Musical Surroundings Nova

[Formerly YB-2]

Just purchased a Nova as want to try a battery powered phono preamp (think quiet). Gave some thought to the Ray Samuels F-117, but reviews have been somewhat mixed on it's performance. Should have in a few days. Anyone else used the Nova?

[BlueChiaro]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Just purchased a Nova as want to try a battery powered phono preamp (think quiet). Gave some thought to the Ray Samuels F-117, but reviews have been somewhat mixed on it's performance. Should have in a few days. Anyone else used the Nova?

I guess you're not gonna test drive my Nighthawk, then? Offer stands if you change your mind... Hope you like your Nova. BTW, my DIN to RCA is the SME cable it came with.

[Formerly YB-2]

Thanks, again.......... I did respond in the other thread. Perhaps we would want to A/B at some point. Can't imagine that SME did not supply a good cable with their TT/TA combo. If I really get back into listening to vinyl (thankfully, still have everything) I'll likely spring for another 309 arm with the replaceable headshell.

[Formerly YB-2]

Nova arrived today and thus far sounds great with the AT33R in the Sony PS-X75 TT/TA combination. Will get the DDX-1000/Jelco set up this weekend (I hope).

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Can't imagine that SME did not supply a good cable with their TT/TA combo.

Unfortunately, the phono cables that SME tonearms come with are not very good; depending on the vintage of the arm (it has been in production with only a few detail changes for over 20 years), they can be downright awful.

My stock SME V tonearm cable is dreadful, both muddy and bright at the same time.

[BlueChiaro]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Unfortunately, the phono cables that SME tonearms come with are not very good; depending on the vintage of the arm (it has been in production with only a few detail changes for over 20 years), they can be downright awful.

My stock SME V tonearm cable is dreadful, both muddy and bright at the same time.

I knew it was just a matter of time until you found that post, Stephen.

[Puma Cat]

Heheh...

Right now, as I bip around the house getting ready to head out on errands, I am using my new-to-me HRT Music Streamer Pro DAC that I bought (basically NIB from a buddy) on my 'ole black Macbook based music server. Miles' KOB is playing from an SBM Mastersound rip; it sounds GREAT!

Too busy at the moment to be flippin' records every 20 minutes.

[BlueChiaro]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Thanks, again.......... I did respond in the other thread. Perhaps we would want to A/B at some point.

I had missed your post on the other thread, but feel free to PM me if you ever want to do the A/B...happy to bring it over. Enjoy your Nova!

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Unfortunately, the phono cables that SME tonearms come with are not very good; depending on the vintage of the arm (it has been in production with only a few detail changes for over 20 years), they can be downright awful.

My stock SME V tonearm cable is dreadful, both muddy and bright at the same time.

So........... what are you going to upgrade to?

[Puma Cat]

I'm using a custom-made Zu Mission phono with a Cardas 90 deg DIN. Unfortunately, Zu isn't doing phono cables anymore, it appears.

If i were shopping for one, I'd be looking at Wireworld or Cardas, Golden Reference, probably.

The Furutech AG-12 is excellent, too, but will not fit under the L-shaped frame of my Michell Gyro due to it's massive 90 deg. DIN; it doesn't clear the frame.