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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: nickgregory on August 05, 2016, 10:31:50 AM
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So recently had an opportunity to try this phono amp as my audio guy got it on a trade in from the original owner. I was swapping it in place of my musical surroundings phonomea ii. I was hesitant because I have a fair amount of tubes in my system already, and didn't want to make the sound too airy. I couldn't have been more wrong. it was magic from the minute I plugged it in. Soundstage seems bigger and just more enveloping.
All other musical terms aside, it just sounded fantastic. Needless to say I ended up buying it, and recently upgrade the original sovtek tubes in it with some NOS tungsrams and couldn't be more pleased. Amp opened up even more and just has a pop to it.
Given the additions of the new benz cart, vr-4jrs, cables and this preamp this year, I can honestly say my system has never sounded this good. Damn addictive and expensive hobby...
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Awesome preamp and congratulations for picking it up. I was strongly considering getting one so its good to know that it's working out well for you. Which turntable are you running it with? Don't you have a Nottingham?
I recently got an Acoustic Plan Phonomaster SE tube phono preamp and echo your observations about tube phono preamps in general. I can see so far into the music that it surprises me every time I turn it on. I don't think that my Acoustic Plan is as quiet as your Audio Research however, as I hear a fair amount of tube hiss when I hold my head close to the speaker. Still sounds fantastic.
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Jamie, yup, I am running a Nottingham interspace jr with a Benz L2 Wood cart. And your description of being able to see into the music sounds like what I am hearing. it is almost like the music has gotten bigger if that makes any sense.
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There is no doubt that AR makes some of the best sounding gear out there. Rock solid all around.