I agree with Isochronism, owner enthusiasm is very high for this product.
It you can get this for 25 % off that's very unusual. It's considered to be world class level, I'd go for this rare opportunity. |
Hi Essrand,
There's a new review of this phono stage in Tone Magazine that echoes the raves of other reviews and owners (go to the Coincident web page and find reviews).
Jwm offered very good advice, start with very high quality components with your source. This prevents the constant upgrading and swapping that will cost much more money in the long run. With this phono stage you're set and done.
Best Regards,
Charles, |
"There's no need to hurry it's not a race" so true Onhwy61.
The premium phono stage can be thought of as a strong building block.
There's no rule that says that every additional component has to be
necessarily expensive to make good music. I don't believe you have to
spend 5k in order to get a wonderful sounding cartridge. Take your time
and get comfortable with what's available in a price range you're at ease
with. Remember that the Coincident will extract all that it can from your
analog front end. You really have to define what your musical/sonic
objectives are then fulfill them in a systematic fashion.
Some people have very expensive systems and yet aren't happy with their
sound. Take time and assemble a system rather than a collection of
numerous expensive components. You're sure off to a good start.
Charles, |
Esstrand,
The case for obtaining a top tier phono stage continues to grow. |
I'd say that it's obvious you'll want a good quality TT, tonearm and
cartridge, all are important. You have to start somewhere and beginning
with a recognized and praised phono stage that's available for a discounted
price is a fine opportunity(and has an excellent line section built in).
Starting with a lesser quality phono only to upgrade later usually costs
more in the long run. All components have a learning curve, this isn't
unique to analog. You have an excellentCoincident Dragon amp and thus a
very solid foundation. No need to make things more complicated than need
be.
Listen to live music (particularly acoustic instruments) and you'll develop
an ear for natural sound. You'll discover (or may already have) that some
types of components are more realistic and natural than others. Trust your
hearing and your spontaneous and emotional response.
Charles, |
Lewm,
Good point generally speaking, but there shouldn't be an impedance matching problem with the Coincident Dragon MK II amplifier. This sibling combo is likely an exceptional sound.
Charles, |
Essrand,
You actually heard the CAT preamp (good move) and were impressed. Will you have a chance to hear the Coincident Phono stage under similar conditions? |
I'm making the assumption that Essrand is buying predominantly for phono pefformance with the line stage a secondary consideration. |
Hi Onhwy61,
Essrand can certainly build his record library over time as most anyone has done, there is quite a resource available. My point for encouraging him is this, he can buy a superior product for a rare discounted price. This will match his premium level power amplifier and form a superb foundation (and likely avoid the dreaded component merry go round). In the long term he saves money and reduces anxiety and second guessing. He'll have wonderful sound as he buys more and more records.
Charles, |
Hi Onhhy61,
I clearly understand your point and it's logical. I feel that Essrand is committed to building a LP collection that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. I rather buy the Coincident Phono now (if it's within budget) rather than the lesser component only then to upgrade later anyway.
Lewm, I'm not suggesting this is a 'once in a lifetime deal', however 25% off is very good for this top shelf phono stage. Yes there's more than one approach to this situation. I'm just a believer in getting the higher quality gear when you can(and when the price is right), most often there's no looking back. I know Essrand will make his own decisions, I'm just trying to be helpful.
Charles, |
Well two different camps have emerged, both are rational. Personally I wouldn't waste time with buying .the EAR phono stage(when you aspire for better). Get the best now and gradually bring your other components to this same high standard over time. As Onhyw61 said earlier, this isn't a race. Brett(Isochronism), you and I think alike in this matter. Nice thread.
Charles, |
Metralla,
You point out the imbalanced quality of components and I agree. Getting
the EAR is not an upward/final destination choice, it just fits in with the
current analog level. To use a sports analogy, draft the best athlete/player
you can get. Make this draft pick your foundation and build round him with
other good players (a rising tide philosophy). I'd get the great player
(Coincident) rather than the lesser player (EAR) that just satifies a vacant
slot temporarily. But I do understand your reasoning as well. The
Coincident phono +the Dragon mono blocks = two very impressive building
blocks for the very long term.
Charles, |
Hi Metralla,
"Hey all in fun", of course!
Coincident phono = a prime Labron James.
EAR= an aging Kevin Garnett.
Charles, |
Good question Onhwy61, but for me more difficult to answer. Phono stages are a fundamental component and a great one has universal appeal and function in many settings. Cartridges are more varied and personal in that they all have an "individual signature" no matter how good they are. So this will really depend on Essrand's taste and overall sonic goal for his system IMHO. Essrand what is your musical/sonic target when all is said and done?
Charles, |
Al is corect regarding cartridge criteria with the Coincident. |
Based on my interactions with Israel over the past 4 years, he'd rather lose his right hand and an eye(maybe even an ear) before he'd compromise anything related to the signal path. Purity and simplicity of the audio signal is his mantra.
Charles, |
Hi Essrand,
Congratulations on acquiring the Coincident preamp. Your were given a
variety of heart felt opinions on this thread from well meaning people. My
gut feeling was this is the right decision ( I would have just skipped the EAR
and gone straight to the Coincident Phono stage), short and long term for
you. I believe that you
can't go wrong with owning pure top tier components. They become the
long lasting foundation that you can build your system around over time
and not have to look back. True quality endures and in reality saves you
money by avoiding the frequent and dreaded "upgrade merry go
round". You own a premium product that you may likely never
outgrow ( unless the curiosity bug to try something different strikes). Now
you can steadily build your record collection and know that you have
wonderful components to enjoy them with. Good job!
Charles, |
Essrand,
I assumed you listened initially to your phono section prior to your post. |
