Having upgraded from a Denon 103R to a Dynavector XX2 and then from a Pioneer PL-71 to a Versalex I decided to compare this phono stage (
http://www.pureaudio.co.nz/?page_id=37) to my Dynavector P-75 Mk1.
In doing so I broke a rule I have lived with for many years - to never do a home demo of something above my budget.
I thought it would be better and it was, but by somewhat more than I had anticipated.
When I first started to listen to it I was a bit underwhelmed as it didn't really sound much different - but I gradually began to realise that I was hearing high end detail extracted by the XX2 which the P-75 had been hiding from me. The bass was also tighter and more textured, but not any deeper. So I kept on listening for 3 more days, just to be sure. One big difference I noticed was how much more lifelike cymbals sounded.
The proof of the pudding was to come, if it was going to, after I took it back. It did and now I miss it a lot and have bowered to the conclusion I am going to have to save my pennies to buy one.
Perhaps listening to CD for a few weeks will let me forget it or maybe I should demo the new P75 Mk3 in the hope it has somehow bridged the gap.
Perhaps next time I will have better self control.
Steve