Valve phono stage for loan - want to try it? [Archive]

Firebottle

21-02-2013, 14:29

I've been at it again, putting soldering iron to components, and have built myself a valve phono preamp for MM input, with line level output.
My vinyl source is mediocre to say the least but it certainly sounds as good if not better than my discrete transistor phono preamp.

Now what I would like is to some feedback to its real performance.
It would be good if those of you with excellent vinyl sources could try it, better still to compare it with other preamps; is anyone interested?

I am willing to ship it to the first candidate if you are willing to ship to the next.
It weighs in at 1.55Kg

:cool: Alan

Frankyc2003

21-02-2013, 15:20

Hi Alan,

I am happy to give your MM stage a listen!
I currently have a MingDa 2006 valve PhonoStage with some lundhal MC transformers... So hopefully a good frame of reference for your design.

I have some pictures of its inside if you want to compare the design to yours?

My cartridge is a Lyra Clavis, bolted on a modified Technics SL1210.
My amplification is Single Ended 845 valve integrated from Yarland (as reviewed in HFC anf HFN last month...)
All is finally plugged in a pair of Triangle Antal ES...

PM me if you are interested.

Best

F
:cool:

Firebottle

21-02-2013, 20:56

OK, first reply was from Tarzan (Andy) so he will be the first recipient.

I just ask that you all keep the whereabouts and findings on the open forum so all can share in the results.
Hopefully it will be interesting to see how different forumites find the same kit performs in widely different systems, I will certainly be looking forward to the results.

Frankyc2003 (Francois) you are the second reply so once Andy has given it a listen he can forward it to you. It will be interesting to compare to such exotica :). I would like to see the internal shots please.

For those of a technical persuasion the circuitry is based on a good engineering approach:
A regulated supply with choke filtering, DC heaters, a pentode input stage, passive RIAA equalisation, a triode gain stage followed by a cathode follower to give low output impedance. All 3 valves are used Mullard manufacture.

:cool: Alan

Frankyc2003

21-02-2013, 21:17

I would like to see the internal shots please.

There We go...

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/insideMC2006_zpsdb1fa6e7.jpg
that's the whole of the phonostage...

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/20130109_212426.jpg

This is the MM stage which I am using with Lundhal Transformers
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/20130119_175441.jpg

I believe a published diagram is available here:
http://www.china-hifi-audio.com/mingda-mcphono-2006-mc-moving-coil-mm-phono-amplifier-p-111.html?zenid=rd4njgo0njem2coa3g9jft58o6

looking forward reading Tarzan's findings!
Cheers for the opportunity Alan!
:cool:

UV101

21-02-2013, 21:27

I'd be interested in a try but not before end of March due to my impending house move and the fact that I need to sort my Partridge transformers before I can use a MM stage. :)

John

21-02-2013, 21:31

I be interested always good to hear something new

Firebottle

22-02-2013, 12:05

Thanks for the interest chaps, and thanks for the photos Francois; they certainly use well rated resistors ;)

I have gone down the 'compact' route again, basically dictated by the choice of case I had kicking about.

Here is the MM Pre:

This is with the front panel off
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MM%20Preamp/Frontoff.jpg

Here are the internals
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MM%20Preamp/Internals.jpg

On test in the lounge
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MM%20Preamp/Ontest.jpg

:cool: Alan

Frankyc2003

22-02-2013, 13:03

Out of curiosity, which pentode have you used for your input stage?
ECC83 Mullard must sound good BTW!
:eyebrows:

Firebottle

22-02-2013, 15:11

I haven't gone down the traditional route, of say the EF86, I have used what was to hand in my small valve stock.

I decided not to duplicate the usual 2x or 3x ECC83 design so I used 2x ECF80 plus 1x ECC83. This wouldn't be a common choice but it has turned out remarkably quiet. The triode section of the ECF80 is low mu so is ideal for the cathode follower on the output.

I had a look at the Ming Da circuit and it struck me that there wasn't a lot of current flowing even in the cathode follower output stage. I tend to go for more current :eek: to make the music flow also,

:cool: Alan

Frankyc2003

22-02-2013, 15:48

That sounds very interesting...
I have to say that the Ming Da was plagued by hum when I first got it...
But a couple of Capacitors later, it seems to have regained a normal composure...
I am really looking forward reading what Tarzan think about your design!
:stalks::stalks::stalks::stalks:

Barry

22-02-2013, 16:07

Is your phonostage based on the Ming Da circuit?

http://www.china-hifi-audio.com/images/meixing-mingda/MC-PHONO2006-0001.JPG

It doesn't look like it uses passive equalisation.

