rossman
05-04-2015, 11:14
I own a Cocktail Audio X30 which I mainly use as a music server/amp. I need to use a phono stage with my Rega RP6/Denon DL 110. I have to say at this point that I am thoroughly enjoying my system regularly, with far less times of apathy/disappointment than any previous system. I have never had an amp for more than a year before having the urge to change it almost completely and I've had the X30 for about 16 months.
However, since getting the RP6 I would like to improve the phono playing side of the system at least and have been experimenting with various items that I have here. A VSPS seemed a bit thin in this system, an Angle Audio phono stage seemed to lack insight but was fun and the internal stage from A Teac A-H500. The latter appears to be the best via phono. I also tried the X30 via the Teac, and while the phono sounded good directly into it the X30 seemed quite shouty via the line inputs, something that I had felt before while using it in a second system. I actually feel that the Teac phono sounds a bit better via the tape outs to the X30 which is how I am currently using it.
At the moment I am on the waiting list to hear the Firebottle. One thing that is slightly puts me off valves though is the warm up time, I want to be able to listen straight away without worrying about waiting for improvements. Obviously I need to hear the Firebottle before deciding if I am willing to make that compromise.
The idea of a Rega based system appeals to me. Before the X30 I had the Brio-R, which I thought was excellent. The only reason I don't still have it was because I thought that the X30 was nearly as good in my room but I wanted the ripping/storage ability. I really wanted to keep the Brio-R but couldn't afford the X30 at the time without trading it in.
The current options open to me would be - Brio-R, Phono or Elex-R. Does anyone know how the Phono compares to the integrated amps' stages. As I've had the Brio-R I would be more likely to look at the Elex-R. Also how would the phono stages in older Rega amps compare? There is a big difference in price between the Phono and the Elex-R but I would be hoping to improve significantly on the internal amp of the X30 and gain more synergy on the record playing side. I am unlikely to get to hear the Elex-R though, so would like to hear opinions on what improvements there are over the Brio-R, both via phono stage and line inputs.
Sorry for rambling on but any thoughts and opinions on what to do next would be appreciated.
Thanks
However, since getting the RP6 I would like to improve the phono playing side of the system at least and have been experimenting with various items that I have here. A VSPS seemed a bit thin in this system, an Angle Audio phono stage seemed to lack insight but was fun and the internal stage from A Teac A-H500. The latter appears to be the best via phono. I also tried the X30 via the Teac, and while the phono sounded good directly into it the X30 seemed quite shouty via the line inputs, something that I had felt before while using it in a second system. I actually feel that the Teac phono sounds a bit better via the tape outs to the X30 which is how I am currently using it.
At the moment I am on the waiting list to hear the Firebottle. One thing that is slightly puts me off valves though is the warm up time, I want to be able to listen straight away without worrying about waiting for improvements. Obviously I need to hear the Firebottle before deciding if I am willing to make that compromise.
The idea of a Rega based system appeals to me. Before the X30 I had the Brio-R, which I thought was excellent. The only reason I don't still have it was because I thought that the X30 was nearly as good in my room but I wanted the ripping/storage ability. I really wanted to keep the Brio-R but couldn't afford the X30 at the time without trading it in.
The current options open to me would be - Brio-R, Phono or Elex-R. Does anyone know how the Phono compares to the integrated amps' stages. As I've had the Brio-R I would be more likely to look at the Elex-R. Also how would the phono stages in older Rega amps compare? There is a big difference in price between the Phono and the Elex-R but I would be hoping to improve significantly on the internal amp of the X30 and gain more synergy on the record playing side. I am unlikely to get to hear the Elex-R though, so would like to hear opinions on what improvements there are over the Brio-R, both via phono stage and line inputs.
Sorry for rambling on but any thoughts and opinions on what to do next would be appreciated.
Thanks