain of the amp seems very low for my AT cartridge (0.3mV). Specs: "There are two unbalanced RCA inputs (one MC input and one MM input), and one set of unbalanced RCA outputs. With the simpler CR RIAA filter there are no impedance adjustment options, but the MC input has four variable gain settings (+22dB, +26dB, +28dB, +32dB (1kHz), while the MM input has a single +38bd gain setting (1 kHz)." The Cambridge CP2 has a 55dB gain - which I find a little low. Thanks In that case the gain options for an Avid Pellar may suit. Good mid-priced unit this. avidhifi.com/electronics_pellar.htm
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Apr 15, 2018 21:56:58 GMT
Hi. thanks; another name I'd never heard of. It's £800 though - so above my budget I'm afraid. (So many phono preamps these days!)
Perhaps the Leema is, for me, a better bet.
BW
R
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 16, 2018 17:28:04 GMT
The Leema should be a good step up from what you have.
Earlier models of Dynavector P75 would be on budget and have the kind of gain you want.
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