Quite an old thread now and Transfiguration are no more. I have a Proteus I bought in 2015 which is getting pretty close to the end, or indeed beyond it beyond if you reckon on a 2000 hour lifetime though I only get the fainted hint of sibilance creeping in, I may even be imagining it.
With a Naim superline the optimum loading turned out to be 100Ω and not 90 or 110. loading seems to some extent to be phonostage dependent.It's been a great cartridge but now for the hunt for a capable rebuilder, maybe after the virus has run it's course though, I have a lead but we don't know who'll be left in the game so I won't be entrusting it to anyone just yet.
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I run my Transfiguration Phoenix (original version I think, 4 Ohms internal impedance) through a Spectral DMC 20 with internal phonostage. I used it with 10 Ohm load for a long time, but found it to have too little punch (I guess overly damped). So, I increased it to 100 Ohms load, where it had a lot of punch, but somewhat fatiguing (and highs causing ringing in my ears). So, now I've gone to an intermediate 30 Ohms, which is hopefully Goldilocks...so far, so good, but we shall see. Theoretically at least, I think this is the correct setting, as it is between 5-10X the internal impedance.
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ljgm
Perhaps you didn't have your cartridge set up correctly or the Zesto not set properly, there are so many options, or perhaps you were running into a preamplifier that was not resolving or perhaps you speakers were not transparent enough to allow you to enjoy the nuances.
Just some thoughts.
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The Zesto Andros is a bit unresolving. I've bought and sold an Andros V2. But I can still see some synergy there with a Proteus. However, I think the EAR 88PB and Transfiguration Proteus is a match made in heaven.... given the right table and arm per your preferences. |
I have spent a fair amount of time with a Zanden 1300 (Phoenix S cart) and it was very, very impressive. A lot of meat and dynamics with a huge soundstage, but somehow more grainy and not as fast and neutral as with the BMC MCCI that I ended up keeping. Miss the warmness and overall drive that the 1300 had, though... |
I have used the Transfiguration Phoenix. Paired it with the remarkable Zesto Audio Andros phono stage. Great bargain. Having used a number of other MC cartridges my impression was that Transfiguration has very high resolution without the brightness of other MC's.
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This is an inquiry, I don't have a Transfiguration cartridge, simply seeking advice regarding possible future upgrades. It appears that this brand is in a very high esteem by those in the know, and the Axis model is, well, not too expensive.
I heard that Ypsilon phono stage is an absolute top level period. Priced accordingly. I like the recommendation of Allnic, even the entry level should be quite good. I know that Ralph uses Transfiguration and he is serious about vinyl so no surprise here.
I am totally unfamiliar with EAR, TW and Viva gear. I can see that the cartridges work well with quite different excellent brands. The output is quite low .4mv for Axis and Phoenics but not the lowest, they are not heavy either. I guess, they would work in Nottingham arm.
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Have heard the Proteus with EAR and Ypsilon tubed phono stages. Phenomenal. No noise issues. Both have excellent SUTs. |
A vey good OP. I think one has to be VERY careful matching up an ultra low output cartridge, like the Proteus, with a tube phono stage. I'm not sure if the answers above factor in what is the users typical gain settings, and vis a vis room size, etc. I very strongly suspect that this cartridge would be too noisy with my CAT tube phono stage. Plus, i have a very small room!
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Proteus with Herron VTPH2A. Love it!!! |
My dealer uses the Transfiguration Axia and Proteus with the Zesto phono stage. Sounds superb. Let me know if you want to connect with him and I'll pass on his info. |
Transfiguration Orpheus, Atma-Sphere MP-1 or MP-3....
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I'm using a Allnic H1201 with my Phoenix S cartridge. |
It has been a while, but, I went from using a Lyra Titan to a Transfiguration Orpheus L (low output) with my Viva Fono phonostage. The Viva is a tube-based phono stage with a built in step up transformer. The Viva does not offer any loading options. I found out that mine came loaded with a 460 ohm resistor across the positive and negative of the input jack, meaning it was loaded on the primary side of the step up transformer. This loading was specifically chosen to work with the Orpheus L. But, for purposes of experimenting with loading, I disconnected the loading resistor and made loading plugs with different resistors to see how different primary side loading affected the sound. To my surprise, the Orpheus L was rather indifferent to loading changes with this phono stage. This was particularly surprising because the source impedance of the Orpheus L is extremely low (1 ohm) which suggests that it should be fairly heavily loaded (i.e., low value loading resistor) as compared to most other cartridges. I ended up just hooking the 460 ohm resistor back into place and not bothering with loading. |
I use Proteus S with TW Acustic phono stage with all nos Amperex tubes.Sounds wonderful with deep wide stage,great bass,wonderful midrange and great silky smooth highs.Enjoy!!
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I use my proteus with an Allnic H3000. Sometimes I swap in an ARC PH5 which is a very musical combination, compared to the Allnic which is more transparent and revealing.
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