Solid State Phono Stages

So a hook is a characteristic coloration that pleases the listener(?) Because electric guitars are deliberately distorted at the source.

If that is your understanding at this point, then I will leave it there.

I am much more comfortable with and would prefer to suggest, that in relation to an Audio Device, the Hook is the method used by the very experienced EE, to remove/minimise the perception of a colouration being present in the produced sonic.  

Maybe it will be better identified, if a visit to the last few pages of the Thread covering the recent released design for a 300b.

The Engineers offering descriptions are in my view, whilst also being careful in how they reveal information relating to a Hook or Design founded through their own experiences and specifically utilised for the Circuit/Topology of the 300b Design under discussion. 

I 100% support the protective nature/ring of steel, that an EE's can request to be in place relating to their work.

It is my sensitivity toward these requests and my proven track record for 'keeping mum',  that has been instrumental in my being invited to experience a selection of Prototype Designs being produced over the past years.

From the EE's perspective a set of ears without ulterior motives is surely something valuable to have at hand.

I’m just questioning the semantics. If a hook is a design element that leads to exceptional neutrality, then it ought not to be analogized to a guitar amplifier, which is deliberately designed not to be neutral. If I were designing a tube amp for exceptional neutrality, the first thing I would do is not use the 300B output tube. This is not to say I categorically dislike 300B amps, but they do have their inherently non-neutral character at frequency extremes while also capable of a heavenly midrange when paired with the right speaker.

My last few listening experiences have been all about the 300b.

I have been introduced to a P-P 300b produced in the 90's, with an overview of the pre production design carried out by Tim De Paravicini, the Tranx's Winding are certainly being described as TDP Legacy.

I have been demo'd this on three occasions over the past weeks.

Once in the owners system and compared to their VAC Integrated Amp, that the 300b is seemly superseding.

The Second, in the same system but used to present the demo' of recent changes to a Tonearm nearly at its final finish as a design.

The most recent being in another system and compared to the resident Power Amp in this system. The 300b had undergone scrutinization of the circuit and components, and had undergone changes made to the circuit prior to this latest demo'.

Not at any time has it presented a sonic that can be described as unattractive in any way. When driving the Klipsch Jubilees, the experience was something quite special, I was feeling very blessed at the opportunity to be present.

During the last demonstration, the modified 300b Klipsch Horns, was eventually  used in conjunction with my Prototype Pre-Amp being built. I feel confident in claiming the experience was underpinned in a way that was unimaginable.

This Month there is a demo' being arranged in another system using SET 300b Monoblocks.

My 845 Designer/Builder has last year completed a 300b build for a customer with a long term relationship as per mine. The Designer/Builder is keen for me to make an arrangement to meet with this customer and experience this 300b Amp' in use.

I'm a little stretched at present and can't fit it all in.

I still have not arranged to visit the Verismo Owner who kindly offered a demo, or the builder of the DML Panel Speakers I supplied a material sample to for trialing purposes, which went down rather well, and further supplies are being requested. 

Along with this, there is the need for me to be available for supporting the recent decision to invest in to a SS Phon'.

The Trials agreed that can be undertaken, on this design, that is already very attractive in use. Will allow for me to supply components of my choice to be added, with the intention to tweak the design to my unique preference.

The too and from the EE, Will absorb at least Four visits, adding up to approx' 1000 miles in round trips. 

I would really enjoy the opportunity to receive a demo' of the Verismo through this Phon'.  

It’s been a long time, and I’ve reverted my decision on my phono stage of choice and thought to update this thread in case anyone has interest or finds the information valuable.

The last step I wrote about was selling my BMC MCCI Signature ULN phono stage after evaluating it against the Simaudio Moon 810LP. In stock mode, there are tradeoffs between each phono stage, where the Moon is more liquid and refined, and the BMC had the upper end in realism, delivering more presence and a lower noise floor, but at times sounding overly technical and less graceful.

Well, after a year of having owned the Moon and living without the BMC, I found myself missing the presence the BMC brought. I tried upgrading cables and fuses inside the 810LP, but it did not get me closer to what the BMC brought. I ended up purchasing a different BMC MCCI Signature ULN on the used market. This time, I employed one of Synergistic Research’s Tranquility Base Carbon platforms underneath, which generates an electromagnetic field around a component to combat surrounding and internal EMI. What a difference it made! The BMC became ever more present, while any etched nature it may have brought has been wiped away. It sounds purely realistic and natural. I’ve now had the BMC and Tranquility Base Carbon in place for at least six months, and I can honestly say I have no desire to move from this. I can back that up by also sharing that I bought a second BMC phono stage for a second turntable I am building.

The BMC is here to stay. I’m glad to have sold the 810LP to a happy owner and make my money back. But also for anyone reading, if you haven’t tried a Tranquility Base Carbon under your phono stage, I highly recommend it!

Please keep in mind I am a dealer for Synergistic Research, so take this info how you will. I have no affiliation with BMC aside from being a very happy owner, but I am proud to call it my reference stage.