2. analog
  3. 157194-11588

Thinking about a Zesto Andros 1.2 to replace the John Curl PS in my Audible Illusions M3B

I am new to vinyl. Have been putting together a rig for over a year. Woodsong 301, Ortophon 309, Myajima Shalabi, Stealth Hyper Phono, Audible Illusions M3B with the John Curl gold phono board.
This rig has only been playable for 2 days. Surely, most elements need to be broken in. However, I think I now hear the basic sound. Not getting into all elements of my system, I am a SET guy (300B). Believe I am now hearing good sound but also believe I am hearing the SS sound of the Curl phono board. The best analog sound I have heard was at RMAF. A lessor system but a Zesto Andros phono stage. Not only does it look more beautiful than any component I know, it sounds like it looks-rich, musical and beautiful! I kept going back to that Zesto room just to enjoy the Zesto. It was the best sound at the show. And like I said, in a relatively modest system.
Right now, listening to the best recording yet! Harry Belafonte at Carnegie Hall. It sounds great. But I will never forget the lovely sound of the Zesto. Should I pull the trigger and go for an Andros 1.2?
mglik
mglik OP
900 posts
 
Thanks too blue!
The Zesto is certainly a “bright shinny object”. And it also must be the most beautiful looking component ever. I do already hear the beauty of the AI and Curl. Think there may also be a unity of sound that I could lose with the Zesto and another IC. I’m already starting to forget about it. Thanks.
tooblue
1,918 posts
 
Well certainly enjoy your new preamp, but you know the nature of the beast when it comes to upgrades. Enjoy the music
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,002 posts
 
Dear @mglik  : Good that you followed the rigth @tooblue advise.

Look, even with out the JC board the AI is better performer than the other one and you can know trhough its specs. The Zesto is really bad in the most important subject in any phono stage that's the RIAA weq. and its frequency deviation is over 0.5 db against lower than 0.2db in the AI and with the JC 0.1db. Other important characteristic is that the Zesto has very high output impedance that affects the high frequency where the AI has a lot lower output impedance.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
More to discover