Looking forward to reading the borrower's feedback.

Frankyc2003

22-02-2013, 16:23

Yes that appears to be the correct diagram.

Firebottle

22-02-2013, 17:18

Is your phonostage based on the Ming Da circuit?
It doesn't look like it uses passive equalisation.

Looking forward to reading the borrower's feedback.

No nothing like Barry, and yes you're right the Ming Da is active equalisation using the feedback path.
I didn't want to just regurgitate a published circuit, so I took the same approach that I did with my OTL design. I studied previous designs and gave a lot of thought to developing a simple circuit, particularly with concern for proper matching of the equalisation section.
I'm also very much looking forward to others feedback :)

When I draw out the circuit tidily I will post it up if you're interested.

:cool: Alan

Barry

22-02-2013, 19:12

No nothing like Barry, and yes you're right the Ming Da is active equalisation using the feedback path.
I didn't want to just regurgitate a published circuit, so I took the same approach that I did with my OTL design. I studied previous designs and gave a lot of thought to developing a simple circuit, particularly with concern for proper matching of the equalisation section.
I'm also very much looking forward to others feedback :)

When I draw out the circuit tidily I will post it up if you're interested.

:cool: Alan

Thanks Alan,

I would be very interested to have a look at your circuit. Would it be possible to adapt it to a fully balanced design?

Thanks again

Firebottle

23-02-2013, 13:36

Hi Barry,

I don't think adaption to fully balanced design would be possible without virtually doubling up the circuit :(

Here it is:
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MM%20Preamp/MMPreCircuit-1.jpg

A couple of points on the design;
I have used LED biasing on the pentode stage to keep the bias really stable. I don't know what difference it might make to the sound, if any.

I have reduced the value of the series equalisation resistor to accommodate the output impedance of the pentode, for more accurate equalisation.

The grid blocking capacitor is after the equalisation network so that a lower value can be used. If it was before the network the value would have to be huge so to not affect the low frequency response. The only drawback with this approach is the equalisation capacitors need to be rated for full HT voltage.

I have doubled up the output capacitor rather than use one of larger value. This helps to lower the ESR, to improve the high requency performance.

:cool: Alan

Firebottle

09-03-2013, 08:48

Would it be possible to adapt it to a fully balanced design?

I have been thinking about this (it keeps the mind active), and have drawn out a balanced circuit.
I have only checked it as far as the biasing goes, so if you do try it please let us know how you get on.

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/BalancedMMPrecircuit.jpg

I have accommodated the output impedance of the first '83 and the miller capacitance of the second '83 in the component values. It would be interesting to know how it performs;

Cheers :cool:Alan

Barry

09-03-2013, 18:42

Thanks Alan.

It looks interesting. What is the overal gain at 1KHz? I assume it is suitable only for MM cartridges.

Thanks agin

Firebottle

10-03-2013, 10:19

The gain at 1KHz is x 250.
You could certainly try the circuit with MC carts, it may be a little noisy though, I haven't any experience with MC.

Just put a 100 ohm resistor across the inputs to try it :)

Cheers, Alan

Firebottle

10-03-2013, 15:24

Tarzan has posted his review of my pre-amp at this post
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24413

Frankyc2003 if you could PM Tarzan with your address he will post it on to you.

:cool: Alan

Tarzan

10-03-2013, 17:53

Frankyc2003

10-03-2013, 18:08

Who would like to try the unit after me?
By the sound of Tarzan's review, this unit is a cracker...

Tarzan

10-03-2013, 21:15

it is.:)

Frankyc2003

12-03-2013, 10:59

The FireBottle Phono has landed!

:stalks:

Watch this space as it will get plugged in shortly!

:cool:

Tarzan

12-03-2013, 21:21

The FireBottle Phono has landed!

:stalks:

Watch this space as it will get plugged in shortly!

:cool:

:):popcorn:

Frankyc2003

13-03-2013, 07:46

Ahah...
All shall be revealed soon!
Very soon!

Firebottle

13-03-2013, 08:16

You tease Francois ;)

Frankyc2003

13-03-2013, 12:08

My findings so far...
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=422075#post422075

:cool:

Frankyc2003

15-03-2013, 21:32

Hi everyone!

