Piccolo or Lundahl Step Up

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 1246 times.

Plink

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 138
Piccolo or Lundahl Step Up
« on: 23 Aug 2007, 06:57 pm »
I want to use my Dynavector XX-2 with my Scott LK-48's MM phono stage (don't worry about the Scott...it is restored with some slight mods and it is friggin' incredible). 

What are pros and cons of using active gain JFET vs the Lundahl (K&K)?  I hear that the JFET closely resembles a 12AU7 tube.  I am also told that I will hear more of the Scott phono stage with the Lundahl.

From a flexibility standpoint, I like the immedate flexibility that the Piccolo will provide.  I will also use a Denon 103R.

hagtech

  • Facilitator
  • Posts: 2269
    • http://www.hagtech.com
Re: Piccolo or Lundahl Step Up
« Reply #1 on: 23 Aug 2007, 07:07 pm »
They both can sound very good.  The tranny is a little simpler and more traditional, but it doesn't allow as much loading flexibility and is sometimes prone to pickup magnetic field hum.  You'll have to make the call, sonically these items are in the same ballpark (PICCOLO and LUNDAHL).

Now if I were a great salesman, I'd say get the PICCOLO as it offers more system flexibility.  It matches well with other phonostages and carts.  You can also sell it later.  It makes for a better long-term investment.  Blah, blah, blah.  But you don't want to hear that.  So I just tell you reality, which is that they will both make good solutions.  You'll be happy with either choice.  It comes down to a personal preference.  Some folks just don't like the tranny sound (audiogoners really rag on them).  Me, I like iron.  Although right now I'm running a PICCOLO in my system.

jh

Plink

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 138
Re: Piccolo or Lundahl Step Up
« Reply #2 on: 24 Aug 2007, 05:57 am »
You know, I generally think these kind of threads are stupid.  It's just that I've read a lot and I see supporters of both methods.  I think I'm trying to get an answer where the only real solution is to try both.  Thanks for your help, jh.  Less chance for magnetic hum and easier flexibility are likely what I will go with first. :wink:

I'm currently using Dynavector's P75 MKii phono stage and it is indeed excellent.  It should be fun to compare.