Garrard 301 - Project

I bought a used Softone Model 4 last week. It easily bests my GoldNote PH-10 with PS-10 LPS.

I’ve rolled NOS Mullard, Telefunken Diamond Mark, RCA 6201, and GE, as well as some Gold Lion reissues that came with it.

I prefer the tele’s in the phono stage by far, but much prefer the RCA and Mullard’s in my DAC.

Unfortunately the Model 4 has a noisy left channel, so I’ll probably order a new one from Japan, then send the used one back for repair and hope the repair is reasonable - then sell it to recoup a few bucks (hopefully).

@lalitk thanks for letting me know about the Model 4!

Cool, let us know what you think of the Tele’s.

my cart is MSL Signature Platinum, TT is Clearaudio Innovation with Universal arm

Ive order a pair of the Sovtek LPS so I can compare with the stock set up

I dont, but randomly, it was the first album I streamed today after you mentioned Ben - I’ve never listened to it before. Very nice indeed.

Listening to Kenny Burrell Midnight Blue atm.

@noromance Lalit - funny, I was literally just wondering how you were getting along with the tele's. Also Ben Webster was one of my go-to's for testing the Softone.

Glad you like the tele's.

I had a chance to warm up and test the Sovtek LPS variant and tried it in the Model 4 and my tube DAC and it is surprisingly good. I think I like it best in the DAC, but at $60 a pair these are the best new issue tubes I've heard so far and easily best the Gold Lion reissue's that were included by the seller with the model 4.

btw, I ordered a new Model 4 from Mr. Yoshimoto - it will ship early next month, then I'll get the used one repaired (if cost is reasonable) and put it up for sale.

Lastly, I did some more a/b testing between the Model 4 and my Gold Note PH-10 with PSU-10 (3 x the price), and it's not even close. My "busted" Model 4 really is remarkable - can't wait to hear what a properly functioning one sounds like!

Enjoy! 

I have not tried the bugle boy or tungsram but I might try and get a pair of the Bugle Boy’s or Some nice Brimar’s.

The Mullard’s I have are 1950s halo getter long plates.  I put them back in my DAC after listening to the Sovtek LPS for a few days and they sure do sound nice. They were $450.00 per pair but are now sold  old at Brent Jesse but has other variants available.

as you probably know he lists every tube available on his website which has good descriptions but I usually just email him and ask for advice which I may do shortly.

let us know what you end up getting

@lalitk I forgot  - the Mullard’s are marked 12AX7 not any of the variants suggested.

@lewm Brent Jesse has various Amperex/BB available, yes they are expensive but I trust him in terms of authenticity. 

I disagree on the value proposition though - while I do agree the Sovtek 12AX7LPS is very good, the NOS Mullard’s and Tele’s are more pleasing to my ears.

@noromance I bought a used Model 4 on Lalit’s recommendation. I think it is ridiculously good for the money. I knew my Goldnote PH-10+PSU-10 ($3k new) was a bottleneck after buying a Clearaudio Innovation and an MSL Signature Platinum, but was holding off a next-level PS for a while. The Model 4 is way better than the GN. Maybe not end-game, but will definitely keep me happy for a while. 

The Aric MC is 4.5 times the price of the model 4. Have you heard both?

PS. @noromance the Aric does look really interesting.

Based on my experience, I won’t be buying anything from Aric Audio (new or used). 

duly noted!