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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
tablejockey
3,894 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I have a now outdated Fosgate, plugged into a VPI Classic, which delivers enough of a "super table" Sonics just seem more convincing with an all tube system.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


robd2
45 posts
 
Great shootout! What music?
mikepaul's avatar
mikepaul OP
223 posts
 
Hi robd2....I played dire straits ,brothers in arms A/B comparison
madavid0
214 posts
 
I bet you would find the difference more pronounced if you dial in the rake angle properly.
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