Location: Bristol
Posts: 339
I'm Tony.
Yep, that's how I read it as well and this part of this thread has been really helpful to someone who is planning on buying either a midrange Headamp or SUT.
My feeling is that given the modest tube phono stage that I plan to use the headamp at this level may be that way to go.
VPI Scout 1.1, Hana ML, Vanderveen MC10 SUT, WAD Phono3, Rpi3B+/Digione Signature, Xiang Sheng DAC-01, WAD KiT6550 and Reiver Edingdale SR
The best Modestly priced SUT I've heard is the FRT-3, I just couldn't judge what was better/worse difference between the MC stage and the FRT-3 the others I've heard like the Denon 320 seemed to add warmth and bass, that's only in my system though
The FRT did sound more transparent, in fact I'm probably doing it a disservice, it wasn't apparent when it was in so that's a good thing.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Location: Bristol
Posts: 339
I'm Tony.
I think the challenge with buying at the mid to lower end of the market is that there is some difference between the price of Headamps and SUTs if buying new.
For example the Rothwell Headspace is £300 whereas the Rothwell MCL is nearer £500 and will it be that much better?
It will definitely be less flexible.
I've already tried a low end SUT the AT630 and it is nowhere near as good as my phono stage's built in MC stage.
I'd prefer to buy 2nd hand but how often do these items turn up...
VPI Scout 1.1, Hana ML, Vanderveen MC10 SUT, WAD Phono3, Rpi3B+/Digione Signature, Xiang Sheng DAC-01, WAD KiT6550 and Reiver Edingdale SR
That's very true. I will be looking for some sort of step up myself once I've finished building my MM valve phonostage. I may even try an FRT-3 again. 2 on eBay for less than £200. That's ridiculous, I sold mine for £250 about a year ago.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Location: Ferndown, Dorset, UK
Posts: 248
I'm Brook.
Jamie, I have a mate who has a Rock with the same Alphason arm as yourself & I am sure he would be willing to bring it along to compare turntables & put your mind at rest about the arm bearing if nothing else. It is of known great SQ so could prove a useful comparison for you.
hi brook,
thats a good idea,where's he live?
My System
John Wood KT88 Amp.
Paradise Phono Stage
Sony TTS-8000 Turntable.
PMAT-1010 MK6 Tonearm.
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Sony X555ES Cd Player
Yamaha NS1000m Speakers
I agree with Tom. My Hashimoto HMX is basically the HM7 wth a different response, higher top end extension and slightly less lower end. It is certainly not limited at either extreme and is sublime across the board. I am however, as is Tom, using it with possibly one of the best phonostages available, and in truth the difference with or without the SUT is very very subtle.
Technics SP10 mk2
Jan Allaerts MC 1 Boron mk1 cart
Miyajima Shilabe cart
Hashimoto HM-X SUT
Siggwan (gimballed not unipivot) Cocobola 12"
Aurorasound Vida LCR Phonostage
The Truth linestage
Dave Slagle Autoformer Volume Controller
Cary 805c SET amps
Audio Note ANe-SPX speakers
Townshend Isolda speaker cables
Cardas Golden Presence interconnects
Location: Ferndown, Dorset, UK
Posts: 248
I'm Brook.
If money is tight but performance important id look at Dave Slagle, who i believe can do them and I've read very good things about them. If they are anything like his TVC's then they should be outstanding.
Technics SP10 mk2
Jan Allaerts MC 1 Boron mk1 cart
Miyajima Shilabe cart
Hashimoto HM-X SUT
Siggwan (gimballed not unipivot) Cocobola 12"
Aurorasound Vida LCR Phonostage
The Truth linestage
Dave Slagle Autoformer Volume Controller
Cary 805c SET amps
Audio Note ANe-SPX speakers
Townshend Isolda speaker cables
Cardas Golden Presence interconnects