Spartan 20 phono stage

[Entrigo]

Hi all,

Been thinking for a while about upgrading from my internal phono current set-up.

Tried the Rega Fono MK5 and, while good, I didn't feel it provided enough of a step-up from either the Technics SL1500C or the Marantz PM7200 own. Also found the highs a little softer than with the Marantz (and similar to the Technics).

So, now looking at different options and, after considering a fair few (Musical Fidelity MX Vynil, Moon 110 LP 2, Dynavector 75), I kinda landed on the Spartan 20.

Reasons - from what little info I found, sounds it might be more neutral and a bit punchier than some of the above - and with a warm and relaxed amp, wanted the phono inject something different into the mix. I also like the sound of the LF Xfeed option to reduce surface noise. And finally, I like that it's hand built and sold directly, so no middle man mark up - so hopefully better VfM.


In short - has anyone tried this? Thoughts?

 

[camcroft]

Hi all,

Been thinking for a while about upgrading from my internal phono current set-up.

Tried the Rega Fono MK5 and, while good, I didn't feel it provided enough of a step-up from either the Technics SL1500C or the Marantz PM7200 own. Also found the highs a little softer than with the Marantz (and similar to the Technics).

So, now looking at different options and, after considering a fair few (Musical Fidelity MX Vynil, Moon 110 LP 2, Dynaudio 75), I kinda landed on the Spartan 20.

Reasons - from what little info I found, sounds it might be more neutral and a bit punchier than some of the above - and with a warm and relaxed amp, wanted the phono inject something different into the mix. I also like the sound of the LF Xfeed option to reduce surface noise. And finally, I like that it's hand built and sold directly, so no middle man mark up - so hopefully better VfM.


In short - has anyone tried this? Thoughts?

Spartan phono stages are excellent. I have the 10 on my main system and the 5 on my second system. Not many people on this forum are familiar with the Spartan phono stages.

 

[Entrigo]

Spartan phono stages are excellent. I have the 10 on my main system and the 5 on my second system.

Great endorsement, thanks.

 

[camcroft]

Great endorsement, thanks.

My pleasure.

 

[DougK1]

Can't sell on here but I've got a Lehmann Black Cube SE sitting here doing nothing. If you're UK based and interested PM me.

 

[camcroft]

Great endorsement, thanks.

Another good upgrade for your cartridge is the RigB ( Solid body ) and it can be fitted to your present cartridge.

 

[Al ears]

Spartan phono stages are excellent. I have the 10 on my main system and the 5 on my second system. Not many people on this forum are familiar with the Spartan phono stages.

From what I can see the 10 is now discontinued and replaced by the 15 which is actually cheaper.... Sounds good. Like the inclusion of a mono switch.
The 20 looks good for the money.
I have never heard one though.

 

[Symples]

I would suggest a Tom Evans Masterrgroove SR MKIII

I believe that the sound quality is out of this world...

... and o it should be at £25,000

 

[Entrigo]

I would suggest a Tom Evans Masterrgroove SR MKIII

I believe that the sound quality is out of this world...

... and o it should be at £25,000

Well that might be a touch over budget but if I sell my car and a third of my records I should be able to get it 🤣

 

[Entrigo]

From what I can see the 10 is now discontinued and replaced by the 15 which is actually cheaper.... Sounds good. Like the inclusion of a mono switch.
The 20 looks good for the money.
I have never heard one though.

Yeah that's what I thought. Sadly there's none in shops to demo - or on the used market, but hey, just thinking about what it might cost in a shop with the standard retail mark-up, it's worth it.

Yes the mono switch sounds good, though I don't really like mono recordings, so always try to find the earliest stereo one (for the few "mono-era" artists I listen to).

 

[Entrigo]

Another good upgrade for your cartridge is the RigB ( Solid body ) and it can be fitted to your present cartridge.

What's that? Well I was thinking my next upgrade could be an MC cartridge...

Or it might be a tonearm if the slight crookedness/ slant of mine is indeed an issue and one that can't be fixed at a reasonable price 🙄.