Superb PHONO Preamp ?

To FMPND

... the story never ends ...........
Why did you sell the Aethetix ?
What cartridge do you use ?
Can you write something about the Lamm later ?

Thanks
Th.

The Klyne is one of the finest phono stages made today. The ones you mentioned probably aren't any better than the Klyne, just different. Do yourself a favor, keep the Klyne and spend the money on something else, like a nice vacation. A couple of weeks away from your stereo might bring you back to your senses.

Mike and Thomas:

I do not have the Lamm yet. It will arrive on Wednesday. As far as the Aesthetix goes, please remember that this will be based, for the most part, on MY system and room as well as MY tastes and prefernces. That said, sonically, I feel the Aesthetix is one of the best sounding phono stages on the market. However, I had problems with it and 4 other friends of mine had problems with it going down as well. This MAY be a sign that Jim White was pushing the tubes too hard or that something in the design was causing the problem (it most likely is NOT the quality of the parts as they were exceptional). This is PURE speculation, but maybe that is why Jim came out with the two new versions and maybe that will fix any potential problem (as well as possibly improving on an already great phono stage).

I have considered the Groove, the Pass X-Ono and the Manley but, I wanted a tubed unit and am not only more familiar with the Lamm designs but, as I have mentioned, I have been happy with my Lamm gear (the M1.1s and the L2 Reference Line Stage).

I have used a Van den hul Grasshopper -IV GLA, a Cardas Heart, a Crown Jewel SE and, currently, a Helikon with my Aesthetix and Hovland. I anticipate using the Helikon with the Lamm but will reserve final judgment until I match it with the Lamm which only has 57 db of gain (compared to 80db for the Io and 63db for the Hovland).

When I have burned in the Lamm (will use the Thor Burn-In as well as time) and feel I have a handle on it, I will either post my comments (or, possibly write a review for Ultimate Audio -- FYI, I wrote a review of the Io for UA a year ago and you can see a more detailed description of my experiences there). I hope this helps.

Frank

thanks Frank, i appreciate your response. I did read your Ultimate Audio review. I have owned my Io for 2 and 1/2 trouble-free years.....i must be lucky i guess. My tubes still seem fresh and i bought a spare set for about $350 with the Io when new, i keep hearing frustrations with the Io....but no problem here.

I am always looking for better if it's out there.....will look forward to your future feedback.

btw, is the next issue of UA about to hit? I love UA and don't like to see people spread rumours of it's demise.

thanks.

I've read all your posts with great interest.

For Rfsphil ( and some other readers ):
You are right, of course, The Klyne is exceptional good,
and I will never sell it. I am not that mad.

I feel growing interest for tubes since I bought from Ralph Karsten a pair of this OTL amps.
Fascinating.

BTW: Is there someone out who knows something about his phono stages? I forgot to list Atma-Sphere in the first mail.
Finding superior units is very difficult for me, because all of them are not imported in my country,
- they are even expensive for you and with the calculations for importer, dealer, the prices explode .....-

- they HAVE TO BE Reliable, no service available , too
and any mistake will be tough because of my low exchange rate,
AND
I would like to AVOID looking for a cartridge WHICH FITS TO the phono preamp. sorry but then I loose interest.
( The Atma-Sphere I bought unheard, because I got so many positive and honest comments, and I really love these units ...)
Thanks for your Walker offer, I will try to get some info about it.
Well,

Thanks again to all

Thomas