hagtech

Responses from hagtech

best phono stage under 10k
As a designer of phonostages (both solid-state and tube), I can unequivocally state that RF interference is more of an issue with solid-state circuits.  The reason being parasitic diodes inherent in opamps or transistor stages that end up rectifyi... 
Tavish Vintage vs Bottlehead Eros
The Tavish should sound quite good.  How do I know?  I just looked at the schematics, and it is a dead ringer for my Cornet design (at least the tube part of it).  They modified EQ a tad by adding R105 and R110 to reduce variation caused by tubes,... 
Tube MC phono stage recommendation
You could also use a Piccolo2 as a front end.  That will give you all the additional flexibility you need, if you like the Eros.   
Phono Preamp Tube Rush
SUT is the easiest way to get low noise input.  Works very well.  I'm thinking all-tube may be possible using a pentode into a load of 10k or less.  Then again, microphonics will become the new problem...  
Phono Preamp Tube Rush
It’s all relative. There will always be phonostage hiss, whether tube or solid state. The goal is to get it quiet enough such that it is lower than silent groove noise. How much SNR is enough?I just tested my system (Piccolo2 - Cornet3 - Tuba) at ... 
Fell asleep while TT was running with ortodoncia black cartridge!
You're fine!  Ha ha ha.  I've done the same at full volume.  Woke up when the music stopped...  ;)  
Cartridge loading
Tonearm setup has a lot to do with it too.  VTA, VTF.  Once you re-dial those in you may end up back at 200 ohms.  Lots of variables involved. 
Is the Manley Steelhead still relevant?
Yes, yes it is.   
Tubes sound like a broken lightbulb
Some heaters employ a spiral filament, which shakes exactly like an incandescent lamp.  Should be fine.  What really matters are the microphonics generated when in circuit.  Tap the glass with a pencil lightly.   
Not too knowledgeable and a cartridge/ phono amp recommendation is desired
If you want something better than the Schiit or Parasound, get a Cornet3.  If you keep the 10x5 (which is a nice cart), add a Piccolo2 on the front end.  Once you get tubes into your system, you may never go back.  ;) 
Phono Preamp Tube Rush
Yes, MC carts with lower ESR will produce less noise.RIAA networks contribute noise, but it's not usually a problem, as the networks are implemented after one or two stages of gain.  Ten nanovolts of noise at the input of a phonostage has a lot mo... 
Phono Preamp Tube Rush
if executed in the balanced domain you get a maximum of 6dB less noiseActually, that's not true.  With balanced amplification you get 6dB more signal gain, but you also get 6dB more differential noise gain.  Overall SNR is the same.  The benefit ... 
Phono Preamp Tube Rush
@lewm - Sorry I wasn't more clear.  Yes, I meant thermal noise from input resistance.  The SUT in question had 3900 ohms on the secondary (thin wire), which generated quite a bit of noise, much more than I get from my JFET-based headamp.And yes, y... 
Phono Preamp Tube Rush
Between songs you hear LP groove noise.  Lift the tonearm and I bet it gets much quieter.  Then you will hear self-noise from input resistance and tubes.  An good SUT can wonders, as they are mostly noiseless.  But not always.  If they use too thi... 
So many great golden era DD tables out there, what do you recommend for $1000?
I can only think of one Japanese manufacturer still making DD tables.  Who else is left?I've never owned a DD table, so cannot confirm via personal listening tests what the sonic differences might be.  But that doesn't make the servo circuit go aw...