Who wants to try this fantastic Phono preamplifier?

Don't be shy, Don't miss out!
Pm me and Firebottle your details and I shall post it to you next week!

Ta!

Frankyc2003

18-03-2013, 21:38

Come on, come on, I am conducting a side by side of the Firebottle Phono with my MingDa...

But after that the Firebottle is free to travel to any of you guys! Don't be shy!
It is a fantastic piece of kit...:stalks::stalks:

If you want to PM me and Firebottle your details the unit will go to you for free, the only charge is postage to pass it on to the next member or send it back to Firebottle...

:cool:

Firebottle

19-03-2013, 12:20

Frankyc2003

19-03-2013, 17:10

The Fantastic Firebottle pre is going to John next...

:eyebrows:

Looking forward to reading your review John!

Cheers
:cool:

John

19-03-2013, 17:29

Yes I hope to get up against the Nighthawk and a EAR

sondale

22-03-2013, 09:27

Thanks for the repeated heads up Francois.

This is being offered on free loan to anyone who wants to try it.
There must be some of you who have thought about trying a valve MM pre in your system, now's your chance.:confused:

No catches, it's just for the benefit of AoS members.

:cool: Alan

OK, I would like to try this phono preamp, I have just resurrected my vinyl system and it would be good to try a valve stage instead of my SS devices.

Alan

Frankyc2003

22-03-2013, 11:24

The unit is now with John,
just PM him!

:eyebrows::eyebrows:

Spur07

24-03-2013, 14:07

i'd also be interested in giving this a listen, although my current (temporary) phono amp is pretty mediocre.

P

Firebottle

24-03-2013, 16:55

... although my current (temporary) phono amp is pretty mediocre.
P

That's no reason not to Paul, please do.
Sondale is next in line so PM him with your address. I see you are in the same county anyway :)

:cool:Alan

Spur07

24-03-2013, 18:12

That's no reason not to Paul, please do.
Sondale is next in line so PM him with your address. I see you are in the same county anyway :)

:cool:Alan

Thanks Alan, that's very kind of you.

I'll email Sondale, he may well be not too far from me.

Paul

Firebottle

31-03-2013, 14:13

Many thanks to John for his findings and feedback on the Firebottle Pre :)

I have a couple of ideas to improve it a little and bring the treble up a bit. It also sounds like the smoothing choke isn't as secure as it should be inside the case.
So John is sending the pre back to me and after some fettling it will be back in circulation,

:cool: Alan

Spur07

31-03-2013, 20:52

I'm looking forward to hearing it after Sondale, especially after john's comments :)

sonddek

01-04-2013, 09:15

Please add me to the queue. I would be comparing it with my DV P75 and Linn Uphorik. I have also recently listened to Arkless modified CA 640, Trilogy and Allnic stages.

Spur07

01-04-2013, 09:51

Please add me to the queue. I would be comparing it with my DV P75 and Linn Uphorik. I have also recently listened to Arkless modified CA 640, Trilogy and Allnic stages.

Richard, what did you think of the Arkless cambridge? I've got a 640 waiting to be modified by Jez.

Audio Al

01-04-2013, 10:29

Richard, what did you think of the Arkless cambridge? I've got a 640 waiting to be modified by Jez.

+1 :)

:popcorn:

Firebottle

13-04-2013, 17:46

The ‘Firebottle’ phono pre has arrived back from John this morning, thanks John.

Now I have another phono stage, built after the original Firebottle pre made its way to the good old UK, I was keen to compare the two.

The original uses a pentode for the first stage and (shock – horror) switch mode power supplies providing the regulated HT and the DC heaters.
The 2nd is all triode and uses the traditional choke filtered HT supply with a 3 terminal regulator for the DC heaters.

The comparison started without doing any of the planned modifications to the original.
All testing was done through ‘phones using my new valve ‘phones amp.

The tracks used for testing were:

‘You know you know’ – The Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Inner Mounting Flame.
One of my all time favourite tracks.

‘Bring on the night’ – Police, Reggatta de Blanc.

‘Me myself I’ – Joan Armatrading, me myself i.

‘Down to the waterline’ – Dire Straits (1st album).

First off I thought the original had a higher background noise level, but subsequent switching to and fro revealed the original has a higher gain, so the noise is only a tiny smidgen more than the all triode pre.

