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Turntables & Tonearms Where Analog still Rules

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  #11  
Old 09-11-2020, 05:43 AM
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prepress prepress is offline
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Originally Posted by Vintage Pete View Post
Charles....I have seen this video already, it's another part of what's been pushing me more in the direction of the 10....
The main reason I don't have the 10 is that I wanted a detachable headshell, and was told by Pro-Ject the Xtension 10 doesn't come with it. I'd have to go to the Signature 10 or an Xtension 12, either of which was more money than I wanted to spend. SOTAs are known for their suspension systems, and I needed a table with good suspension. The 10's supposed to be pretty good in that regard from what I hear.

There is a video review of the Xtension 9 on YouTube, but it's in German. The table looks nice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=334asOP8mdE

And an unboxing video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4krl80LGck
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  #12  
Old 09-12-2020, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by prepress View Post
The main reason I don't have the 10 is that I wanted a detachable headshell, and was told by Pro-Ject the Xtension 10 doesn't come with it. I'd have to go to the Signature 10 or an Xtension 12, either of which was more money than I wanted to spend. SOTAs are known for their suspension systems, and I needed a table with good suspension. The 10's supposed to be pretty good in that regard from what I hear.

There is a video review of the Xtension 9 on YouTube, but it's in German. The table looks nice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=334asOP8mdE

And an unboxing video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4krl80LGck
Charles....yes, I was a bit put off at first by the non-detachable headshell; but after watching a setup video I relaxed a bit over it.

I'm very big on a good suspension too...the "floating" suspension is one of the things I've really liked about my HK table all these years. The X-tension 9 and 10 rely on their sheer mass (they are quite heavy!) along with a seemingly ingenious "floating" suspension of sorts within the feet and platter bearing assemblies. It's a system of magnets with opposing poles to each other that create the suspension system. Seems pretty interesting.

I'm not overly concerned about resonances in the first place, since my whole system structure, and the area where my turntable resides, is pretty massive.
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No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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  #13  
Old 09-12-2020, 02:10 PM
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Default Phono stage

If and when I do make a move on the turntable, I plan to get back into the moving coil arena. I am currently using the top of Ortofon's Moving magnet line, the 2M Black. It is a fabulous cartridge. However as good as it is, I know that an MC cartridge such as the Cadenza Blank (or even the Quintet) will be better. I used to have an MC cartridge, (the Ortofon MC10) together with a passive step-up transformer (STM-72) since my McIntosh C40 preamp does not have an MC input.

So, when the time comes, I'm going to need an outboard phono stage. The top contenders are the McIntosh MP100, or the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2. The McIntosh MP100 will run me a good chunk of change more than the Pro-ject Tube Box DS-2, so at this time I'm leaning toward the Pro-Ject unit.

I've read quite a few good reviews on it, and it would look gorgeous sitting next to either the X-tension 9 or X-tension 10 Turntable. It is available in either black or silver, with or without wooden end caps, which are available in a choice of finishes. The photo below would be my preferred "look".

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No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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  #14  
Old 09-13-2020, 01:10 AM
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Pete, doesn’t your C40 preamp have a MM phono stage? If so, why not buy a step-up transformer to feed an MC cartridge to the C40 phono stage? For the same price or less as the Pro-Ject, you could buy something like the Ortofon ST-7 step-up. The combination of Mac MM phono stage and a good step-up would probably beat the standalone Pro-ject.

IMG_0426.JPG
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  #15  
Old 09-13-2020, 11:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antonmb View Post
Pete, doesn’t your C40 preamp have a MM phono stage? If so, why not buy a step-up transformer to feed an MC cartridge to the C40 phono stage? For the same price or less as the Pro-Ject, you could buy something like the Ortofon ST-7 step-up. The combination of Mac MM phono stage and a good step-up would probably beat the standalone Pro-ject.

Attachment 62860
Tony....these are certainly valid points, points that perhaps I need to be reminded of. Yes, the C40 preamp has a MM input, and the phono stage is, in fact very good. I've heard nothing but good things about it from other C40 owners.

