Platters and Phonos at MartinT's

[MartinT]

Almost repeating the Isis v’s Ayre I just prefer the SPU to the Shelter, but anyone with ears and a brain would have no problem with either. I like smooth and flowing, Martin the naked accuracy of the Shelter

Yes, exactly! I think my preference for the Ayre and Shelter makes logical sense as they have very similar traits. Again, the Isis and SPU have a lot in common, especially that smooth fluid delivery.

[Marco]

My system, my phono amp (Whest), my turntable so it could well be quite different elsewhere, as Marco has already alluded to.

Indeed. For whatever reason, it just didn't seem to be at its best in your system. However, it certainly works very well with the Croft! Sonic synergy with valves, perhaps? Dunno...

What's important here is that people aren't put off trying Jez's head amp, as so much of this stuff is down to a collection of different boxes gelling with each other, creating in some cases, unexpected results - and not always bad ones either!

I'll be typing up my on extended thoughts on our session shortly.

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

Looking forward to trying it Marco, shame the Firebottle stage will be winging it's way to the next recipient.

[Marco]

You should already have it, Ali, as it was sent to you yesterday by SD, so guaranteed next day before 1pm!

If you haven't received it yet, I can PM you the Royal Mail Tracking Reference Number, so you can check where it is.

Marco.

[Arkless Electronics]

Indeed. For whatever reason, it just didn't seem to be at its best in your system. However, it certainly works very well with Croft! Sonic synergy with valves, perhaps? Dunno...

What's important here is that people aren't put off trying Jez's head amp, as so much of this stuff is down to a collection of different boxes gelling with each other, creating in some cases, unexpected results - and not always bad ones, either!

I'll be typing up my on extended thoughts on our session shortly.

Marco.

It should work fine with SS or valve phono stages but was intended for use with valve phono stages. This is because only valve stages need a step up device.... MM only SS units are generally budget offerings intended for first time TT users whereas more upmarket SS offerings have MC facilities anyway.

[Arkless Electronics]

You should already have it, Ali, as it was sent to you yesterday by SD, so guaranteed next day before 1pm!

If you haven't received it yet, I can PM you the Royal Mail Tracking Reference Number, so you can check where it is.

Marco.

At the sorting office after they found no one in to sign for it apparently.....

[Marco]

It should work fine with SS or valve phono stages but was intended for use with valve phono stages. This is because only valve stages need a step up device.... MM only SS units are generally budget offerings intended for first time TT users whereas more upmarket SS offerings have MC facilities anyway.

Indeed. Problem is, even "upmarket SS offerings" with full MC facilities (such as Martin's whest) are having their butts well and truly kicked by aftermarket, bespoke, 'add on' SUTs and head amps!

I can say with some certainty, and I know that Martin agrees, the MC stage on his Whest (a £3k standalone phono stage?) is comprehensively outperformed by the MM input, used in conjunction with his Hashimoto SUTs, or indeed the stunning MC head amp from Paul Hynes.

That shouldn't be happening, should it? But it *IS*, so one wonders what's going on?

Marco.

[Marco]

At the sorting office after they found no one in to sign for it apparently.....

Ah, that's ok then

Marco.

[Arkless Electronics]

Indeed. Problem is, even "upmarket SS offerings" with full MC facilities (such as Martin's whest) are having their butts well and truly kicked by aftermarket, bespoke, 'add on' SUTs and head amps!

I can say with some certainty, and I know that Martin agrees, the MC stage on his Whest (a £3k standalone phono stage?) is comprehensively outperformed by the MM input, used in conjunction with his Hashimoto SUTs, or indeed the stunning MC head amp from Paul Hynes.

That shouldn't be happening, should it? But it *IS*, so one wonders what's going on?

Marco.

I haven't heard Martins system obviously but, to generalise, there is no reason to expect a SUT or head amp to outperform the inbuilt MC stage in a good SS phono stage and every reason to expect the opposite.

[Marco]

Indeed, but that's not what my experience tells me (far from it) - and I've listened to LOADS of very good commercially produced phono stages, and also some superb DIY designs.

However, I think that's probably where the problem lies: the fact that the recognised products in audio are commercially produced (i.e. 'built to a price' - and here I'm referring solely to the internals), not the fancy boxes many of them come in, in order to give the owner a false sense of pride of ownership!

Therefore, when you connect up something like your head amp or Paul's, which were built with maximum sonic performance in mind, first and foremost, with no cost attached relating to the 'prestige value' of a 'high-end badge', or marketing, it shows up just how average (vastly overpriced) and disappointing some of these so-called 'high-end' products are...

I would lay a bet with Martin that if he sold his Whest and replaced it with a bespoke-designed 'no compromise' unit, made by the likes of your good self, Paul Hynes, Anthony TD or Nick Gorham (with SUTs or a head amp built-in), he'd be shocked and stunned at just what was possible from his vinyl front end!! Don't worry, I'll get him round to my way of thinking one of these days

Marco.