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Marsh P2000T hybrid preamp....Should I modify??

First, I'd like to say how much I've enjoyed reading and learning about high end audio on this site!!

In regards to my question, I am seriously thinking that a modification of the Marsh P2000T is in order. My system consist of a Pioneer Elite PDR-19RW CD player/recorder, Marsh P2000T preamp, Marsh A400s amp, and Magnepan 1.6's.

After reading in this forum about microphonics, I can say that this preamp has a problem in that area. Another issue is that I can only turn the volume control up to about 11:00 or the blue LED on the A400s starts blinking!! It does get relatively loud. I got this preamp as a demo from Audio Advisor for $975, so I could afford a modification. I am thinking that I would send it to Underwood HiFi for the mods. The mod talks about reducing microphonics and lowering the gain from 23dB to 14dB. Those 2 items address problems that I've mentioned earlier.

BTW, I will be replacing the Elite CD player/recorder with a Music Hall CD-25, also modified , either by Underwood or Sound Odyssey. Thanks for your time and thoughts on this matter!!
pummill

Showing 8 responses by pummill

pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
Thanks Kkm, and I think that some good isolation of the preamp would also help in this area.

Will the lowering of the gain from 23dB to 14dB help with the problem of limited volume knob range. I have read that it is not a good thing to have such a limited range. Anything over 11:00 starts the lights on my amp to start going out!!
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
Thanks Rwwear. The modification that I'm thinking about at Underwood is said to put this preamp in-line with those costing $4 - $5k. Here is a full detailed list of mods at Underwood...I'm thinking of going for it!!

http://www.underwoodhifi.com/mod_marsh.html
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
Dimitry, thanks for your thoughts and experience with this preamp. I am not much of a DIY type of guy, so I think I will go for the Underwood mod!!

I do know that when I switched from my old Outlaw 950 pre/pro to this unit, I heard an immediate improvement in every aspect of the sound I was getting from my maggies!! Much better soundstage, more dynamic with much better low end. Then I switched from an Earthquake Cinenova amp to the Marsh A400s amp...now my system really opened up!!
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
Well, as a follow up, I HAVE sent my Marsh P2000t preamp in for modification at Underwood Audio. I should have it back in a few weeks and will give my reactions and results as they become available!!
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
Dimitry,

Can you give me some input on the inverted polarity of the P2000T output. The manual says this:

"The output signal is inverted polarity to the source signal, you may need to change the polarity of both left and right speakers cables to get correct program polarity"

Do I really need to hook my speakers up + to - and - to +??
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
That, my friend, is why I am paying a pro to do this!! I am not a DIY type of guy when it comes to electronics.

My preamp will be delivered today...I can't wait to hear it. BTW, I also bought an Onyx XCD-88 HDCD player from Underwood HiFi with a level 1+ modification. It is the same machine as a Music Hall CD-25 which I have read many good reviews on!! Both ar made by Shanling.
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
It is still breaking in, but I can report very good sound so far. I am also breaking in an Onyx XCD-88 mod unit that I bought from Underwood.

I'll send you a couple pics Dimitry!!
pummill's avatar
pummill OP
34 posts
 
After about 200 hours of burn-in and some new sub cables, everything about the sound of my system is BETTER!! I can now turn to listening to the music instead of the system!!

Here are a few pics if you are interested...

http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/MUG/pix/HTFer/
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