Project Tube Box DS2 vs. Hagerman Audio Trumpet MC


I am currently using a Project Tube Box DS2 phono preamp. If you see my system, I love the tube sound and prefer over hyper detail and neutrality. However, I am not talking about extreme euphonics, loose bass and no sparkle at all. Modern tube sound is not like that. The vinyl setup is pretty decent, but recently I contacted Hagerman Audio Labs and Jim told me that the Trumpet MC is all tube amplification where the Project is tube buffer and the difference should be night and day. The Trumpet MC should blow the Project out of the water.

Given that the price difference is only $200 more for the Trumpet MC and Project is well made and is infinitely adjustable, do you agree with his assessment? Does anyone have experience with the Hagerman products or this phono in particular? He indicated his 30 day return policy is no strings attached, just pay return shipping which is no big deal as this weighs 3 lbs. However, I want to see if anyone has had the experience dealing with this company before.

Thanks in advance!
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Showing 6 responses by orange5o

Did you end up getting this? I'm currently in a tube box s2 and looking at the trumpet...I feel like when I compare with digital I'm losing definition and sparkle, but at same time if I wanted a digital sound I would just go with a solid state or abandon vinyl, so I do see value in tube sounds... just want to make sure tube box to trumpet can get me to that sweet spot...

I emailed him, got this response: 

"Start with stock tubes, let them break in for awhile.  Then for tonality
changes, swap the X7 in pairs.  For dynamics and weight, the U7 pair."

 

Fwiw I ordered a trumpet... still not sure what to do on tubes. I listen to a lot of acoustic guitar and jazz and definitely want to keep definition

Thanks, I think I may start with gold lions from Kevin's stash just bc in pretty new and don't want to get burned by a bad source. What do you think about getting 2 ax7 and 2 au7 and then 2 nos ax7s and try mixing? 

Update: got it, love it. Went crazy on new and nos tubes for options and future proofing since I plan on having this for quite some time. 12au7 I got nos Sylvania’s and Rca pairs. 12ax7 I got a quad of telefunken smooth plates that are very smooth sounding and new issue gold lions, which respond better to acoustic guitar. Currently running a pair of each and while I haven’t critically compared, it sounds great to me!

I don't have any Tavish experience but the Trumpet has been a huge upgrade over my project tube box...