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Project Tube Box DS2 vs. Hagerman Audio Trumpet MC

I am currently using a Project Tube Box DS2 phono preamp. If you see my system, I love the tube sound and prefer over hyper detail and neutrality. However, I am not talking about extreme euphonics, loose bass and no sparkle at all. Modern tube sound is not like that. The vinyl setup is pretty decent, but recently I contacted Hagerman Audio Labs and Jim told me that the Trumpet MC is all tube amplification where the Project is tube buffer and the difference should be night and day. The Trumpet MC should blow the Project out of the water.

Given that the price difference is only $200 more for the Trumpet MC and Project is well made and is infinitely adjustable, do you agree with his assessment? Does anyone have experience with the Hagerman products or this phono in particular? He indicated his 30 day return policy is no strings attached, just pay return shipping which is no big deal as this weighs 3 lbs. However, I want to see if anyone has had the experience dealing with this company before.

Thanks in advance!
128x128dandaroy
dandaroy's avatar
dandaroy OP
20 posts
 
Thanks @bkekse. I have a Technics 1210GR with a LOMC cart as well - Hana SL. It feeds into a tube integrated through the Project. I think the stock tubes could be better. I am trying a pair of Mullard reissue 12ax7s. If they are not satisfactory, I may give the Trumpet MC a shot. However, his response time could be better. I have to nudge him more than once to get an answer. So I am wondering what if I want to return or need service. Will he be responsive? I realize he is one man show.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Hagerman has been killing it with his phono preamps for many years now. I haven't heard this newest version with the 'reduced' PS but I have heard the prior Trumpet sound awesome with a very good front end. ( Ortofon A90 with Durand tonearm etc. )

As to if it will make a night and day difference depends a bit on how far you take the technics/Hana setup fine tuning imho...
mbzmeister
5 posts
 

I'm running the Trumpet MC paired with Hana ML cartridge based on recommendations from a friend who is a true guru in setting up phono sections.  He claims the Trumpet MC competes with phono stages at much higher costs making it a true "over-achiever" component.  After some tweaks to the overall setup on a VPI Prime Scout, his opinion of my setup puts it in the top 5 setups he's ever heard.  It really didn't sound that great out of the box but I suspect that was mostly burn-in.  I also had a bias issue with the Mullards it came with but don't let that put you off the stock tubes.  I know someone running the stock Mullards and they work nicely.  With that said, I went over and beyond.  Here's what I did to get it performing top notch.  First I up-graded the power supply to BOTW MkII toroidal power supply you can purchase from Upscale Audio, replaced the Mullard tubes with Gold Lion "Kevin's Stash" from Upscale Audio and applying some FoQ damping material to the inside of the of enclosure box.  The casing is light material and applying the right amount (not too much) changed the presentation with a positive result.  A couple further tips 1) don't necessarily settle for the loading your cartridge calls for.  Experiment.  As it turns out, the Hanna ML 100 ohm loading cart actually sounds best two positions higher on the loading.  2) This phono stage takes a while to burn in fully and if you change loading/gain this will require moregh more burn-in if you haven't yet burned in on those settings.  So give it some time.  Ultimately, I'm amazed at how good my phono section is.  It sounds so much better than any digital source I have.  I have a very good CD Transport/DAC combo and it's not even close.  I'd imagine you can get the Trumpet MC sounding very good without the upgrades I did.  Focus on proper burn-in and setup with your cartridge and table to start with.  However, there's considerable further potential with tweaks.  In may case, it now outperforms a $3,500 hand built tube phono stage I have with NOS Telefunken tubes in it (the best you can get @$500ea).  I was very fond of this prior combo but wanted something that I could afford replacement tubes for.  Nailed it!

tablejockey
3,901 posts
 

"First I up-graded the power supply to BOTW MkII toroidal power supply you can purchase from Upscale Audio, replaced the Mullard tubes with Gold Lion "Kevin's Stash" from Upscale Audio" 

Nearly $800 of upgrades for a $1K unit?

Seems a little excessive, but if your ears justify it, enjoy!

 

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@tablejockey

Nearly $800 of upgrades for a $1K unit?

Seems a little excessive, but if your ears justify it, enjoy!

Not when the stock unit can compete easily with phono pre’s 2-3 times its cost. Thus why I have had no issues spending money on tube upgrades, as example (recently installed older used but well measured Dynaco/Telefunken smooth plate AX7’s in mine, that replaced Gold Lion gold pins, that replaced the stock Mullard’s).

I’ve considered the same power supply from Upscale for mine, but satisfied at the moment. Cost to do so would not make me think twice though, as I’m extremely happy with the Trumpet, and if would take it to another level? No brainer.

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