[jtsnead]

I am using a Benz Ace S low output .4mv

Listening to Ella Clap Hands Here Come Charlie Verve reissue done
by Analogue Productions (from the Verve box set), this record is very
well done with the Bobs her vocals are a little smoother, the big
differece I feel is that the PRAT are greatly improved, also the upright
bass which is about 18" to 24" to the right front of my right speaker
has better focus. My toes want to tap a little more with the Bobs.

On Clark Terry Portraits on Chesky the pace and rythym are more involving.

Put it this way I do not want to take it out.

It is not a night and day improvement is it worth the $350 used
i paid for it depends on your scenario. Lets say I had a $100 cartridge
with the Jasmine as my phono stage I would recommend buying a new
cartridge like mine (used at this price) or maybe a Denon 103R new.

All said and done I think the step up allows for higher voltage into the
phono pre which lets the cartridge perform better, but not by a huge
margin.

[jtsnead]

sent an email to Bob and he confirmed the low setting is correct for my cartridge, and he also likes the Jasmine, see below;

"Hi Jerry,

You did well.  That one looks like the current model. The outsides may be different but inside it is the same.  I am building a newer version that will be identical inside, but will have Laser Etched lettering.  Should be out in around April. 

 You will want to use the CineMag in LOW (1:16)with the Benz Ace SL.  I use my CineMag into the same Jasmine phono stage.  I used to use a GCPH, then a Krell KPE, but the Jasmine / CineMag Combo is awesome. 

 I don’t know what you paid for the CineMag but I never discount them and the used market seems to be about $300, but there is nothing that can go wrong with them.

 
Best Regards,

Bob"

[neobop]

I am using a Benz Ace S low output .4mv
(snip)
All said and done I think the step up allows for higher voltage into the
phono pre which lets the cartridge perform better, but not by a huge
margin.

Pardon me if I'm being overly critical, but I think you stated that last phrase backwards. The cartridge performs exactly the same, it's the phono stage that might perform better, or the output of the cartridge is dealt with in a more pleasing way.

Using a cart with .4mV output, and given the gain of the Jasmine, it seems that the S/N is questionable? This doesn't entirely make sense either. It was stated previously that it is quieter without using the tranny on an even lower output cartridge.

Hard to figure out, I guess you'd have to be there. I suspect that impedance, loading considerations have more to do with it than voltage gain. You're degrading the sound quality, yet it sounds better? If you find the load for the preamp that duplicates those qualities you get with the tranny, I think you'll wind up ditching them. Using a transformer does change the load. It would be interesting to find out exactly what's going on.
neo

[sunnydaze]

.....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. .........

Fred / Gopher and myself basically concluded the same when we compared the two units in my system several weeks ago.  We agreed it was VERY VERY close, remarkably close, and I actually had trouble choosing a preference.  Gun to my head, I would probably choose the Jasmine for its more expansive stage, greater lucidity and greater flexibility in cartridge matching.  But again, sonic differences to my ear were very slight.  Both units are excellent!     

[neobop]

What kind of power supply does the Vista have?
Voltage?

[wilsynet]

I've owned the Nighthawk and have had the Jasmine 2.0MKII in my system for about a week now.

The Nighthawk has more clarity and punch; the Jasmine is more organic and is fuller bodied.  Both are very good and I think the choice would come down to system synergy.

For very transparent systems, the Jasmine would be very appropriate.  For more euphonic and warmer systems, I think the Nighthawk may be just what the doctor ordered.

[jtsnead]

I've owned the Nighthawk and have had the Jasmine 2.0MKII in my system for about a week now.

The Nighthawk has more clarity and punch; the Jasmine is more organic and is fuller bodied.  Both are very good and I think the choice would come down to system synergy.

For very transparent systems, the Jasmine would be very appropriate.  For more euphonic and warmer systems, I think the Nighthawk may be just what the doctor ordered.

well put that is the same way I feel, the Jasmine sounds more analog/organic
maybe it is a touch more warmth.

neobop,
in responce I feel the step up allows the cartridge to "breath" easier, the step does away with an active ciircuit which I feel is the best possibile way to boost the low level signal of a moving coil cartridge .

see here for a better explanation;

http://www.bobsdevices.com/cinemag.htm

[neobop]

well put that is the same way I feel, the Jasmine sounds more analog/organic
maybe it is a touch more warmth.

neobop,
in responce I feel the step up allows the cartridge to "breath" easier, the step does away with an active ciircuit which I feel is the best possibile way to boost the low level signal of a moving coil cartridge .

see here for a better explanation;

http://www.bobsdevices.com/cinemag.htm

I don't doubt your feelings or results about the difference in the sound, but I question why. The use of a transformer, as far as impedance is concerned is widely misunderstood. The Cinemag explanation just glosses this over, saying impedance shouldn't be matched. There is an article at Vinyl Engine that goes into some detail about this consideration, and I think it would be worth pursuing. Once again, the cart doesn't breathe or perform any differently, it's the amplification that's different.

My phono uses a single gain stage. I vary impedance and gain as I please, so I haven't used a transformer in over 20 yrs and I don't bother with these calculations. I don't know how to calculate resultant preamp impedance (based on turns ratio?), but maybe it's unnecessary. I also don't know the loading options for these various phono stages, but I think that might be the key for getting superior performance. Find the load that duplicates those subjective qualities you find superior with the transformer, and I suspect you'll have the best of both worlds.

It was already stated that it was much noisier with the transformer, but on a cart with lower output. Just because the transformer is passive doesn't mean there are no consequences. Just like a capacitor, the best transformer is no transformer. If the MC stage is quieter (hugh advantage), I think the potential is there for even better sound w/o the noisy transformer.
neo

[neobop]

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

Just wondering if you ever tried this?
PE unit, Parts Express - Pyramid 12V regulated power supply?

Both Letitroll an myself have an inexpensive DA converter. It's a JEC TC-7510. That power supply makes a dramatic difference over the wall wart. Just wondering.
neo

[bacobits1]

"Jasmine sounds more analog/organic
maybe it is a touch more warmth."

This is the Jasmine LP2.0 MKII.
Definitely warmth here compared to my Nova Pre first thing I noticed and expansive stage. This thing sounds smooth and tooby more so than some actual tube pre's I have had. I like it. The Jasmine will engage you.
Let me add that I am using a Dyna 10X5 on the Jasmine in MM mode.
The WyWires Juice II PC on the Jasmine is a nice match for my system.

I guess it really is flying under the radar at this price.
Nice build too, sharp looking and surprisingly heavy.


I ordered a Denon DL103R from Comet Supply it should be here next week. Anxious to hear how they match up.

 
D

[bacobits1]

I received the Denon DL103R in a little over 2 weeks from Comet Supply.
This LO MC cartridge sounds excellent with the Jasmine.
One hell of a combo for what, a total of $700!!!!

D

[etcarroll]

I guess I should close this thread out, in the end I auditioned aprox 8 phono-pres, and bought another AC members E.A.R. 834P.

The Jasmine was second on my list of affordable pres, but the 'tubey goodness'  of the 834P, in conjunction with my Purity One pre, was a killer.