Recommendations on a new phono pre-amp...

mix4fix · « **on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:31 am »

I just got a Nottingham Innerspace Jr. with a Shelter Cartridge; any recommendations on a phono pre-amp?

jtsnead · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:50 am »

Jasmine Lp 2.0SE

95Dyna · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 01:36 pm »

What's your budget? Model and output voltage of the Shelter? MM or MC?

rklein · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 02:12 pm »

Quote

Jasmine Lp 2.0SE

+1

The Jasmine has a MM/MC switch on the back. It also has an impedance selector on the back. I have been running this piece for about a month and it is a winner. Here is a link to more info:

http://www.jasmineaudio.net/Manuals/LP2%20Owner%27s%20Manual.pdf

Randy

woodsyi · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 02:49 pm »

Well. That is 10 pages of nothing.

I haven't heard the unit but I am leery when a review actually says that it has a "harsher midrange" compared to Monolithic, which is priced lower. This is hearsay since I haven't heard it, but it does make me wonder...

EDIT: I don't mean to poop on recommendations without offering my own, but I am waiting for the budget and cart info from the OP.

rklein · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 03:17 pm »

Quote

Well. That is 10 pages of nothing.

Woodsyi:

I respectfully disagree with your above assessment. I gave that link so that the OP could see the specs of the Jasmine 2.0. As for the review that you link to...THAT means nothing to me. You have not heard the Jasmine. Well, I have, and in MY system, the Jasmine is an excellent performer. There are also other AC members who speak highly of this phono pre, who also have replaced highly thought-of phono stages with the Jasmine.

The OP wanted recommendations and as a fellow AC member, I offered mine.

Thanks,

Randy

woodsyi · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 03:33 pm »

OK, it has 1 page of specs.

As I said, it is hearsay on my part. You have heard it and you like it. Fine. I may like it too, but I have to admit that a negative review does influence me to not audition the unit. I don't trust a positive review until I actually hear it but it does encourage me to hear it.

rklein · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 03:36 pm »

I might add that my vinyl setup is nowhere near the level of Woodsyi's or many other AC members. I have an Empire 598 TT with a AT440MLa cartridge. Although, I have over 1,000 albums from my days of spinning records starting in the early 70's, I got back into vinyl a little over two years ago. However, there are some AC members with very good systems for vinyl playback who recommended the Jasmine 2.0. So far, it has not disappointed me.

Randy

mix4fix · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 03:39 pm »

Cartridge:
Shelter 501 MKII

Budget:
$600-ish

I also would like to know where I can purchase it...

bunnyma357 · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:09 pm »

Ray Samuels Nighthawk F117 ($795)

http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/f-117

I haven't heard this, but based on features and word of mouth I'd give it consideration, although it is a little over your budget. Plus in the description they specifically mention testing it with a Shelter Cartridge, so it should have good synergy.

A couple of AC threads on it:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80147.0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=78981.0

Jim C

neobop · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:10 pm »

Quote from: woodsyi on 7 Jan 2011, 03:33 pm

OK, it has 1 page of specs.

As I said, it is hearsay on my part. You have heard it and you like it. Fine. I may like it too, but I have to admit that a negative review does influence me to not audition the unit. I don't trust a positive review until I actually hear it but it does encourage me to hear it.

Know what you mean, but I'd keep an open mind. I was reading about this one on other forums with lots of testimonials and specific comparisons. They say it beats everything up to at least $3K, and many above that. So I'd think it would be worth a listen.
neo

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:20 pm »

You could probably find a used Nighthawk for about $600 if you're patient. I also think it's a great sounding phono pre and very versatile.

What's the USD cost of the Jasmine?

jtsnead · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:23 pm »

here is another review of the Jasmine

http://http://www.jasmineaudio.net/DAGOGO_Review_Jasmine_Audio_LP2_phono_stage.pdf

rklein · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:31 pm »

I bought my Jasmine 2.0 LE MKII for $520(used). You can find them on Ebay going for $499 - $525 new. You have to add in $75 shipping in most cases. I'm not sure who sells them in the U.S.

Here is a fellow AC'er who recently sold one here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89671.0

Randy

woodsyi · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:41 pm »

That is a stiff cart. I hope you have a medium to high mass arm.

Jasmine and Nighthawk are in the price range. This Audio Note kit from a fellow AC member is tempting although it may not have enough gain for the Shelter. I would also consider used EAR 834P (I got one for $675 few years ago) and maybe this JL Ti.

woodsyi · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:52 pm »

jtsnead,

Do you want to bring your Jasmine over and we will do a phono stage shootout?

rklein · « **Reply #16 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 04:53 pm »

I really don't know about the arm on the Empire. It is the original arm. Here are some pics. I will PM you so not to get off topic for the OP. I would be interested in your views once you know the info on my arm as to possible cartridges.

BTW, I believe the pics shown below show the TT with an Empire cartridge that came with the TT.

Thanks,

Randy

jtsnead · « **Reply #17 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 05:10 pm »

Quote from: woodsyi on 7 Jan 2011, 04:52 pm

jtsnead,

Do you want to bring your Jasmine over and we will do a phono stage shootout?

Sure that sounds like fun comparing to your Aesthetix Io Eclipse

Always wanted to see a Purity Audio Pre also!

You are in N VA correct?

woodsyi · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 05:19 pm »

Quote from: jtsnead on 7 Jan 2011, 05:10 pm

Sure that sounds like fun comparing to your Aesthetix Io Eclipse

Always wanted to see a Purity Audio Pre also!

You are in N VA correct?

Vienna within walking distance from the Metro.

mix4fix · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Jan 2011, 05:25 pm »

I'm local...

...bought the turntable and cartridge from Command AV (both demo items.