The original seemed to lack ultimate ‘weight’ on the bass drum, whilst the all triode had a little more sparkle on cymbals and a slightly finer focus of the instruments.
We’re talking very minor differences here, about the size of a knats todger.

So this afternoon I made the planned mods to the original pre and gave a quick listen late this afternoon. The mods were as follow:

Bolt down the smoothing choke rather than rely on a ‘wedge’ fit, very poor previous construction.
Reduce the value of compensation capacitors to bring the top end up to scratch.
Change two coupling capacitors for better quality ones.
Alter the 2nd stage and cathode follower for improved linearity and lower distortion.
Fit a ‘proper’ earth lift, as I cheated a bit before.

With the quick listen I could tell the top end was improved, now the original has that little bit more ‘sparkle’. Thinking about it the all triode has more capacitive loading on the input so I’ll try and reduce that.

Now it’s very difficult to tell the two apart, I’ll do more listening tomorrow and report further.

:cool:Alan

fubar925

14-04-2013, 01:28

Alan im totaly new to hifi.... Looking to get myself a turntable got about £350 to spend would love to try out your phono stage Im running dali helicons 800 and T+A v10 and wanted to try a valve phono so any chance?

Firebottle

14-04-2013, 06:04

Firebottle

14-04-2013, 15:51

I've listened some more to the two preamps and now I'm addled.

At one stage I'm thinking the original has the best sound stage then once I've swapped over or changed artist I think it's the all triode.

It's definitely a case of poor aural memory :scratch:
I think the conclusion is they are both exceedingly good :D

Anyway the original will be winging its way back to John in the next couple of days.

:cool:Alan

Spur07

15-04-2013, 08:32

fubar925

15-04-2013, 09:49

Hello Brett,

When you have the TT add your name to the list by sending a PM to the last on the list.
I'll be sending it back to John initially because he wants to audition it further, and I'm keen on his review of the improvements.

The list is as follows after John:
Sondale, Spur07, Sonddek.

How do you rate the T+A? It sounds intriguing from the press release.

:cool: Alan

Cheers for the reply... And i will do thanks...

I love the T+A Its my first tube amp and to be fair my first real stereo amp so I cant really judge it against other amps at the moment but will be looking to going to a couple of 'Bake offs' just to compare and enjoy..:cool:

What i like about it is the sound stage is massive like your there you can hear the intake of breath, and its easy to listen too if that makes sense.. best way to describe for me. Oh and it easy to look after no voltage meters, it tells you when it needs bias set when the tubes need replacing.. plus it goes well with my speakers..:D

Arkless Electronics

16-04-2013, 10:34

Richard, what did you think of the Arkless cambridge? I've got a 640 waiting to be modified by Jez.

You've tried the Arkless Cambridge now Paul, whadaya reckon? :)

Spur07

17-04-2013, 08:16

You've tried the Arkless Cambridge now Paul, whadaya reckon? :)

Unfortunately I didn't have anything of much note to compare it with Jez, and I have no experience of 'proper' phono stages, but in comparison to my stock Cambridge I thought your modified version was superb - a completely different beast - and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. What impressed me was the incredible amount of detail it was pulling - quite an eye opener.

How's it going with the 'stage 2' modifications? Are you in position to make a comparison? I'd be interested to hear your verdict.

Arkless Electronics

18-04-2013, 11:56

Unfortunately I didn't have anything of much note to compare it with Jez, and I have no experience of 'proper' phono stages, but in comparison to my stock Cambridge I thought your modified version was superb - a completely different beast - and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. What impressed me was the incredible amount of detail it was pulling - quite an eye opener.

How's it going with the 'stage 2' modifications? Are you in position to make a comparison? I'd be interested to hear your verdict.

I've been too busy to do any more on that for the time being.... people keep bringing me broken amps to fix! Hoping to find the time to finish it before too long....

sondale

06-07-2013, 08:15

Pm sent to John and Firebottle re trying the phono stage.

Firebottle

06-07-2013, 08:39

Thanks Alan, no worries.
It would be good to get it back in circulation.

:cool:Alan

Oldpinkman

07-07-2013, 06:25

Yes please when its next available

Gordon Steadman

07-07-2013, 06:47

Anyone who is serious about getting a good phono amp needs to get on the list and have a listen. I have heard Alan's and its a goodie. I had the original design on loan for a bit and found it so good that I forgot it was there.

