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  #261  
Old 02-15-2022, 08:41 PM
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Ok, I heard from Sweet Vinyl, and there is a way to connect with a built-in phono stage.

From the diagram they sent me, you connect your TT to the preamp's phono stage, then connect your pre's Aux/Rec Out to the SC's Line In. Then, connect the SC's Line Out to the Aux/Rec In of the preamp. My C2300 has a "Server" connection with "Rec" as a secondary label. I'm guessing that's what I should use to complete the connections if I get a SC-1 or 2.

This scenario means 2 extra pair of interconnects, but I won't have to buy any because I have unused AQ King Cobra and Kimber Hero hanging around. Maybe this is doable after all; the question is should I spend the money. No, but I'll consider it anyway.
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  #262  
Old 04-03-2022, 04:24 PM
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It just got worse. Having hung around an AA phono preamp thread, I have downloaded manuals for the following, and will look into them more as I begin preliminary research:

Luxman E-250
McIntosh MP100
Sutherland 20/20 w/LPS power supply
Sutherland Insight
Parasound JC3+
Parasound JC3 Jr
Musical Surroundings Nova III
Rega Aria Mk III


The question is which would be a reasonable improvement over the 2300, but not disproportionally so compared to the rest of the system. The MP100 was "a slight improvement in sound quality and features" according to McIntosh; "slight" may not be enough. The JC3+ is a full-size unit, which could mean placement/space issues. We'll see if I go this route rather than the SweetVinyl SC-1 or 2, or my original thought of an IC upgrade. All three aren't happening. I'm close to engaging a lawyer, and need a new mattress too. But since I'm the slow, methodical type, those other issues might be resolved by the time a choice is made regarding the audio upgrade possibilities.
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  #263  
Old 11-19-2022, 07:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by prepress View Post
It just got worse. Having hung around an AA phono preamp thread, I have downloaded manuals for the following, and will look into them more as I begin preliminary research:

Luxman E-250
McIntosh MP100
Sutherland 20/20 w/LPS power supply
Sutherland Insight
Parasound JC3+
Parasound JC3 Jr
Musical Surroundings Nova III
Rega Aria Mk III


The question is which would be a reasonable improvement over the 2300, but not disproportionally so compared to the rest of the system. The MP100 was "a slight improvement in sound quality and features" according to McIntosh; "slight" may not be enough. The JC3+ is a full-size unit, which could mean placement/space issues. We'll see if I go this route rather than the SweetVinyl SC-1 or 2, or my original thought of an IC upgrade. All three aren't happening. I'm close to engaging a lawyer, and need a new mattress too. But since I'm the slow, methodical type, those other issues might be resolved by the time a choice is made regarding the audio upgrade possibilities.
I haven't been on the forum much for a while, but to update the last post, the list is narrowed down to The JC 3+ (funds permitting), the JC 3 Jr., and the Musical Surroundings Nova III; I may add the EAT E-Glo Petit (tubes!). I see the two Parasounds have gone up in price. My concern with the JC 3+ is whether it's on a different level than the rest of my equipment. Will it sound way better than my MCD500? That would be an imbalance in the system.

One thing that I haven't explored fully is the settings on my C2300's phono section. I should play with them even as I do a deeper dive into the reduced list; admittedly, I have NOT been playing records much at all, and none since early July. I still have other things to do so money may come into play, but I want to be as sure as I can on this. More research, here I come.
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  #264  
Old 10-26-2023, 05:03 PM
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^ ^ ^
UPDATE: I bought an SC-1, but it was defective (something either broken or loose inside). Sent it back to Music Direct, who tried fixing it and sending it back. Same problem. I took a refund.

How many who have a C2300 use an outboard phono stage? How much might I have to spend if I want to get equal or somewhat better sound?
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  #265  
Old 10-31-2023, 12:15 AM
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While I have a C22 rather than C2300, I've found that tube-rolling with new production gold-pin Tung-Sol and Gold Lion (all fully tested) made a very nice improvement in SQ. Blacker background and more "there, there" (in my non-pro review). I've felt no need to go with an external phono-preamp with my Ortofon Cadenza Black and a half-dozen other cartridges. YMMV.

EDIT - I see you are using JJ's Telefunken tubes. Not sure the others would gain you anything other than a slightly 'different' SQ.
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Last edited by Formerly YB-2; 10-31-2023 at 01:04 AM.
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  #266  
Old 10-31-2023, 10:09 PM
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Attachment 69626
Quote:
Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2 View Post
While I have a C22 rather than C2300, I've found that tube-rolling with new production gold-pin Tung-Sol and Gold Lion (all fully tested) made a very nice improvement in SQ. Blacker background and more "there, there" (in my non-pro review). I've felt no need to go with an external phono-preamp with my Ortofon Cadenza Black and a half-dozen other cartridges. YMMV.

EDIT - I see you are using JJ's Telefunken tubes. Not sure the others would gain you anything other than a slightly 'different' SQ.
That's what I found when going to the Telefunkens from the Gold Lions. Both are good, but the Telefunkens sounded more dynamic to me, important since my system doubles as a home theater. I think you've just helped me back off the idea of an outboard phono, at least for now. I haven't been playing records, though I've been buying lately, including a Roberta Gambarini limited edition release just last week titled "Easy to Love." That's 18 LPs in about 4 weeks. I need to stop buying and start listening; there was a backlog even before those 18.

I'd think I would have to spend at least $1500–$2000 to get better than what I have with the 2300's built-in phono. The idea of an outboard unit has come and gone several times over the last couple of years. I don't seem to get rid of the idea completely.
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  #267  
Old 10-31-2023, 11:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by prepress View Post
Attachment 69626
I'd think I would have to spend at least $1500–$2000 to get better than what I have with the 2300's built-in phono. The idea of an outboard unit has come and gone several times over the last couple of years. I don't seem to get rid of the idea completely.
Yes. Always in the back of my mind, as well. As my favorite phono-preamp tube is the 6922, I'm thinking a Manley Chinook or Steelhead.
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  #268  
Old 11-01-2023, 09:25 AM
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Just realized I botched the attachment on the previous post. It's a photo of the Roberta Gambarini LP, in case anyone wants to check into it. I have a couple of her CDs, and have seen her at Jazz at Lincoln Center a couple of times. The LP is limited, as I mentioned earlier: it's only 1,999 copies; mine is no. 86.
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File Type: jpeg IMG_1044 copy.jpeg (1.11 MB, 17 views)
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Last edited by prepress; 11-01-2023 at 09:28 AM.
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  #269  
Old 11-01-2023, 05:25 PM
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Nice set of 'lungs'.
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  #270  
Old 11-02-2023, 05:48 AM
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Looking forward to playing it at some point. The Absolute Sound gave it a rave review, which is how I became aware of it. The label is In+Out Records, a German label, and the LP was mastered and pressed there on 180G vinyl. It's a reissue, and I expect it to sound good.
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