[low.pfile]

I want to try out a different phono amp with my system just to see if I prefer one sound to the other.

I know I can but at this point I am not going to change/upgrade my cartridge or other parts of my system. I have a KAB modded Technics SL1210 with a AT150MXL cart (MM). I am currently using a graham slee amp2 SE phono (standard power). This is my first TT system and it is surprisingly good: dynamic, very low noise, and tight bass. Many albums sound better than the same on my digital front end.

So I am considering auditioning something with a different design. Maybe tube. Maybe just different. Budget is under $800. A used unit, in great condition is fine too.

I just started my shortlist:
- Graham Slee Era Gold V
- Jolida JD9 (I am reading that it may not be ideal for MM)
- Pro-Ject Tube Box SE II

....What else should I look at?
and no DIY for me (really)

Music will be Soul, R&B, Indie Rock, Rock, Electronica, Blues, and a little Jazz. I would like tight bass, rich sound and great imaging- and maybe a tad warm. My GSlee might be a little light on rich sound and imaging? dunno, hence wanting to compare.

I will ask a friend to bring his Bellari BP129 tube phono to give it a listen in my system-but he's out of town and only visits on occasion-really just to make a comparison. Otherwise I have to buy and try.

Thanks, ed

[Wayner]

I would recommend the Audio by Van Alstine "Insight" phono preamp. I have the boards mounted in my EC preamp and they are marvelous. Nice tight bass, airy high end a great soundstage!

Wayner

[Jampot]

I moved from a Slee Gram amp2 to a Trichord Dino - mainly for the convenience of switchable settings.

In both cases I found the upgraded PSU a BIG improvment, so that may be all you need right now.

Jim

[Miney]

- Jolida JD9 (I am reading that it may not be ideal for MM)

Ed,  I've been considering a JD-9 myself  - could you elaborate or point me to what you've read?

Thanks,

Paul

[bacobits1]

If I were in your position or if I didn't already have the Mini Max Phono
I would go after the Jolida JD9. The 6 moons review raved about it stock.
I have not read any where it was not as good in MM mode.
The Black Cube SE version is excellent too. Buy used for $425.

Den

[low.pfile]

Thanks for the input guys.
On the jolida.... I did see one review (not sure where) that commented on less performance with a MM cart.  Also it seems all the other reviews where using MC carts. I haven't crossed it off the list. just trying to get more background.

ed

[low.pfile]

So I just picked up a used Pro-Ject Tube Box II SE  - it should arrive next week. I also found a local dealer to demo a Heed Audio Quasar.

I'll give an update after I spend some time with them all.

cheers, ed

[TheChairGuy]

Ed,

One day try running a hi-output cartridge right into a nice full featured preamp.....more junctions and joints are not helpful to eeeny-weeny cartridge signals.

Nonetheless, I hope the Pro-ject works out for ya'.  I love your methodical way of going about your journey 

John

[Scott F.]

In both cases I found the upgraded PSU a BIG improvment, so that may be all you need right now.

Jim

I agree with Jim wholeheartedly. I am very familiar with the Slee line. I use the Jazz Club and also have the Elevator and Era Gold Reflex in house. In years gone by I also had the Slee 1 and 2 in house with the standard wall wart PS and PSU 1.

Changing to the PSU1 was a dramatic upgrade to the sound. The additional ampacity coupled with tighter regulation and lower ripple from the PSU1 gave the Slee gear better bass, a considerably lower noise floor, the soundstage opened up, placement got considerably better and definition increased by a reasonable amount too. All that sounds pretty remarkable but those are the things that happen when you give a piece of gear quality power.

LP Gear sells the PSU1. Be careful though, Grahams current gear is now designed using a 24 volt power supply but his older stuff used a 12 volt design. Rome at LP Gear might be able to supply you with the 12 volt version if that's the one you have.

I personally would try the PSU1 first and see it that cures your upgradeitus. If not, the Era Gold is most definitely a worthy upgrade too.

[low.pfile]

Scott,

I am really just exploring different flavors. I am aware of the better GS PSU. My thinking was that it would improve what is there and not really be a different flavor, per se. Though I do realize it is an option. ( FWIW I am leaning toward an upgraded PS for my Brick DAC ... too bad they weren't interchangeable!)

BTW, My Gram Amp 2 SE (~2007) uses the Wall Wart Power supply labeled: 18V  1000mA.

Thanks for the input.

Cheers, ed

[orthobiz]

What about the PS Audio GCPH? It's 300 dollars off at musicdirect.com, 700 bucks.

I just bought a used table and want to hook a preamp to my Van Alstine Ultra. I will keep my Linn plugged into the "Special" phono board in the Ultra.

I definitely want to be able to try MC cartridges in the future, lo or hi output, so another phono unit from Frank is not on the table (hahaha) right now.

I'm looking in that same 700 or less price range, new or used. There's a Blue Circle preamp on Audiogon right now for around 700, BC27pi.

Paul

[sanlanman]

What about the PS Audio GCPH? It's 300 dollars off at musicdirect.com, 700 bucks.

I just bought a used table and want to hook a preamp to my Van Alstine Ultra. I will keep my Linn plugged into the "Special" phono board in the Ultra.

I definitely want to be able to try MC cartridges in the future, lo or hi output, so another phono unit from Frank is not on the table (hahaha) right now.

I'm looking in that same 700 or less price range, new or used. There's a Blue Circle preamp on Audiogon right now for around 700, BC27pi.

Paul

Take a look at the Musical Surroundings, Phonomena II, List is $600.00. It is on my short list for a next vinyl system upgrade. Lots of settings adjustments via switches on the back of the unit. It was just favorably reviewed by Audiophile and Tonepub and one other that I can't remember, (Stereo Times maybe?)

[orthobiz]

Take a look at the Musical Surroundings, Phonomena II, List is $600.00. It is on my short list for a next vinyl system upgrade. Lots of settings adjustments via switches on the back of the unit. It was just favorably reviewed by Audiophile and Tonepub and one other that I can't remember, (Stereo Times maybe?)

Also reviewed in TAS, last month, the Analog Issue, one of three inexpensive phono preamps. Same issue reviewed the PS Audio as well.

Paul

[zenblaster]

Hi- I had the same table and with a few different ho carts and ran it thru a Conrad Johnson PV-10 tubed pre with SS amp and got great results. a nice dynamic, laid back sound that you can only get from tubes.  You can always change tubes for a more subtle change in the tone.  You can find the CJ pre for usually $500-$700 in top condition. 

[doug s.]

for upgrade p/s, check ebay for hewlett-packard or similar lab grade power supplies.  these are killer, and can be had for $50-$100 - pennies on the dollar.

dunno about the most recent musical surroundings fono stage, but i thought the first iteration sucked, fwiw.  the built-in fono stage of my then linn kairn absolutely smoked it in all areas.  the phonomena i tried was flat, lifeless, dry...

ymmv,

doug s.

[orthobiz]

I am enjoying a Primare R20 right now, 350 on audiogon, I believe 795 new.
The back has a flip switch for MM/MC (I have a Linn Adikt MM) and a rotary knob for several impedance settings.
I like not having to open it up and play with DIP switches.
And it's heavy and built like a little truck.
The company is now handled by Sound Organisation.

Paul