This is my older post, but I thought I would update cause a couple things have gone down.
First, I purchased a used older edition Lehmann Black Cube on this forum for $240. Stock power supply. Huge improvement, as it should be, over the Cambridge. Better dynamics, HUGE soundstage (in comparison), less "congestion" on complex passages, etc. But after almost three months now, still felt something was missing especially with my SoundSmith- modded Denon 103. Still a bit of congestion, occasionally felt as if the low end was lacking on more and more recordings. I constructed a "D" cell dual-rail power source, and it now runs dead quiet. That improved overall dynamics and detail. But- it OCCASIONALLY sounds a little lacking in "air" in the high end, and I still feel it a bit lacking in the bass dept.
Next up, after more research and limited budget: The Jasmine (the latest) MKII, I think they call the newer one. Ordered direct from China about a week ago. I was tweaked by the very good reviews both here and elsewhere, and I was hearing the things I feel I needed in descriptions- Great dynamics, high output to help out my Denon MC, smooth, huge soundstage, "best value under $1000" (but how many preamps carry THAT title?)
I'm excited to get it up and running, but will temper my expectations until plenty of break in time.
Thanks all for the suggestions!
Gary
First, I purchased a used older edition Lehmann Black Cube on this forum for $240. Stock power supply. Huge improvement, as it should be, over the Cambridge. Better dynamics, HUGE soundstage (in comparison), less "congestion" on complex passages, etc. But after almost three months now, still felt something was missing especially with my SoundSmith- modded Denon 103. Still a bit of congestion, occasionally felt as if the low end was lacking on more and more recordings. I constructed a "D" cell dual-rail power source, and it now runs dead quiet. That improved overall dynamics and detail. But- it OCCASIONALLY sounds a little lacking in "air" in the high end, and I still feel it a bit lacking in the bass dept.
Next up, after more research and limited budget: The Jasmine (the latest) MKII, I think they call the newer one. Ordered direct from China about a week ago. I was tweaked by the very good reviews both here and elsewhere, and I was hearing the things I feel I needed in descriptions- Great dynamics, high output to help out my Denon MC, smooth, huge soundstage, "best value under $1000" (but how many preamps carry THAT title?)
I'm excited to get it up and running, but will temper my expectations until plenty of break in time.
Thanks all for the suggestions!
Gary