Originally Posted by
YNWaN
I've just finished listening to sq's 'home built' phonostage and I have to say, it is a remarkable bit of kit. In many ways it sounds just as my own phono stage.
Initially we listened to the first XX album. On my phonostage it was a quite remarkable experience - starting with enormous reverb on voices and huge echo on instruments followed by super punchy DC type bass - I don't think either of us felt it lacked for anything! A quick swap to sq's stage and the sound was, if possible, even more subtly nuanced, with perhaps a hint of emphasis to leading edges. For me, bass was even drier with better delineation - actual extension and weight was just as good. Swapping back again, my stage had a velvety quality that was missing from sq's - however, whilst it was all there (information wise), I did miss the leading edge detail that sq's stage delivered.
It's not an easy comparison, in isolation you listen to my own stage and nothing seems missing,timing is strongly projected, dynamic range is huge, frequency extremes are solid and extended, yet the sound isn't forced or trying too hard.
I think....sq's stage brought a level of subtle sophistication that was previously, in comparison, missing -better leading edge, slightly better tonal colour and a more consistent quality right in to the deep bass.
Any way, I've got sq's stage for a few days - so we shall see...