Any thoughts on the Jasmine 2.0SE phono pre?

etcarroll · « **Reply #20 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 01:47 am »

It seems this has quite a bit of gain, yet folks are using SUTs with it.

What's the logic there?

Gopher · « **Reply #21 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 01:58 am »

Not really sure myself. Logic tells me that its complicating the signal path with additional devices (albeit passive) but the results users report of using a SUT are compelling.

The person who led me to the Jasmine in the first place had this to say:

"You will find differences between running the Denon straight into the full 70db gain and using just the MM gain with a SUT. If you want to get further away from the hifi sound, go the latter route of SUT+Jasmine. But using only Jasmine gain will be quieter. It's worth listening both ways. The Cinemag xformers in Bob's Devices step-ups are a good match to the Denon at modest cost."

I don't find the Jasmine to have a fundamental 'hifi sound' and it was a breath of fresh air after having lived with a very hifi unit, but given my cartridges are a Zu 103 and a Denon 103D, eventually experimenting with the Bobs Device Cinemag SUTs is probably in the cards.

misterharrison · « **Reply #22 on:** 9 Jan 2011, 07:06 pm »

Quote from: rklein on 9 Dec 2010, 05:44 pm

... My Jasmine 2.0SE should arrive today ... I currently have Empire 598 TT with an AT440MLa cartridge.

I'm keen to hear your thoughts on how the Jasmine deals with the AT440MLa...

etcarroll · « **Reply #23 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 02:11 am »

Quote from: lonewolfny42 on 1 Dec 2010, 10:23 pm

Another to consider....the Vista-Audio phono preamplifier ....

Recently attended Woodsyi's for a phono pre mini-GTG, got to hear everyhing mine doesn't do.

Not even going to comment on his 2 pre's, they were just sick.

But another member brought an EAR 834p, I really liked it, 3 12atx tubes at a price I could afford.

And driving down to MD tomorrow to hear jtsnead's Jasmine.

But right now listening to the Vista Audio 1 that Woodsyi lent me, sounds pretty good so far.

neobop · « **Reply #24 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 02:36 am »

Quote from: Gopher on 13 Dec 2010, 01:58 am

Not really sure myself. Logic tells me that its complicating the signal path with additional devices (albeit passive) but the results users report of using a SUT are compelling.

The person who led me to the Jasmine in the first place had this to say:

"You will find differences between running the Denon straight into the full 70db gain and using just the MM gain with a SUT. If you want to get further away from the hifi sound, go the latter route of SUT+Jasmine. But using only Jasmine gain will be quieter. It's worth listening both ways. The Cinemag xformers in Bob's Devices step-ups are a good match to the Denon at modest cost."

I don't find the Jasmine to have a fundamental 'hifi sound' and it was a breath of fresh air after having lived with a very hifi unit, but given my cartridges are a Zu 103 and a Denon 103D, eventually experimenting with the Bobs Device Cinemag SUTs is probably in the cards.

That really is strange isn't it? I'd think it would be the other way around, especially if it's quieter going straight in. I haven't used a tranny in yrs, but at one time I had a Cotter and a Kisiki Blue. My results were just the opposite. It was better going straight in. Much more hi-fi with the tranny. I kept the tranny through a few succeeding carts, but results were always similar. The Cotter even had jumpers that you could re-solder for different impedance carts. Maybe it's just a combo unique to the 103. Or maybe it depends on your system and what you listen to.
neo

drphoto · « **Reply #25 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 03:19 am »

Hey Ed, sorry you wern't happy w/ that pre I sold you, but hey, wasn't my fault.

I'm still looking for a budget phono too, I saw you borrowed a Vista, and are going to audition a Jasmine. Keep us up to date please.

I know Vista is a member so if you don't want to comment on the forum, please LMK what you think via message.

thanks,

joe

sunnydaze · « **Reply #26 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 03:29 am »

The Vista phono is excellent. It has been in my system for a few years now. Can't say that about too many pieces of gear. I've heard my fair share of phono sections, both owned and borrowed, and it acquits itself very well -- even against the higher priced boys. For the money, it can't be beat.

Gopher · « **Reply #27 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 03:47 am »

It may be a 103 thing. The Denon/Cinemag combination has been praised for some time. If you look at the 10audio review of the Bob's Devices with the cinemags driving the 103r, it is pretty damn flattering:

"The combination of Bob’s Step Up and the DL-103R was consistently musical, enjoyable, and, truth be told, darn near faultless. The closest similar sounding cartridge (without step up) that I recall, and one that I was repeatedly reminded of, is the legendary Koetsu Urushi."

etcarroll · « **Reply #28 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 04:09 am »

Quote from: sunnydaze on 5 Feb 2011, 03:29 am

The Vista phono is excellent. It has been in my system for a few years now. Can't say that about too many pieces of gear. I've heard my fair share of phono sections, both owned and borrowed, and it acquits itself very well -- even against the higher priced boys. For the money, it can't be beat.

