2. amps-preamps
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Should I move on from my Hagerman Trumpet MC Phono Pre?

Hi all, currently I'm delighted with my Hagerman. Yes it can be a touch noisy at high volume but that goes away once the record begins and doesn't bother me. I've got it loaded with all NOS high end tubes and it sounds fab. However I recently picked up a Koetsu Urushi Wajima cartridge and I now find the plush midrange push of the Hagerman might be too much combined with the plush midrange push of the Urushi. FYI I'm running a stock SL-1200G into Rogue tube amplification. I'm going to try some OPEN / nicely bright 12au7 tubes to see if that can offset the lack of high end and a touch too much midrange emphasis I have now, but thought I'd also enquire about what folks thought about moving on from the Hagerman? I did get one suggestion of the Herron VTPH-2A but good luck finding one... thanks all. - Rich 

fastricky
fastricky OP
34 posts
 

Currently at 12au7 in Hagerman: '50s Raytheon matched set. RIAA 12ax7s NOS RCA. Very balanced. 

Key 12au7 in Rogue Amp: Mazda '60s 12au7. Clear sounding. 

 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,874 posts
 

Have you tried the 60's Mazda's in the Trumpet?

If not try switching them with the Ray's.

Realize this gets complicated it you are running other sources through the Rouge - but this is also part of the fun - right?

 

DeKay

 

tooblue
2,009 posts
 

I can’t respond to your question of should you stay or should you go but do hope you decide to sell as I have been waiting on A Hagerman Trumpet to use in my headphone system, like the Herron, they don’t come up often in the used market. Enjoy the music

tablejockey
4,094 posts
 

Koetsu Urushi Wajima@$7K is entry into "major leagues." The Trumpet has great reviews for what it is. Your Technics/ Koetsu deserves a big league phono- not  AA  divison.

Time to pony up...

NOS tubes for tone controls only goes so far, especially  with price point gear.

Live on the edge - go ALL tube-no FET's and tube rectifier.

 

 

fastricky OP
34 posts
 

Koetsu Urushi Wajima@$7K is entry into "major leagues." The Trumpet has great reviews for what it is. Your Technics/ Koetsu deserves a big league phono- not  AA  divison.

Time to pony up...

NOS tubes for tone controls only goes so far, especially  with price point gear.

Live on the edge - go ALL tube-no FET's and tube rectifier.

Give me a recommendation! yes

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