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 🙄.

 

[Al ears]

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 🙄.

Sounds like things are getting expensive now.....

 

[Entrigo]

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.

OK will do. Had seen a couple of those on eBay - how are they?

 

[Entrigo]

Sounds like things are getting expensive now.....

Haha well I know you saw a few (cough) of my "what should I buy next" posts (thanks for all your helpful and constructive comments by the way)

I actually managed to display "impressive restraint" with regards to the amp (decided to enjoy my current one a little more) and CD player - as don't really use it that much. But I do play a lot of records, so it makes sense to invest in that. No rush but a good phono by my birthday (beginning of March) and an MC cartridge soon after will be good.

 

[DougK1]

OK will do. Had seen a couple of those on eBay - how are they?

Reviews can tell you more detail than I ever could, I'm no good at explaining things. Bought for my last amp as I was considering going MC, which didn't happen. New amp does MM&MC but I hardly play records anymore so removed it and it's sat in it's box ever since.

 

[Entrigo]

Reviews can tell you more detail than I ever could, I'm no good at explaining things. Bought for my last amp as I was considering going MC, which didn't happen. New amp does MM&MC but I hardly play records anymore so removed it and it's sat in it's box ever since.

Will look it up, thanks.

 

[camcroft]

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).

Michael Fidler the guy who makes them only sells directly to the public ensuring that quality starts from start to finish all done by himself.

 

[Al ears]

Haha well I know you saw a few (cough) of my "what should I buy next" posts (thanks for all your helpful and constructive comments by the way)

I actually managed to display "impressive restraint" with regards to the amp (decided to enjoy my current one a little more) and CD player - as don't really use it that much. But I do play a lot of records, so it makes sense to invest in that. No rush but a good phono by my birthday (beginning of March) and an MC cartridge soon after will be good.

many thanks, enjoy your journey.
Although, to be frank, you'll have to sort out turntable imperfections first, either that or sell it on and buy another decent starter deck.
If that turntable / tonearm isnt set up impeccably there's no point in spending money on anything else.
You mentioned it again in post #11, if it's a problem still sell it and start again.

 

[Entrigo]

Well, it's a 8-months old, £1200 deck (though paid a lot less for it second hand), so I would much rather fix the issue if it is indeed one - might take some pictures and create a post - my local hi-fi shop has a 4 weeks waiting list so not going to risk leaving there a month for them to tell me nothing's wrong with it.

 

[Al ears]

Well, it's a 8-months old, £1200 deck (though paid a lot less for it second hand), so I would much rather fix the issue if it is indeed one - might take some pictures and create a post - my local hi-fi shop has a 4 weeks waiting list so not going to risk leaving there a month for them to tell me nothing's wrong with it.

If its as bad as you say and still under warranty demand a replacement. There should not be any doubts about tonearm configuration. Second hand or not, if the turntable is not good in itself there is little point in spending more thinking you are going to improve it.

 

[Entrigo]

If its as bad as you say and still under warranty demand a replacement. There should not be any doubts about tonearm configuration. Second hand or not, if the turntable is not good in itself there is little point in spending more thinking you are going to improve it.

Well it's not that bad - I hope. It's slightly crooked so the cartridge does not fit fully straight. Funnily enough, my cantilever seems to have very slight bent on the other side,..


In terms of warranty, not sure, it was used from a business seller, and bought nearly a year ago, but will try reaching out and see if they know about it.

 

[Entrigo]

If its as bad as you say and still under warranty demand a replacement. There should not be any doubts about tonearm configuration. Second hand or not, if the turntable is not good in itself there is little point in spending more thinking you are going to improve it.

OK it seems it's as simple as adjusting the azimuth with some screw under the locking collet. Or worst case, buying an azimuth addjustable headshell - £40/50.

 

[Entrigo]

OK it seems it's as simple as adjusting the azimuth with some screw under the locking collet. Or worst case, buying an azimuth addjustable headshell - £40/50.

Done. Though now the height adjustment seems to move too freely upon pressure, while the wheel /knob is stuck and doesn't turn haha. Pleasures of buying second hand - and without knowing exactly all the things to check.

Anyway all sorted, azimuth and height adjusted. Now on to contact Mr Fidler to query a few things about his phono stage (specifically, the SNR data, which seem to indicate much higher noise floor than any of the others I am looking at).