For many, many years I was using an Ortofon MC10 Moving coil cartridge, together with an Ortofon STM-72 Step up transformer. I eventually had issues with the STM-72, mainly due to the close spacing of the RCA jacks. I started having intermittent channel drop outs, and excessive hum. Its output cable and plugs were very cheap, as were the input jacks. I decided it was time to think of a new cartridge-after all, I had used this combo for 34 years!

So, I opted for the Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge. I figured their top MM of today may best the MC10 of yesteryear. However, once in place, excessive hum issues remained. So, I recapped the phono stage of my C40. Weirdly, at first this didn't seem to help, but after a time it improved to the point that it is no longer an issue. I really can'y explain that turn of events, but the hum from the C40 phono stage is well within acceptable limits, and it sounds great. As to the sound of the 2M Black, it is very, very good; perhaps better than my old MC10.

So, the option of something like the ST-7 could certainly be on the table. In fact, I have looked into this in the past. Then I started looking at the McIntosh MP100-certainly a nice unit but it is $2,000.

The pros of the ST-7 are:

1) It is small, occupying less real estate than the Pro-ject unit.

2) It is less expensive than the Pro-Ject unit, though not by much.

3) Due to its small size, it can be stashed in a number of places, likely saving me the cost of an additional interconnect.

4) It is made by Ortofon, a company I do have confidence in.

Possible caveats of the ST-7:

1) It is very basic, perhaps not lending itself to a variety of cartridges.

2) In reading the literature on the ST-7, it seems geared toward the Quintet series of MC's; I'm not sure how well suited it will be to the Cadenza series. This may not be an issue at all.

Pros of the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2:

1) It is very flexible, allowing cartridge matching adjustments to be made at the front panel, "on the fly".

2) It is a pretty attractive unit. I do like its looks.

3) I have to confess I'm intrigued by its tube output stage.

Cons of the Pro-Ject unit:

1) It's a little big, right at the limit of how much real estate I'd be willing to sacrifice atop the platform where my turntable resides. I'd have to relocate my Bryston BUC-1 to accommodate it, but this isn't a big problem.

2) While I have a spare WireWorld 1.5M Silver Eclipse interconnect, it's not quite long enough to reach from the proposed location next to my TT to my C40's phono/aux input. So, the cost of a WW 2.0M Silver Eclipse interconnect must be figured into the project cost.

To your point that the ST-7 coupled with my C40's phono stage may outperform the standalone Pro-ject unit-you could be right! But I have no way of knowing since I have have not heard the Pro-Ject unit. But, I've seen a good number of very favorable reviews. The tube output coupled with the SS preamp might be a winning combo.

I still haven't entirely ruled out the McIntosh MP100. But this opens up issues of cost, placement, and additional cabling (also more cost).

Incidentally, I just spotted a vintage Ortofon STM-72 matching transformer on Cabuck that has been upgraded with gold plated RCA jacks and upgraded output cables....
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No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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  #16  
Old 09-13-2020, 12:32 PM
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Pete,
If you get the Pro-ject unit I’d buy it from a place that allows returns. I think an MC stage that is tube only using ECC83’s will be noisy compared to a good step up xfmr or SS stage.
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  #17  
Old 09-13-2020, 01:34 PM
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Vintage Pete Vintage Pete is offline
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Originally Posted by W9TR View Post
Pete,
If you get the Pro-ject unit I’d buy it from a place that allows returns. I think an MC stage that is tube only using ECC83’s will be noisy compared to a good step up xfmr or SS stage.
Tom....that may be a good point. As to the Pro-ject unit being "tube only", it's my understanding that the two ECC83/12AX7A's are in the output stage only. I have read good reviews as to it being quiet for a tube phono stage.

I know what you are saying about S/N when it comes to tube phono stages. I even remember Dan telling me he preferred the C1000C/P preamp over the C1000T when it came to hash noise in the phono stage.

FWIW, here's a couple of photos of the interior of the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2.



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No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop

Last edited by Vintage Pete; 09-13-2020 at 02:52 PM.
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  #18  
Old 09-13-2020, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Pete View Post
Tony....these are certainly valid points, points that perhaps I need to be reminded of. Yes, the C40 preamp has a MM input, and the phono stage is, in fact very good. I've heard nothing but good things about it from other C40 owners.