I normally use the little Creek phono amp but the Firebottle would certainly be my choice if the wife didn't think that a new roof was more important:(:rolleyes:

Firebottle

07-07-2013, 09:55

Just to be pedantic (.....who, me?) the amp Gordon had on loan was the all triode phono amp that I made.

Gordon, for an update on the newest one see http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?25190-Interest-check-for-valve-phono-amp-for-AoS-forumites

:cool:Alan

Firebottle

22-09-2013, 13:09

The original prototype that was doing the rounds earlier this year is available for loan again.

There was a thought that it might be faulty but I have checked it over and it is fine. It is the one in the blue box that I made so that forum members could try out a valve phono stage.
It isn't particularly pretty but it wasn't meant to be.

It is for MM carts only and is mains powered via the usual IEC inlet.

I need to get it in the post tomorrow so I have looked back at the posts to see who was interested, as listed below.
Whoever sends a pm first will be the lucky trialee.

Sondale - Sonddek - fubar925 - Oldpinkman

:cool: Alan

twotone

22-09-2013, 17:36

Hi Alan, I wouldn't mind a shot.

Thanks

Tony

Firebottle

22-09-2013, 18:31

Tony, send me a pm with your details and I'll get it off to you :)

Alan

twotone

22-09-2013, 19:28

Tony, send me a pm with your details and I'll get it off to you :)

Alan

Hi Alan, PM sent.

BTW, my cart is a HOMC, an SAE1000LT with a 2.5mv output, I use it with the MM phono stage in my amp and have used it with a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE MM phono amp and it sounds fantastic with both amps.

I'm presuming the cart will be fine with your phono stage?

Tony

Firebottle

22-09-2013, 21:39

Yes absolutely no problem. It has quite a high gain.

Got your details, will be posted in the morning in the UK.

:cool: Alan

twotone

22-09-2013, 22:11

Yes absolutely no problem. It has quite a high gain.

Got your details, will be posted in the morning in the UK.

:cool: Alan

Thanks Alan:eek:

twotone

24-09-2013, 17:23

Hi guys the phono amp has landed:cool:

Can one of you guys who has trialled the amp tell me which are the inputs and the outputs please?

Thanks

Tony

twotone

24-09-2013, 17:39

Panic over guys, I worked it out.

First impressions are pretty damn good, big powerfull sounds stage with loads of bass.

Nice:cool:

Firebottle

25-09-2013, 06:43

Glad it arrived OK Tony. Certainly didn't take long being posted in the UK :)

:cool: Alan

twotone

25-09-2013, 06:53

Glad it arrived OK Tony. Certainly didn't take long being posted in the UK :)

:cool: Alan

Hi Alan, yes great service it arrived mid morning yesterday.

I had a listen last night, very very impressed, reminded me of the phono stage in a Croft pre I had, a microbasic 25 I think which I bought for the phono stage as it has great reviews.

The gain is excellent with the cart I'm using, I actually had to lower the amp's volume pot from my normal listening position when listening to the TT.

I'm really struggling to believe that a small diamond tip on a bit of black plastic can make such amazing sounds at volumes that would take your windows out:eek:

We've a local holiday here this weekend Alan and my daughter is on nightshift until Friday so would it be okay if I kept the amp until Monday or Teusday before posting it to the next person?

Thanks

Tony

Firebottle

25-09-2013, 07:58

.... reminded me of the phono stage in a Croft pre I had, a microbasic 25

I like it, I like it :)
Please keep it a couple of weeks if you want, I'm sure the future recipients will agree it's worth waiting for :eyebrows:

Alan

twotone

25-09-2013, 09:06

I like it, I like it :)
Please keep it a couple of weeks if you want, I'm sure the future recipients will agree it's worth waiting for :eyebrows:

Alan

Thanks Alan, just let me know where the amp has to go to next and I'll get it organised sometime next week.

Tony

PS, I'll get a review, of sorts done, when I post the amp away to the next lucky recipient:cool:

twotone

26-09-2013, 17:58

Just a quick wee update, this amp is seriously good :cool:

Last night I was listening to side one of John Coltrane Live At The Village Vanguard: Impulse ST A-10.

Anyone who knows this album will know that most of the sound comes from the left hand speaker (where Coltrane plays) and it's a wee bit disconcerting but with the Firebottle amp the sound stage is much more even, the majority of sound still comes from the left speaker but the sound stage is more balanced, if that makes sense?

