gladstone

Responses from gladstone

Lamm LP2 Deluxe vs. Manley Steelhead
I suppose there is (some?) degradation, but, honestly, it's hard to see how much there is given the quality of the phono stage. One of the advantages of the Manley is that the loading does, in fact, make a big difference as far as the final sound.... 
Lamm LP2 Deluxe vs. Manley Steelhead
I think the mechanical sound referred to is a result of the Sovtek 6922s in the Manley--I've retubed mine and found it to be absolutely stunning. Though I should say it was a winner out of the box. I'm tired of phono stages like the Lamm that are ... 
ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE
Also if you were to go the "direct" route or to replace the ARC Ref 2 with a Placette, you would not only come out ahead sonically, but also financially. 
ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE
The Groove is very good. Not as good the Manley. The Manley is extremely flexible which allows for optimal loading, accomplished easily, and is very, very fast, neutral--and musical. Like all tubed equipment, it's performance can be enhanced by re... 
ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE
Nope, I would never say that ANY piece of gear is flawless. Has not, and never will, exist. That said, I found the Manley to be superior to the ARC, which I liked a lot. 
ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE
I'm not trying to proselytize on behalf of the Manley, and I suspect your easiest path would be to upgrade the BAT. I've simply found running both CD player and phono stage directly into the amp to be far superior to the (in my view) excellent but... 
ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE
OK, if you're only listening to vinyl, sell the Arc preamp. I had it as well as the Arc phono stage. You're much better off running the Manley direct into the amps. 
ARC Reference Phono vs. BAT VK-P10 SE
Get the Manley instead. 
Can hear TV or Radio station via Phono stage ???
It's close to impossible to eliminate because you are using tubes. A solid-state unit would be quiet--and wouldn't sound as good.Use the mute button on your preamp and try to reorient the phono stage to get the hum to an acceptable level. Move aro... 
Best Cartridge for VPI TNT Hot Rod +JMW12.5+SDS
even better would be the new Colibri cartridge available on Audiogon, I believe. 
SME 30 Best table?
the Verdier? In that class? 
Linn or VPI
I've had both. It's not even close: the VPI crushes the LP12. Look at the new TNT HR-X.The blunt problem is that Ivor Tiefenbrunn, owner of Linn, is utterly uninterested in the table and they have not kept pace with the astonishing improvements th... 
Audio Aero Capitole MK II: Performance & Problems
Umm, what's all the kvetching about? The player sounds great. 
Audio Aero Capitole MK II: Performance & Problems
How long does to take to break-in, particularly the top-end?Is everyone running it direct? 
New VPI Top Line Table
Well, the factory says they would change the Hot Rod if you wanted, but they're playing around with the table still, I believe.