[I.Greyhound Fan]

Does anyone own or has anyone heard the Darlington Labs MP8 B phono preamp?  I am curious as to how it sounds.  I am looking at upgrading my phono preamp and my short list is the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B, Pro-Ject RS and the Parasound JC3 Jr.

[justjed]

I have the MP8B, and I can't recommend it highly enough, this thing is phenomenal. I have Ortofon 2Ms, Red, Blue, and Bronze. Even the Red is listenable! But I also have the Quintet LOMCs, Red, Blue, and Bronze.
The LOMC stage is really good. I also have the SU-7, for LOMC, and the onboard of the MP8B is really close. I like both better than my inexpensive Chi-fi SUT. The MP8B is good enough that I'm done. This is my end-game phono-preamp.

[theflattire]

 Darlington Labs is a true giant killer.
I had an older MP-7 (when it was TOTL) and it held it's own against a Tavish Adagio and stock Modwright PH9.0.
The latter two are of course tube stages and that was the main difference I heard.
I have no doubt the MP8B takes it to another level.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I have the MP8B, and I can't recommend it highly enough, this thing is phenomenal. I have Ortofon 2Ms, Red, Blue, and Bronze. Even the Red is listenable! But I also have the Quintet LOMCs, Red, Blue, and Bronze.
The LOMC stage is really good. I also have the SU-7, for LOMC, and the onboard of the MP8B is really close. I like both better than my inexpensive Chi-fi SUT. The MP8B is good enough that I'm done. This is my end-game phono-preamp.

Can you please characterize the general tone of the preamp?  Is it neutral, warm or bright?  I prefer a slightly colored warmer sound. I am sensitive to bright sounds and sibilance.   Is the midrange full?  I do not care for a thin sounding midrange.

Much Thanks,

Larry

[justjed]

In my system, and to my ears, id say it's just a little to the warm side of neutral. A lot is going to depend on your cartridge and loading, and the recording,
but I've never thought the MP8B itself was too bright. The midrange is really nice, but I also have a pair of 12AU7s in the line stage preamp, so good mids
are really a characteristic of my system. The MP8B doesn't disappoint. I upgraded from the MP-7, mostly for the dual mono power supply, but also for the
ability to adjust for both MM and MC carts. With my MC carts and loading, I've yet to hear anything harsh that's not on the record. It has a big, full-bodied
sound that's also smooth, accurate, and musical.

Darlington Labs has a good return policy, a great upgrade program, and some of the best customer service in the industry. I had a problem with one of their
components, and, after talking to Keith, the situation was resolved, above and beyond what was really needed. These guys earned my respect, and not just
by putting out a good product, but by standing behind it 110%.
   

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Thanks for the info justjed.  I will have to look closer at the MP8.  I usually do not like buying things that I cannot audition although I have bought a few pieces of gear that way but they must have a good return policy.

I run a tube preamp as well.  A BAT VK51se with 8 tubes but it sounds more solid state than tubey and there is no tube rolling for the 6H30 tubes.  I have been leaning to the Pro-Ject Phono Tube Box DS3 but I am open to a SS phono preamp.  My cartridge is a Nagaoka MP-200 that has a slightly warmer sound. 

[justjed]

Because of the very small signal, I prefer SS for the phono pre, and keep the tubes in the line stage. That way, all sources, even the CDP, sound smoother.
After using several of their products, I have no issues with buying directly from Darlington Labs. On a side note, in my day job I'm a QC specialist in the
electronics industry, and the DL build quality is on par with the sound quality. I can do inexpensive, but I can't abide cheap. 

I have an Odyssey Candela preamp, with a single pair of tubes, but it's enough. Running it into a highly upgraded Odyssey Khartago SE, and it's everything
I need in the way of sound quality. And, with the MP8B, I'm left wanting for nothing. As I said, I'm done. This is the sound I was looking for.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I am throwing the Hagerman Trumpet MC phono pre in the mix.  Anyone own this one?  User reviews are great and a review on Analog Planet by Fremmer was good not great.  I do not think that he liked the warmer slightly colored sound and its appearance.

[Charles Xavier]

I just purchased the Hagerman Cornet. It's not an MC preamp but it is very musical and not overly colored. My TT sounds very dynamic with it.

[js1955]

Not sure of your budget, or if you need MM or MC or both......

But based on all the positive chatter out there, I'd consider the Graham Slee Accession.  The upgraded Enigma p/s reportedly takes it to a whole new level.  Available as either MM or MC, but not both in a single package.

