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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
tablejockey
3,913 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.

sandthemall
544 posts
 

I own a Hagerman Trumpet MC as well. Outstanding gear. For kicks, I tried running my low output (.35v) MC cart at 68db gain. Pretty quiet...no hum or noise. Try that level of gain with any phono stage with a wall wart. I currently like running it at 64db gain and it's perfect. 

The Advantage of the setting loading and gain in the Hagerman is that these are all front panel mounted controls. So easy to do that you can help trying all the settings to find the best result.

My previous phono stage was the top of the line Project Phono box RS. Even with an outboard power supply, there was some hum at 60db gain.There was also a very slight hum running MM.

The Hagerman Trumpet MC has a very smooth, detailed and organic presentation. No hum, no noise. All with a wall wart. Not sure that an outboard power supply is necessary.

 

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@sandthemall 

Not sure that an outboard power supply is necessary.

Well, I'm getting ready to find out. I have a sBooster power supply that arrives in the next couple days. I bought it used from a gentleman who also used it with a Hagerman Trumpet as well, and he said it added quite a bit to the Trumpets overall performance. 

We'll see. For what I paid for it, worth the shot.

sandthemall
544 posts
 

@bkeske 

Great, pease let us know how well it works. I would definitely invest if it improves performance.

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