Back to Hipsway:)

carruthersesq

05-06-2014, 20:27

Hi Alan
Is there a demonstration phono amp still available to trail?

Cheers Steve.

Ali Tait

05-06-2014, 20:36

Steve, you're welcome to come and have a listen to mine, just drop me a PM.

Gazjam

05-06-2014, 20:39

Hi Alan,
Picking up my "Orbed" Gyrodec at the weekend, would love to add my name to the list of loan candidates.
I've heard your first phono stage and it held its own against some mighty company.

Mk2 is on my list of things to get :)

topmetom

06-06-2014, 08:22

Hi Alan
Is there a demonstration phono amp still available to trail?

Cheers Steve.

I am still awaiting its arrival....

PaulStewart

06-06-2014, 08:26

Phil,

It will be despatched to you Saturday

rubber duck

06-06-2014, 09:38

I'd like to join the queue too. Can someone update on the order of the waiting list? Phil, Steve, me?

topmetom

06-06-2014, 12:19

Thanks Paul,

Alan has said julesd68 is next in line.

topmetom

06-06-2014, 12:19

Thanks Paul,

Alan has said julesd68 is next in line.

carruthersesq

06-06-2014, 19:04

Steve, you're welcome to come and have a listen to mine, just drop me a PM.
Thanks Ali, I'll try and get some time and drop you a pm. I take it you like it? What did it replace?

Ali Tait

06-06-2014, 19:23

Nothing really! Just having got back into vinyl and all...

I did have a Yaquin jobbie, which was ok, and a built in SS stage in my Threshold pre, but the FB is by far the best.

twotone

06-06-2014, 19:51

Guys just buy one, honestly you won't regret it but you'll move the amp on if it doesn't suit without any problem.

I've had a Croft basic Pre with phono, various integrateds with on board phono sections and both flavours of the Arkless CA 640p modded phono stages and to my mind the only one of those that is really as good as Alan's amp is the Arkless 'standard' modded phono but having had the amp in my system for about two months now I think it's defo a keeper, the only thing I would change it for is the MM/MC switched version.

Anyone close to me is more than welcome to come and have listen.

Tony

topmetom

14-06-2014, 11:48

I have it at the moment, very well made and sounding very nice through my micro benz silver p3 combo.

The benz is high output mc so at first I used the mm input but could hear almost nothing, so am in the mc input...

Just so the next in line is ready it takes a kettle lead plug into power supply, I spent a while looking for a spare! Hahaha

carruthersesq

15-06-2014, 21:18

Hi Phil
Can you post a picture for me so I can arrange a cable before you post it on. Also, let me know when you're ready to pass it on.

Cheers Steve.

Firebottle

16-06-2014, 06:02

Hi Steve,
As far as I'm aware Julesd68 is next on the list for the loan unit.

The mains lead required for this unit is a standard IEC connector, or 'kettle lead'.

Cheers,
Alan

carruthersesq

16-06-2014, 18:56

Apologies Alan, I was reading an earlier thread that mentioned me in the queue and thought that I was next.
Happy to wait for my turn :D

topmetom

21-06-2014, 06:52

If Julesd would like to get in touch i will get it out next week?

julesd68

26-06-2014, 22:55

If Julesd would like to get in touch i will get it out next week?

I've only just seen this as I don't follow the thread - will send you a PM ...

carruthersesq

19-07-2014, 22:36

Thanks Julian, the pre amp arrived today.

I'll post my thought in a few days. But my initial thoughts :D

carruthersesq

01-08-2014, 15:06

Well, I've now had Alan's Firebottle phono amp for 2 weeks, and although due to work commitments i have not spent th etime i would have hoped to, i can say i have heard enough to heartily recommend it.

My system is a Rega RP6 and Denon DL110 cart going into a Naim Nait XS and my speakers are Piega TP5. I was using both a Naim Stage Line (MM) and also a Bellari VP129 phono amp and i can say the the Firebottle was head and shoulders over both of them.
The difference in every area was was great, the sound i was hearing was like i had a complete new system in my lounge :eek:.

Recommended. I may just be having a chat with Alan about purchasing one......

Could someone please notify who is next in line to receive the demo amp?

One more thing. Some of you may know i have an unused Nagaoka MP500 cart i was trying to sell, well its still here and i think its getting the better of me and i think if I'm idle over the weekend i may just mount it on my arm and give in to its charms!!