2. analog
  3. 189540-164698

New phono stage arrived

I Have been running a Lab 12 melto tube unit, and hated it ever since I got it. I should have held off, but I was in a rush and the one I wanted wasn't available so I was told it was just as good? That was a red flag I missed. Anyway I tried every setting on the Lab 12, and wasn't about to start pissing around with tube rolling so I started the research. 

I bought a Charisma Audio Musiko Phono stage for half the money, and it sounds twice as good. Very easy to configure with dip switches on the back. I have it paired with a Rega P3 TT with a Goldring Eroica XL MC cart. The system is dead quiet, no noise, very articulate and precise. The sound is very bold and present, A nice pleasant feel to the music. I started with some Eva Cassidy, and then Dire straits. Looks like I found the missing link. 

hilroy48
lewm
12,519 posts
 

I’ve read some reviews of the Greek phono. As you say, it is highly regarded. For a product and company trying to establish itself in the US market, I can’t understand why the distributor didn’t step in to help, if your dealer was recalcitrant. Because now you’ve given the product a black eye it may not deserve. If so, it’s their fault.

hilroy48 OP
104 posts
 

I have good equipment on this system, and cables etc. The room is treated. This components just doesn’t pair with my cartridge and system . The new phono stage is twice the unit at half the cost and size. The sound from the Charisma box is incredible. I made one slight change to the cartridge loading, and have found the sweet spot

hilroy48 OP
104 posts
 

lewm
12,519 posts
 

Like I said, it is quite possible your unit was not functioning at full capacity.  That's especially possible with tube gear, which tends to "work" even when broken.  Whereas a solid state device is usually alive or totally dead. 

hilroy48 OP
104 posts
 

I have it for sale, I just want it out of my life. Pretty much seems to me it was hyped up and not all that good to begin with.

More to discover