2. amps-preamps
  3. 1090162279

Supratek phono stage dark?

I just received my new Chenin preamp and I notice that when playing records it sounds much darker than my previous Conrad Johnson PV 12. In fact, I can barely hear the cymbals, and even female vocals seem a bit recessed. On the other hand, the bass response is great. Mick, the owner of the company, has been responsive and helpful, but I'm wondering if any one else has experienced this? I'm using a Clearaudio Auram S mm cartridge with 3.5 gain which seems to present no gain problems. Although the manual says that the phono stage is designed for moving coil only, Mick said that the cartridge would probably work.
mlkiz

Showing 1 response by thamnosma

thamnosma
6 posts
 
I've just placed my order for the Chenin and can't imagine that Mick would release a "dark" phono stage. However, the circuit has changed from using WE 417 tube to ECC88 family valves.

My question for owners of the redesigned phono stage -- have you done any tube rolling yet? Which ECC88/6dj8 variant is working well for you? I know this family of tubes can be frustrating to work with (microphonics for one), so this would be helpful for me as I await my amp.

Also, in a general Syrah/Chenin vein, does rolling the regulator tubes make much of a difference, especially as opposed to critical line and phono gain stages?

Any info appreciated.

Stephen
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