Jimbos Audio ramblings

[Jimbo]

Acoustic treatment panels are on hold until material arrives from USA which has been estimated at about 3 weeks.

But....something interesting maybe happening in the system this week...which will be quite exciting I hope?

[Jimbo]

So for a long time now I have pondered what a Solid state Phono stage would sound like in my system and over the past few years I have ear marked a few contenders. Over recent years with the increase in folk buying vinyl and turntables the choice has increased considerably and so there are many options available at a reasonable price but only a few that seem to be very highly regarded.

So in the current world of affordable gear I decided I would like to try the IFI phono stage, not only because it was cheap but because it had stunning reviews and has been used in mega bucks systems without embarrassing itself. Well after about two years of waiting I have been lucky enough to borrow one to try.

Now this is the first all transistor phono stage I have ever used with my current set up and indeed with any set up I have owned so for me it was going to be a big deal. How would a very well received SS phono stage sound and how would it compare against an all valve phono stage? Also bear in mind this phono stage measures incredibly well with a very low noise floor of -151 dBv. It also has a super accurate RIAA EQ tolerance level (+/- 0.15 db). So I will be comparing a phono stage that probably measures way better than my Croft phono stage on almost every parameter, but does it sound as good!

As an aside we do seem to be in a world that has become obsessed with measurements which reminds me of the THD wars of the 1980s. Only because something measure well it does not mean it will sound any good and because something measures badly it does not mean it will not sound good. Measurements are used as a marketing tool and can trick the unwary into believing because it measures well it must be good. I have heard plenty of stuff that measures exceptionally well and in fact was designed with the sole intention of being extremely low in distortion but somehow never fully engaged me as a listener.

So back to the IFI phono stage.

Does it sound any good, in a word yes, it sounds very good and as I have mentioned it measures very well and to my ears it contributed very low distortion. So this would seem to vindicate the measurement boys and indeed I can confirm its very low noise floor and super accurate RIAA can be heard or should I say cannot be heard.😀

So there we go, I plugged it in and ran it through the line stage of my Croft preamp and it sound ed great.

BUT that’s not the whole story.😀

This review as I was to discover was to become more about valves vs transistors and that’s where things got very interesting and why after some very late night listening I came to some conclusions.

The comparison of a super modern, super accurate transistor phono stage vs an old school full valve phono stage told me all I needed to know but up until now I had probably been afraid to confront.

6EA1D883-7C69-4336-8DF2-D3D763371922_1_201_a by , on Flickr

[Wakefield Turntables]

Leaving valves? I run a super hot rodded 4-Box Paradise phonostage in my Valve setup. I really love valves but I prefer SS phonostages through my valve setup.

[Jimbo]

Leaving valves? I run a super hot rodded 4-Box Paradise phonostage in my Valve setup. I really love valves but I prefer SS phonostages through my valve setup.

I have heard the Paradise a number of times Andy but not the 4 box set up. Urber smooth almost invisible performer with very transparent sound. I can see why some folk love them.

[brian2957]

Good post James, but now you've left us in suspense. Can't wait for part 2

[Jimbo]

Good post James, but now you've left us in suspense. Can't wait for part 2

Just got a bit more listening to do tonight

[AJSki2fly]

Just got a bit more listening to do tonight

I am in a similar state at present, with a SS Phono stage and a very good Valve one, and I just cannot decide at present, and keep switching back and forth every few days.

[CageyH]

Keep them both.
Invest in a 2nd TT if you don’t already have one.

[Jimbo]

I think it is worth keeping both as they do things quite differently. The best SS I have heard was the Paradise and I can see where the appeal is with SS as they are quite neutral and probably or should I say most certainly give you a more accurate account of what is going on in the recording. However I am not bothered about accuracy or measurements and so forth, I am much more interested in something sounding pleasing to the ear, something that brings beauty to the music and I feel valves do a better job.

As a friend who knows me well once observed I like "organic distortion". I certainly agree.

[Jimbo]

Keep them both.
Invest in a 2nd TT if you don’t already have one.

Hey Kev, I just remembered I do run a second system myself with a SS phono stage. It is the GL75 with a Pioneer SX590. This has a built in SS phono from around 1978. Sounds lush and very nice indeed. Old school 70s mid centric but very sweet and appealing. Vinyl all sounds great through this system and funny enough I don't miss the valves!