A few reviews, Google will find many more:

https://www.stereotimes.com/post/graham-slee-accession-phono-preamplifier/

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/graham-slees-1449-accession-raises-mm-playback-bar

https://theaudiophileman.com/accession-mc-from-graham-slee/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYsfn4zo5oQ

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Budget is about 1500.  I need a MM but will eventually move up to an MC cartridge in the future.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I just purchased the Hagerman Cornet. It's not an MC preamp but it is very musical and not overly colored. My TT sounds very dynamic with it.

Thats good to know. 

[justjed]

At this level, anything you buy is going to be better than just good. But, for $1000, I don't think there's anything out there that's truly better than the MP8B.
Maybe at one or two things, but overall? Sound quality is the reason these guys are truly making a name for themselves. Try it out.

If you're already thinking of LOMC carts, you'll already have a high quality, highly adjustable, LOMC capable preamp. Or, you can use a head amp, or a SUT,
and tailor the response for best results. If you're going to go down the rabbit hole, the MP8B will go with you...

[1965]

Does anyone own or has anyone heard the Darlington Labs MP8 B phono preamp?  I am curious as to how it sounds.  I am looking at upgrading my phono preamp and my short list is the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B, Pro-Ject RS and the Parasound JC3 Jr.

I started with the MP7 and upgraded to the 8 this past spring. Prior to DL I was using the 12ax7 stage in my AVA T7. The DL lost none of the soundstage of the T7 and I gained a dead quiet background. I mostly listen to standard output Grado and Soundsmith and use a Ned Clayton SUT with my Denon 103 and a couple low output Grado. There is a huge thread at Steve Hoffman where you can read about people selling their higher priced and lauded pres and keeping the DL.  If you poke Flattire above for details, he can tell you what it takes to better it😊

[nlitworld]

I know your last thread about recommendations I posted to check out a PH16. Here is one on USAM for a good deal. Lots of very good upgrades including a choke in the power supply and good caps in the signal path. Toss a couple nos 6922 in there (or even some Gold Lions) and you're dialed. Down the road you would still need a SUT for lomc, but that's down the road anyways.

PH16

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Thanks for all the replies.  I am leaning to the DL MP8b but I really love tubes.  I will probably pull the trigger in about 3 weeks.  I would have to order a pair of RCA to XLR cables with an external ground wire to connect to the ground on the DL if I wanted to go balanced.  My BAT pre has only XLR in and outs.  Or use XLR adapters and go single ended.

[js1955]

I also prefer tubes.  Another one to maybe consider:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650162044-tavish-design-vintage-6sl7-phono-stage-dfw-area/

I have owned this model for several years.  It's been quiet and reliable.  IMO, his price is a bit high.

Another one I have owned for many years and recommend very highly is Juicy Music Tercel.  It is all tube for MM input. The MC input uses Jensen SUT.  This unit produces a lovely sweet tooby and dimensional sound.  Company is defunct and Tercel is old and kindof scarce.  Just means it's priced low and a great value when it does appear used.

[theflattire]

Thanks for all the replies.  I am leaning to the DL MP8b but I really love tubes.  I will probably pull the trigger in about 3 weeks.  I would have to order a pair of RCA to XLR cables with an external ground wire to connect to the ground on the DL if I wanted to go balanced.  My BAT pre has only XLR in and outs.  Or use XLR adapters and go single ended.

As I said above, you'd have to go Tavish Adagio to get to the Darlington Labs.  I'd have to call it even but the Adagio had that tube warmth.
Adagios come up for sale used from time to time for around $1500 and they are backordered on the website.

Close is my EAR clone with upgrades but with tubes and caps, you're getting close to the MP7B.  I would think the MP8B has surpassed the 7B.
The Tavish Classic or 6SN7 I've read good things, and I'm currently building the 6SN7 kit.
Another option is the Audio Note Kit phono stage, if you're handy with a soldering iron.  I may try this one day.
There's also the Icon Audio PS2.
Have fun!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Thanks Flatire.  I have looked at the Tavish and would buy one if one comes available.  I am now also considering the Hegel V10 and the Gold Note PH-10.  I have seen a few used and reviews are very good on both but I prefer features of the Gold Note.

[bacobits1]

Messing with gain settings on my 8B and Su7 and it's got  a really nice balance overall.
These have a lot of gain you probably won't need depending on your pre etc. Seperation in the soundstage, superb. Adjustability more than any phono i have had. I've had many just not wacko prices.

Cued an album yesterday, Rogue Cronus DARK on mute. Going to on, I had to check to see if I had it on my Aux phono/ position it was, so silent I was wowed. Which contributes to everything else about its description.
Never bright or harsh depending on cart or equipment or vinyl.
Using a Shelter 501 mk3 it is neutral warm a bit with the Shelter.
You want hyper detail,go to a AT33ptgll.

Also watch the Ph10 read some awful comments on their customer service concerning repairs.