2. amps-preamps
  3. 195546-121814

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
 

@billpete Yes those are the exact tubes I'm using! Sound terrific. 

joeycastillo
121 posts
 

i suggest 

1) RCA clear Tops

2) Telefunken 

IMHO, both can present something opposite each other. but you are now at the point of mixing tubes to create the synergy you want. Also, the SBooster will do wonders on the Trumpet. 

fastricky OP
34 posts
 

Here's a thought I hadn't considered - what about adding a SUT in front of the Trumpet MC? 

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,265 posts
 

There are Hundreds of SUT's of the Winding Ratio which is able to be used.

My Experiences of these are that a SUT can create an End Sound that is overbearing for the Richness of Tone it is able to produce, through to a Hint of Richness.

I have used many SUT's and heard many more and own Two Models of which are very light in how the Richness of Tone is presented.

Before going down the SUT Route, I will suggest to try a Head Amp. This is where Transparency is the Trait, I have been loaned a selection of Head Amp' designs and find their introduction a very interesting experience where Richness of Tone being detected is very unlikely unless the configuration is A/B compared to a SS Phon' , that as the comparison will be the only way to show a Richness still remains where the Valves are in use in the circuit.

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