external phono stage

[drummerman]

Although I am very, very happy with my Sony and built-in phono stage, I have now bought another amplifier without built-in stage for a third system.

Has anyone heard or had experience with the following phono stage;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Project-Phono-Box-DS-in-Silver-Turntable-phono-stage-pre-amplifier-/290951713345?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item43be12d241

the switchable impedence is a feature I would want on any external phono stage. Not sure what else there is (affordable) that has this option.

The amp in question is a cyrus 8vs2.

regards

 

[Al ears]

Hi drummerman, the DS is a good little device and appears to get good reviews.
However if I were you I'd keep my eye on a Trichord Dino currnently going with a low bid on a certain well-known auction site.
This will serve you better even though you'll need to mess with dip-switches on the underside.

 

[DandyCobalt]

+1 for the Dino, Drummerman.

 

[drummerman]

Thanks.

I saw it. Looks good but I'm sure it wont go for a few pounds 🙂

I'm outspent on hifi this month so may have to let this one slip. We'll see.

Didn't steve have one? RP6 ... Dino ... sounds very familiar.

regards

 

[Al ears]

Worth keeping an eye on I'd say. If they now go for £388 new you might be lucky to get it for less than the £219 Project. 🙂

 

[drummerman]

I'll do that even though the plan was to get the stage with the next pay packet.

You never know.

regards

 

[stevebrock]

Yes I got a used Dino Mk2 for £170 - trashed the Brio R stage, however when I got my Elicit R there was no difference with the Dynavector 10x5 so I decided to move it on - however in hindsight I should of probably just kept it as I know I will try a some Low Output MCs.
I would have no hesitation in getting one again

 

[stevebrock]

I like the fact you could tweak the loading etc - giving more/less bass & treble

 

[DandyCobalt]

If you can stretch to it, the one on ebay with separate PSU BIN for £291 might be a better long-term option.

 

[Al ears]

Don't push him dandycobalt - the man will end up starving.

 

[floyd droid]

Yes I got a used Dino Mk2 for £170 - trashed the Brio R stage, however when I got my Elicit R there was no difference with the Dynavector 10x5 so I decided to move it on - however in hindsight I should of probably just kept it as I know I will try a some Low Output MCs.

 

[drummerman]

Yes I got a used Dino Mk2 for £170 - trashed the Brio R stage, however when I got my Elicit R there was no difference with the Dynavector 10x5 so I decided to move it on - however in hindsight I should of probably just kept it as I know I will try a some Low Output MCs. I would have no hesitation in getting one again

Didn't you find the combination harsh? - The Dino looks good, I have to say. Must do some reading

regards

 

[DandyCobalt]

Don't push him dandycobalt - the man will end up starving.

It's a slippery slope.

 

[ifor]

Do have a look at the Graham Slee range before you spend your money.

 

[stevieg330]

Do have a look at the Graham Slee range before you spend your money.

Hi Drummerman,

I have the Trichord Dino and think it is a very good phono stage although I haven't compared it to the Rega one. I have also tried the Graham Slee stages, both the Reflex C and the Reflex M with Elevator. Both are extremely good and a step up from the Dino. More detail and realism were the main benefits I felt.

Obviously they are considerably more than the Dino, expecially the combo, so you would expect them to be better but I think for the money, the Dino is great.

HTH

Steve

 

[drummerman]

Thank you everyone.

I am in process of may be buying some Kef References so the stage has to take a back step for a month but failing that (or not) I will take all the helpful advise into consideration.

There is probably a limit to what my turntables/cartridges are capable of so around the £200 mark is probably about the limit for the moment. Having said that, a better one will not limit me in the future.

regards

 

[floyd droid]

If at all poss D , try to dem as many as you can. Yes its a ruddy faff but worth it long term. For example , stick a Trichord Diablo or Dino for that matter , next to a Lehman Decade and the difference in presentation is quite profound. The Trichords are far more forward than the Lehman. See where I'm coming from D.

 

[drummerman]

My cyrus amp projects quite well so I'd probably want something evenly balanced but I see what you mean.

Only problem is trying out phono stages is not so easy. Not to big a deal though as all those discussed are quality products so I can always re-sell.

regards

 

[BigH]

If at all poss D , try to dem as many as you can. Yes its a ruddy faff but worth it long term. For example , stick a Trichord Diablo or Dino for that matter , next to a Lehman Decade and the difference in presentation is quite profound. The Trichords are far more forward than the Lehman. See where I'm coming from D.

How does the Graham Slee Communicator compare with those?

 

[floyd droid]

No idea H , but given the price differential it wouldnt or shouldnt be a fair comparison .

 

[floyd droid]

Has anyone heard or had experience with the following phono stage;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Project-Phono-Box-DS-in-Silver-Turntable-phono-stage-pre-amplifier-/290951713345?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item43be12d241

the switchable impedence is a feature I would want on any external phono stage. Not sure what else there is (affordable) that has this option.

regards

Blimey not asking for much are you D , lol 🙂

 

[ifor]

If at all poss D , try to dem as many as you can. Yes its a ruddy faff but worth it long term. For example , stick a Trichord Diablo or Dino for that matter , next to a Lehman Decade and the difference in presentation is quite profound. The Trichords are far more forward than the Lehman. See where I'm coming from D.

How does the Graham Slee Communicator compare with those?

The only Slee I've heard is the Reflex M, but I intend to build myself the Slee DAK Genera sometime in the future to partner my SL-7. If you want to find out how they compare across the range you can arrange a two week home loan of all of them, except the self build Genera.

 

[drummerman]

Well, I got a Project Phono-Box SE.

Its no Dino for sure but I got it for £50 and will do the jobbie until I've figured out where my system is going. It also gives me some cartridge matching options, something I was looking for and I can sell on without loss in due course.

regards

 

[p_m_brown]

Good to hear you are sorted.

I've got a Graham Slee communicator 2 on home demo and I am not convinced. It sounds like it has a bass boost effect that muddies the lower midrange/upper bass.

I've seen a Leema Elements phono stage on offer so might give that a go next.

 

[drummerman]

Sorry to hear that PMBrown. I hope you get on well with the leema. Bit of a minefield these external stages.

Got to say, I am very impressed with the SE. Very dynamic, quiet, clear and well extended at both ends. Not clinical and not veiled ... just as is, cool. Very good build too.

Unfortunately the loading choices applies only to MC's. Still, can't have everything.

regards