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Pro-ject 12 xtension TT vs Meridian 808.2 CD player..and the winner is!

DISCLAIMER--This is my OPINION / IMPRESSION . I am just having some fun with this because I was so happy to be able to do it and it was an eye ( or ear ) opener for me. I never had a TT so I was surprised by the results.

Wow, this was really close.  Pro-ject 12 Xtension with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation catridge  vs Meridian 808.2 Cd player

The TT...by a hair. They both sounded exceptional!  Almost identical.

 I had the same CD/LP running at the same time. Easy to do A/B comparison. Incredibly, I did not have to adjust the volume when I switched inputs. They sounded dynamically the same.

The judgement was not easy but after quite a while it became clear. Instead of attempting to explain why Vinyl came out on top I will give you this analogy:

Picture a beautiful shiny diamond in a case. Now picture the same beautiful shiny diamond in the same case ..resting on a velvet pad.

I went to Barnes and Nobles today. They had a great 20% off for members ( and I had coupons and gift cards.. I was fully armed! ). Plenty of 4.99 CD's with a vast variety compared to the limited amount of LP's priced all the way to $45

I came home with 6 LP's. That has got to mean something.  Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Test Equipment: martin-logan 13a,   audio research ref6,  krell duo 300,    parasound jc3+,   mit cabling

mike



128x128mikepaul
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
tablejockey...i would love to eventually have a tubed phono stage...any recommendation?

schubert....my brain might tell me never to listen to cd again...what is your guess? what is your preference?

the beauty is that it's not really about a "winner"...because WE are the winner. we can have enjoyment with streamers/dacs ( i have a bluesound with the auralic vega combo)  we can do TT and scan thru songs on CD players.....all sound great....XM radio in the car/ home...etc

in search of musical perfection at home is why we're audiophiles. there are a lot surprises along the way

and when we think we have finally achieved our goal...WE TRADE UP!


tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
"I never had a TT so I was surprised by the results."

Mikepaul-
You’ve started running out of the gate. Many here had more humble beginnings. Thats a heck of a "starter table"

"i would love to eventually have a tubed phono stage...any recommendation?"

I gave up recommending any gear, especially tube stuff. ARC naturally has great tubed phono stages. There's always listing here, on Agon. I would imagine you can't go wrong with one of those.

Once you ask for suggestions especially tube, many times it starts the silly SS vs tube debates.
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
tablejockey i actually borrowed a pro-ject rpm 3 TT  for 3 days .. modest cart and TT... barely gave it a listen,
but i heard the potential...
and i found out about a special offer from my dealer for the TT and cart combo that i have.---it was hard to pull the trigger. trust me.

. i have been in this game since the 80’s... lots of trade ups...

i guess i could have mentioned that i had a garrard TT and technics TT waaaay back in the day---

in 1962..i was 5...i played bobby vee’s 45rpm "take good care of my baby" on a tiny victrola..over and over and over again

similarly i played the beatle’s 45 rpm "there’s a place" over and over again
i was hooked.. the rest is history....i am sure my story parallels a lot of other old guys’ beginnings... lol




tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
mikepaul-

we are  in the same generation. Your re-entry certainly isn't a compromise.

That being said, there's a certain vibe(maybe its just noise and distortion?) I've always preferred with the tube phono.

I have a now outdated Fosgate, plugged into a VPI Classic, which delivers enough of a "super table" Sonics just seem more convincing with an all tube system. Probably all in my head.
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
tablejockey... i did a quick search on the Fosgate..that is reeeally sweet looking piece......the VPI Classic?..niiiiiiice... i actually had my eye on that. i wasthisclose to buying VPI...i called them directly a few times and they are very cordial on the phone and very attentive to your needs. i love their tables and they are a stones throw from me in nj. 

i do love tube stuff. i would love a tube amp one day but i have my reservations.
 i don't know if i am up to it yet.

my friend just bought preowned BAT monoblock tube amps...loves them. but he also says they warm up his room! lol

if ever i  was to consider the tube phono stage i am going to check back with you . i would appreciate your opinion for sure.

 mike


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