Thank you for that. As much as I like the idea of the Conrad Johnson sound, I am concerned about the unit's age. It's in that 30 y/o range, and that is where many problems can pop up, even though there isn't an electrolytic in it. There can be harmonic noise issues as well simply due to age, period. I may have, as of last night, found a "solution", we shall see. Despite the AVID Pellar receiving multiple positive, even glowing reviews, it seems that nobody talks about setup. I discovered a while back (for example) that power cords make a huge difference with this thing. It's probably the most power cord sensitive device I've ever owned. Last evening, I undertook an experiment regarding vibration/resonance control and the results were not subtle. In fact, they were immensely rewarding. I put 3 large sorbothane feet under the AVID's chassis. Things got better. Then I took things a step further. I placed 2 boxes of 45 cal ammo on top of the AVID (ammo is heavy!). The artifacts I disliked are, gone. Tonally, it is extremely even-handed. The soundstage has become immense. It is so deep and wide I can honestly say that I've never heard a phono system do this. Images within the stage stay put regardless of intensity or complexity of the passage. Timbres, while completely non-euphonic are very honest. Image density is present in spades. Notes pop out of an inky black background and fade away there. "Harmonic Noise" has been drastically reduced. Im hearing things I've never heard before, which is really saying something. Dynamics can start and stop on a dime. Do I still want some sweetness? We'll see. I can tell you that this has become to me, far more refined, more resolving, more "correct", and I can likely live with it nicely. Due to the recent improvements, I feel very cautious about leaping anywhere because of losing what I already have, as of last night.
To anyone with an AVID Pellar, power cords are a big thing with these. So is resonance. Don't be afraid to smother that thing with some weight. The improvement is astounding. In my nearly 40 years as an audiophile, I've done cable swaps and even component swaps that didn't have the impact that 3 sorbothane feet and 2 heavy boxes of ammo had on the AVID. Why? I can't tell you. It just did.
Does anyone own the Luxman E-250 Phono Preamp? Or Conrad Johnson EF-1?
I alternate between a couple of decks. My trusty Linn LP12 with a Mober bearing and sub platter, Lingo 3 ps, Cirkus sub chassis, laminated armboard with Pro-Ject Evolution Carbon 9cc arm, Hana EL cartridge, and deer hide platter mat. The recent addition is a MoFi Ultradeck w/Mastertracker cartridge with the MoFi record weight. For the record (no pun intended), I really dig that MoFi deck! Currently my phono pre is an AVID Pellar, which I like, sometimes. To be honest, I do prefer a "sweeter" sound and the AVID is very neutral. I know it sounds silly this day and age to complain about a component being too neutral, but I'm pushing 60, I have a sound I'm accustomed to. I've owned dozens of decks and pre amps during my 40 years in this hobby. The sound of gear over the years has changed. I have also considered a used Conrad Johnson EF-1. I'm at the point that I'd rather not mess with tubes anymore. The phono pre I had before the AVID was a PS Audio GCPH, which was "warmish" with powerful bass. I replaced enough CLASS D modules in it that I finally threw in the towel. The AVID is fully on par in terms of extension and resolution with the GCPH, and seems superior regarding imaging. This is a matter of tonality, or that now hated word, "color".
So, anyone with experience with a Luxman E-250 or Conrad Johnson EF-1, I'd love to hear from you!