For many, many years I was using an Ortofon MC10 Moving coil cartridge, together with an Ortofon STM-72 Step up transformer. I eventually had issues with the STM-72, mainly due to the close spacing of the RCA jacks. I started having intermittent channel drop outs, and excessive hum. Its output cable and plugs were very cheap, as were the input jacks. I decided it was time to think of a new cartridge-after all, I had used this combo for 34 years!



So, I opted for the Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge. I figured their top MM of today may best the MC10 of yesteryear. However, once in place, excessive hum issues remained. So, I recapped the phono stage of my C40. Weirdly, at first this didn't seem to help, but after a time it improved to the point that it is no longer an issue. I really can'y explain that turn of events, but the hum from the C40 phono stage is well within acceptable limits, and it sounds great. As to the sound of the 2M Black, it is very, very good; perhaps better than my old MC10.



So, the option of something like the ST-7 could certainly be on the table. In fact, I have looked into this in the past. Then I started looking at the McIntosh MP100-certainly a nice unit but it is $2,000.



The pros of the ST-7 are:



1) It is small, occupying less real estate than the Pro-ject unit.



2) It is less expensive than the Pro-Ject unit, though not by much.



3) Due to its small size, it can be stashed in a number of places, likely saving me the cost of an additional interconnect.



4) It is made by Ortofon, a company I do have confidence in.



Possible caveats of the ST-7:



1) It is very basic, perhaps not lending itself to a variety of cartridges.



2) In reading the literature on the ST-7, it seems geared toward the Quintet series of MC's; I'm not sure how well suited it will be to the Cadenza series. This may not be an issue at all.



Pros of the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2:



1) It is very flexible, allowing cartridge matching adjustments to be made at the front panel, "on the fly".



2) It is a pretty attractive unit. I do like its looks.



3) I have to confess I'm intrigued by its tube output stage.



Cons of the Pro-Ject unit:



1) It's a little big, right at the limit of how much real estate I'd be willing to sacrifice atop the platform where my turntable resides. I'd have to relocate my Bryston BUC-1 to accommodate it, but this isn't a big problem.



2) While I have a spare WireWorld 1.5M Silver Eclipse interconnect, it's not quite long enough to reach from the proposed location next to my TT to my C40's phono/aux input. So, the cost of a WW 2.0M Silver Eclipse interconnect must be figured into the project cost.



To your point that the ST-7 coupled with my C40's phono stage may outperform the standalone Pro-ject unit-you could be right! But I have no way of knowing since I have have not heard the Pro-Ject unit. But, I've seen a good number of very favorable reviews. The tube output coupled with the SS preamp might be a winning combo.



I still haven't entirely ruled out the McIntosh MP100. But this opens up issues of cost, placement, and additional cabling (also more cost).



Incidentally, I just spotted a vintage Ortofon STM-72 matching transformer on Cabuck that has been upgraded with gold plated RCA jacks and upgraded output cables....


Pete, clearly you’ve done your research, and your pros and cons are well thought out. Perhaps you can find a reasonably local dealer who can let you test drive the Pro-ject. They definitely make some high-value products.
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D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2
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  #19  
Old 09-13-2020, 03:25 PM
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Hello Pete, for what it’s worth I was visiting one of my dealers who carries many higher end brands, and asked for his advice for a phono preamp with 2 inputs. He immediately suggested the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2, which according to him can compete sound wise with units that are several times the price... I’m yet to try one in my system
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  #20  
Old 09-13-2020, 05:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joel_hifi View Post
Hello Pete, for what it’s worth I was visiting one of my dealers who carries many higher end brands, and asked for his advice for a phono preamp with 2 inputs. He immediately suggested the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2, which according to him can compete sound wise with units that are several times the price... I’m yet to try one in my system
joel_hifi....thanks for that info. This is what I keep hearing. I do have a dealer locally who carries Pro-Ject, but I've only seen the very small, lower priced units in the store.
__________________
Pete

No. 35


Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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