[colhogan]

Mr Tanner:
I was wondering if there is anything that can be done to improve the sound of my .5B Phono Section.
 It sounds pretty good,but also rather "dark",compared to the outboard Phono unit that I have been using.
 My original intention was to continue to use my Acurus P-10 as the main Phono Stage,and have the .5 as a back-up,just in case.
My thinking was that if I can get the sound of the 2 stages similar,then I'd sell the outboard unit..
I am using a Rega P-1 Turntable ,with the Glass Platter upgrade, and a rather nice Audio Technica Ctg from LP Gear.
I can't believe how good some of these LP's sound!
Thanks in advance for any help.
Regards,
Patrick

[James Tanner]

Hi Patrick,

I am sorry but there is not much I can do on changing the sound of the MM phono stage in the .5B as it is a very accurate double RIAA stage design.  The deviation from the RIAA curcve is measured in milli-bells as opposed to decibels as is usual in other phono stages. We have used this design for many years and it is very popular in professional applications because of its text book adhearance to the reference standard RIAA playback curve.

james

[colhogan]

Thanks for your advice,James!
BTW,I got my Official  Bryston T-Shirt  via Fed Ex today,Its' little over-sized, but nothing several washes in really hot water can't fix..
People are already asking me what the name "Bryston" means,and why am I wearing it?( I think they assume its' a bit like being in the Free Masons.) A little mystery is always  a good thing.  aa

[vegasdave]

That's weird, I hear anything but a "dark" sound in my BP6 phono stage...any differences between mine and the .5B, James?

[James Tanner]

That's weird, I hear anything but a "dark" sound in my BP6 phono stage...any differences between mine and the .5B, James?

Hi Dave,

No they are the same but there are so many variables in phono playback - turntable, cartridge, setup etc. that universal agreement between one system and another is difficult.

james

[vegasdave]

I agree. The same goes for speakers. I auditioned a pair of one brand with my BP6 and 4BSST and it sounded like the tweeters were blown. I get my JBLs, which were half the price of the other speakers, and voila, the sound is open and clear.

[95Dyna]

That's weird, I hear anything but a "dark" sound in my BP6 phono stage...any differences between mine and the .5B, James?

Hi Dave,

No they are the same but there are so many variables in phono playback - turntable, cartridge, setup etc. that universal agreement between one system and another is difficult.

james

Hi James,

I have the BP26P and find that I have to turn the volume up to at least 2:00 and sometimes higher to enjoy the sound.  Can one or more of the variables outside the phono stage effect this or is it just the gain setting on the on board MM stage?

Thanks,

Bill

[James Tanner]

That's weird, I hear anything but a "dark" sound in my BP6 phono stage...any differences between mine and the .5B, James?

Hi Dave,

No they are the same but there are so many variables in phono playback - turntable, cartridge, setup etc. that universal agreement between one system and another is difficult.

james

Hi James,

I have the BP26P and find that I have to turn the volume up to at least 2:00 and sometimes higher to enjoy the sound.  Can one or more of the variables outside the phono stage effect this or is it just the gain setting on the on board MM stage?

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Bill,

That would be the lower voltage output from a specific cartridge.  Remember that our preamps run Class A so the volume control is reducing output not adding gain. So full unrestricted output would be at 5 oclock on the volume pot.

We can increase the gain in the phono stage for you by 6dB but remember noise goes up as well.

james

[95Dyna]

That's weird, I hear anything but a "dark" sound in my BP6 phono stage...any differences between mine and the .5B, James?

Hi Dave,

No they are the same but there are so many variables in phono playback - turntable, cartridge, setup etc. that universal agreement between one system and another is difficult.

james

Hi James,

I have the BP26P and find that I have to turn the volume up to at least 2:00 and sometimes higher to enjoy the sound.  Can one or more of the variables outside the phono stage effect this or is it just the gain setting on the on board MM stage?

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Bill,

That would be the lower voltage output from a specific cartridge.  Remember that our preamps run Class A so the volume control is reducing output not adding gain. So full unrestricted output would be at 5 oclock on the volume pot.

We can increase the gain in the phono stage for you by 6dB but remember noise goes up as well.

james

Thanks James.  I wouldn't want to increase gain at the expense of noise.  I think I'll go up into the archives and dig out my cartridge spec sheet.  Perhaps a cartridge upgrade is in order (or even a new turntable/tone arm) since my Thorens TD160 is clebrating its 35th anniversary this year!

Bill

[vegasdave]

I find the sound to be ok even at 9 oclock. I wish I could go to 5 oclock, but I would definitely have the police over!