Listening to Blue Train right now, this little box does a nice job.

drphoto - no worries mon, I knew you had never even opened the box to it, much less listened to the TEC 760.

bacobits1 · « **Reply #29 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 04:36 am »

I will have a Jasmine LP2.0 MKII next week.
I will post more here when I get it.
I currently have a Nova Phenomena that is very nice, and very versatile.
I have had here a Phono section of a MFA Mugus B, Black Cube SE, Eastern Electric Phono, RS Nighthawk (just for comparison).

D

etcarroll · « **Reply #30 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 04:47 am »

Quote from: bacobits1 on 5 Feb 2011, 04:36 am

I will have a Jasmine LP2.0 MKII next week.
I will post more here when I get it.
I currently have a Nova Phenomena that is very nice, and very versatile.
I have had here a Phono section of a MFA Mugus B, Black Cube SE, Eastern Electric Phono, RS Nighthawk (just for comparison).

D

Good - post your thoughts.

This past week has showed me I need to upgrade my phono pre.

I may have to go back to a Denon MC cartridge as well.

bacobits1 · « **Reply #31 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 04:26 pm »

"And driving down to MD tomorrow to hear jtsnead's Jasmine."
I thought he was using a "Nighthawk" ?

You will hear it before I will. Post on what you think.

D

jtsnead · « **Reply #32 on:** 5 Feb 2011, 11:48 pm »

sold the NH bought Jasmine, just got a Bobs step up today,
trying it right now

etcarroll · « **Reply #33 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 12:14 am »

So I drove down to jtsnead's today to hear the Jasmine, in fact I left as he was warming up the Bob's.

I can report the Jasmine was everything I've read, warm, vibrant, great soundstage both left to right and front to back. Blows away the TEC 760 I have. I brought along the Vista Audio Phono 1 for comparison, the VA 1 acquits itself quite well up to the 95th percentile, but the Jasmine takes it at the wire. Better controlled, fuller bass, a little more sparkle up high, slightly bigger soundstage. The rest of Jerry's gear helps, starting with some nice Joseph Audio RM25XL speakers at one end, and a Benz Ace S cartridge on a VPI TT, and new to me, a linear tone arm using an air bearing, I've never seen that.

Throw in some nice Chesky and other audiophile brand LPs, and it was a pleasant afternoon.

Much thanks Jerry!

jtsnead · « **Reply #34 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 01:18 am »

Thanks for the kind words Gene,

I feel the Jasmine works very well in my system
So far I feel the Bobs gives it a little better lower bass
a little wider soundstage, have to try vocals next.

etcarroll · « **Reply #35 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 01:29 am »

Start with the Ella album you played for me.

And when you take a break, would you PM the names of the record stores you mentioned, I forgot to write them down.

Quote from: jtsnead on 6 Feb 2011, 01:18 am

Thanks for the kind words Gene,

I feel the Jasmine works very well in my system
So far I feel the Bobs gives it a little better lower bass
a little wider soundstage, have to try vocals next.

drphoto · « **Reply #36 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 01:40 am »

I just wonder if the Vista would benefit from a beefier linear PS. I don't want to sound like a jingoist, but I'd rather give my money (and less of it) to a small business man than some Chinese company.

Gopher · « **Reply #37 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 01:47 am »

Quote from: jtsnead on 6 Feb 2011, 01:18 am

Thanks for the kind words Gene,

I feel the Jasmine works very well in my system
So far I feel the Bobs gives it a little better lower bass
a little wider soundstage, have to try vocals next.

What cartridge were you using again? I have been on the fence over trying Bob's cinemags, but ultimately I'm wanting to hold off. My TT with spot on setup and the Jasmine are already sounding so good that I can't justify throwing more money at my analog rig at this moment.... It sounds fantastic, but I just have so much more digital media to listen to...

etcarroll · « **Reply #38 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 02:05 am »

Quote from: drphoto on 6 Feb 2011, 01:40 am

I just wonder if the Vista would benefit from a beefier linear PS. I don't want to sound like a jingoist, but I'd rather give my money (and less of it) to a small business man than some Chinese company.

It's a thought, I have the PE unit, have to see if any of the adaptors work.

bacobits1 · « **Reply #39 on:** 6 Feb 2011, 02:33 am »

Thanks for the info guys!!
Looking forward to what the Jasmine will do in my system.

Fred, I only have about 350 vinyl albums. I had WAY more than that years ago.
Sold too many off, mistake, dumb, stupid, wrong, damn.

D