Originally Posted by
Bigman80
Conclusion
As I sit here basking in the glorious sweet sound of my new phono stage, I thought it only fair to give a conclusion of what's gone on with it and where it stands now.
Well, to start off, when this was built and being tested and played I felt just enough confidence to sell the Jolida on. It wasn't confidence in the Phonostage itself, oh no, that sounded a little small on the sound stage and resolution wasn't on a par with the Jolida either. It was also a little too vague with the treble. My confidence came from a chat with Mr Firebottle, who convinced me that his mods would open and expand this suckers sound stage, improve the resolution and bring out it's best version of itself.
He was very right.
He can't have all the credit though! Telefunken must get some too because even though the Tesla valves are superb for £25 a pair, they are not on the Telefunken level. Crystal clean sound. HF extension and bass to dive for (because it's soooo deep) and the MIDs are pure valve tone. Unrivalled in my experience. Not warm just transparent and sweet.
Playing "Summertime" by Duke Ellington brings a trumpet sound the likes of which have been unheard of in my home. Clarinets, oboes and any other instrument I name have pure unyielding tone. The breath of the player diminishes at the end of the note and the detailed decay of his efforts to hold the note is apparent and captivating. The echos of the auditorium where it was recorded, bounce and reverb and if I close my eyes, I feel the space.
"A day in the life" The Beatles - John Lennon wrote this song and sang it to me today. I can see him sat at his piano, looking forward and singing into the microphone. The panning sensation as he moves his head and the impact the hammer has on the piano wire is vivid and Holographic. The way the orchestra build up to the Middle eight is cacophonous and when Paul McCartney sings about having a cup of tea and catching the bus, I'm with him, on the commute. The final note is a multitude of pianos playing the same note in different octaves. There were more pianos today than there has been before, ever.
The truth is, Alan suggested linearity is the key to a phonostage performing at its best and whatever he did today to this phono stage is magical. It's also a mystery!
The Wizard cost ......... probably maybe £250-£350, not counting all the free hours of Alan's time he spent on the PS and getting the RIAA EQ right (it's still not quite accurate but it'll be done shortly) add the cost of the valves £130ish and it's adding up BUT it's right up there with the very best I've heard and that's me done. No more buying phonostages. It's really that good to me. I love it. I may be tempted to re-home the guts into a smaller enclosure and will definitely add a power button but other than that, i am one happy bunny.
The project has been enlightening and educational. I'm not up to scratch but I definitely hold more knowledge now than ever before. My respect for ANYONE who builds and designs these things is at the highest level. It's a labour of love.
I highly recommend a project like this if you're interested in improving your knowledge but suggest you have someone you can call or converse with if you get stuck. Mr Firebottle, you are a legend. Thanks for all of your help. Again! 🤣
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Sounds as if it's fantastic, congrats.
Alan Firebottle is a guru, I've learned loads from him
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