Any experience of the Little Bear T10 pre-amp?

[CS85]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about getting a stand alone phono stage for my Rega RP3. Currently I am using the integrated phono stage in my Marantz but I'd like to upgrade and I'm looking for relatively cheap options. The Little Bear T10 is a DIY valve amp that comes in a kit and I've read some good things about it. I'm wondering if anyone here has some hands on experience with one of these and can share their thoughts? The other one I'm looking at is the Pro-Ject Tube Box S, but this is three times the price of the Little Bear.

Regards,

Chris

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

I can't say I've heard the little bear,but as you already have a stage in your marantz I very much doubt the little bear will be an upgrade as opposed to a sideways step.the project on the other hand should make a marked improvement along with many others . there is some bargains to be had on eBay with phono stages if you know what you're looking for and do a bit of research,brands to look out for are Creek,trichord,Graham slee,project (some of the older phono box se come up cheaply)and rega.wheather you want to use mm or mc cartridges is also a factor to consider.Also you haven't mentioned your turntable and cartridge make,model,these are also going to determine how much is worth spending on a phono stage that will compliment the rest of your system.

 

[CS85]

Hi Mark,

The turntable I have is the Rega RP3 with Elys 2 cartridge.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

Good tt,if you want your first decent Sq upgrade then the cart is the place to start with the best bang for buck,I'm assuming that the stage on the marantz is mm only,so ortofon 2m blue(bronze would be better though),nagaoka mp110 is highly recommended by some,goldring 1042,audiotechnica at 150 mlx is also well reviewed,again it's just about doing some homework as you can't audition carts and hopefully Al ears comes along soon with some more recommendations for you as he is well versed on all things phono.

 

[Al ears]

If you think the Little Bear will make improvements to your system then go ahead and buy one. I doubt many , or indeed any, foresees have actually heard one.

Have fun with your system, if you don't like what it does you can always sell it on.

As has already been stated spending more on a cartridge would bring a known element into the equation and might be a more prudent avenue to follow.

 

[CS85]

Thanks for the suggestions. As I've only had the turntable for about 8 weeks I feel like it would be a bad idea to replace the cart before this one has had much wear. I do plan on trying a different cart when this one 'needs' replacing but I feel like a better phono stage would be the best place to start for me personally.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

I'd suggest then that you save some more cash to put a decent stage on the end of the rp3.it deserves it.

 

[Al ears]

I'd suggest then that you save some more cash to put a decent stage on the end of the rp3.it deserves it.

I guess it's difficult to say that the one in question isn't 'decent', not having heard one. If the OPs cartridge is new he could always sell it on to help fund a better one I suppose rather than spending out on an unknown quality.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

Yep,guess you're right,can't say I've heard the stage on the marantz,but it's doubtful that it'll out perform a good stand alone stage at £350-£500.surely.But yet again if the op is only going to be using mm carts.....then as you've told me before the stage isn't such a crucial issue,(I'll find out tomorrow when my trichord dino comes lol.)I also think some people have a hard time justifying the money for a new cartridge when they've never heard how much a difference it can actually make to your turntable sound quality.best £for£ upgrade I've ever made.by recommendations also from Al ears and bigfish.

 

[ifor]

This is a good place to start though rather more expensive the the Little Bear.

 

[Al ears]

This is a good place to start though rather more expensive the the Little Bear.

Was there meant to be a link attached here ifor?

 

[ifor]

This is a good place to start though rather more expensive the the Little Bear.

Was there meant to be a link attached here ifor?

http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/genera-mm-phono-preamp-diy-kit-project.htm

 

[Al ears]

Thanks. That was quick.

 

[CS85]

Thanks guys. I've had a read through your posts and I do like the look of that DIY kit for the DAK Genera Phono Stage. I may well order one on Monday when my student loan comes in and see if I can use electronics labs to build it

I'll put some money aside over the next year and upgrade the cartridge. Are they relatively easy to fit or should I get my local specialist to do that for me? Baring in mind it's the first TT I've ever owned.

Another question which is slightly off topic, but I got a limited edition album for Christmas which is unfortunately warped. The tonearm & cart wobble up and down quite significantly, but I can't notice anything audible apart from a very minor 'scratchy' sound in the upper treble notes. Are there ways of correcting a warped vinyl that don't involve sticking them in the oven like I've seen some websites suggest? I don't much like the sound of that

Hope you're all having a good night. Happy New Year

 

[Al ears]

Thanks guys. I've had a read through your posts and I do like the look of that DIY kit for the DAK Genera Phono Stage. I may well order one on Monday when my student loan comes in and see if I can use electronics labs to build it

I'll put some money aside over the next year and upgrade the cartridge. Are they relatively easy to fit or should I get my local specialist to do that for me? Baring in mind it's the first TT I've ever owned.

Another question which is slightly off topic, but I got a limited edition album for Christmas which is unfortunately warped. The tonearm & cart wobble up and down quite significantly, but I can't notice anything audible apart from a very minor 'scratchy' sound in the upper treble notes. Are there ways of correcting a warped vinyl that don't involve sticking them in the oven like I've seen some websites suggest? I don't much like the sound of that

Hope you're all having a good night. Happy New Year

And to you to Sir.

Warped albums are a disaster. If you can return it then do so.

If you have never fitted a cartridge then get someone else to do it for you. Correct alignment is everything, you don't spend good money on a cartridge upgrade unless you can fit it properly otherwise it becomes a waste of money. Cartridge alignment gauges are readily available if you have the patience.

Correctly aligned I am sure you will note a world of difference.

Good choice of DIY kit by the way.

On that note, Happy New Year world........

 

[ifor]

... you will find this an interesting read (well, some of it).

http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/phono-preamp-project_topic745_page1.html

Happy New Year!