Phono stage suggestions

[337alant]

The Paradise Phono Stage is very nice if you can get one
They do come up for sale occasionally and there are still boards out there


Alan

[steveharman]

If there's a better stage out there than the Firebottle Vivant I have yet to hear it - and don't want to. So good, we bought two. ;-)

(also; hi Alan, Merry Christmas!)

Steve

[CageyH]

If there's a better stage out there than the Firebottle Vivant I have yet to hear it - and don't want to. So good, we bought two. ;-)

(also; hi Alan, Merry Christmas!)

Steve

You will be “pleased” to know that Alan designed the BB3, and “unfortunately” it sounds better than the Vivant (I think I have an early version of a Vivant in my Kin).

[rmcin626]

Both good suggestions although I’ve not heard either, too be honest unless I buy used from someone, I would prefer to hear something and if I like it buy not wait several weeks for someone to build it.

[337alant]

I joined the waiting list for a Big Bottle 3 at the start of December. I read a that a couple of guys meet up to do a comparison and put it in the same bracket as the Vida and Paradise. The Paradise is a project i think, but I loaned a Vida from a friend and it was beautiful, so if the Big Bottle can do that for £1300 i will be very happy. I know we shouldn't take too much from the opinions online, but i am interested enough to try it.

I would be interested in the reading the outcome of this comparison of Phono stages, was anyone present at this bake off ?
Alan

[Floyddroid]

Its sounding pretty fine just now Grant, there may be better ways of spending my money.

I thoroughly agree. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I farted around swapping turntables for years and bought one nearly seven years ago now that just does the job so i am sticking with it. The Primare is a great Phono stage and will take some beating.

[steveharman]

You will be “pleased” to know that Alan designed the BB3, and “unfortunately” it sounds better than the Vivant (I think I have an early version of a Vivant in my Kin).

:-). Which came first / what are the major differences between the two units?

The Vivant blows away every stage I've heard regardless of price (I've yet to experience the BB3) so it's a win-win afaic - two great pieces of kit from the same source!

[rmcin626]

I thoroughly agree. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I farted around swapping turntables for years and bought one nearly seven years ago now that just does the job so i am sticking with it. The Primare is a great Phono stage and will take some beating.

At the moment in no rush to change the Phono Stage, as I am quite happy with the sound being produced.

[Firebottle]

:-). Which came first / what are the major differences between the two units?

The Vivant blows away every stage I've heard regardless of price (I've yet to experience the BB3) so it's a win-win afaic - two great pieces of kit from the same source!

The Vivant came first then the BigBottle development was done to equal or exceed the Vivant performance. Once the BB3 was finished the performance gains were most welcome.
The BB3 has lower noise and greater clarity/transparency.

This year has also seen the development of the BigBottle Ultime (BBu), a no holds barred dual mono phono stage that uses no less than 8 valves.
This has exceeded all expectations but requires the best supporting equipment to show it's ultimate performance.

[Barry]

This year has also seen the development of the BigBottle Ultime (BBu), a no holds barred dual mono phono stage that uses no less than 8 valves.
This has exceeded all expectations but requires the best supporting equipment to show it's ultimate performance.

Alan, are you able to supply more information on the BBu development; specification, photos etc. please?