Phono stages: Hagerman and Sun Valley 1616 possible giant killers


In the course of researching phono stages I came across two that if all the comments are true might certainly be giant killers ( defined by yours truly in the 5000 dollar price range ).  But alas, so much of what I read in reviews , both professional and audiogon users, doesn't always pan out.

So, has anyone had the opportunity to hear either the Hagerman Trumpet or the Sun Valley 1616? If so, I would be interested in your sonic thoughts.

As always, I appreciate your insights and would appreciate the absence of snark!

rivinyl

Showing 4 responses by rivinyl

Two things:

I am pretty sure Kara DeHavilland is happily retired and that she did not make a straight phono stage (unfortunately ).

Are the Darlington Labs phono stages "tubey" or warm sounding?

No worries.  Thanks for the clarification!

Do you think the Hagerman competes with phono stages in the 3-5 K price range?

Thanks for everyones' input.  In the end I demoed a Leben RS 30eq and found it perfect for my system.  I think in part it works well with my Leben CS600.  In any event, its a keeper.

Appreciate your insights!