Project Tube Box DS2 vs. Hagerman Audio Trumpet MC

I'm running the Trumpet MC paired with Hana ML cartridge based on recommendations from a friend who is a true guru in setting up phono sections.  He claims the Trumpet MC competes with phono stages at much higher costs making it a true "over-achiever" component.  After some tweaks to the overall setup on a VPI Prime Scout, his opinion of my setup puts it in the top 5 setups he's ever heard.  It really didn't sound that great out of the box but I suspect that was mostly burn-in.  I also had a bias issue with the Mullards it came with but don't let that put you off the stock tubes.  I know someone running the stock Mullards and they work nicely.  With that said, I went over and beyond.  Here's what I did to get it performing top notch.  First I up-graded the power supply to BOTW MkII toroidal power supply you can purchase from Upscale Audio, replaced the Mullard tubes with Gold Lion "Kevin's Stash" from Upscale Audio and applying some FoQ damping material to the inside of the of enclosure box.  The casing is light material and applying the right amount (not too much) changed the presentation with a positive result.  A couple further tips 1) don't necessarily settle for the loading your cartridge calls for.  Experiment.  As it turns out, the Hanna ML 100 ohm loading cart actually sounds best two positions higher on the loading.  2) This phono stage takes a while to burn in fully and if you change loading/gain this will require moregh more burn-in if you haven't yet burned in on those settings.  So give it some time.  Ultimately, I'm amazed at how good my phono section is.  It sounds so much better than any digital source I have.  I have a very good CD Transport/DAC combo and it's not even close.  I'd imagine you can get the Trumpet MC sounding very good without the upgrades I did.  Focus on proper burn-in and setup with your cartridge and table to start with.  However, there's considerable further potential with tweaks.  In may case, it now outperforms a $3,500 hand built tube phono stage I have with NOS Telefunken tubes in it (the best you can get @$500ea).  I was very fond of this prior combo but wanted something that I could afford replacement tubes for.  Nailed it!

"First I up-graded the power supply to BOTW MkII toroidal power supply you can purchase from Upscale Audio, replaced the Mullard tubes with Gold Lion "Kevin's Stash" from Upscale Audio" 

Nearly $800 of upgrades for a $1K unit?

Seems a little excessive, but if your ears justify it, enjoy!

@tablejockey

Nearly $800 of upgrades for a $1K unit?

Seems a little excessive, but if your ears justify it, enjoy!

Not when the stock unit can compete easily with phono pre’s 2-3 times its cost. Thus why I have had no issues spending money on tube upgrades, as example (recently installed older used but well measured Dynaco/Telefunken smooth plate AX7’s in mine, that replaced Gold Lion gold pins, that replaced the stock Mullard’s).

I’ve considered the same power supply from Upscale for mine, but satisfied at the moment. Cost to do so would not make me think twice though, as I’m extremely happy with the Trumpet, and if would take it to another level? No brainer.

I own a Hagerman Trumpet MC as well. Outstanding gear. For kicks, I tried running my low output (.35v) MC cart at 68db gain. Pretty quiet...no hum or noise. Try that level of gain with any phono stage with a wall wart. I currently like running it at 64db gain and it's perfect. 

The Advantage of the setting loading and gain in the Hagerman is that these are all front panel mounted controls. So easy to do that you can help trying all the settings to find the best result.

My previous phono stage was the top of the line Project Phono box RS. Even with an outboard power supply, there was some hum at 60db gain.There was also a very slight hum running MM.

The Hagerman Trumpet MC has a very smooth, detailed and organic presentation. No hum, no noise. All with a wall wart. Not sure that an outboard power supply is necessary.

@sandthemall 

Not sure that an outboard power supply is necessary.

Well, I'm getting ready to find out. I have a sBooster power supply that arrives in the next couple days. I bought it used from a gentleman who also used it with a Hagerman Trumpet as well, and he said it added quite a bit to the Trumpets overall performance. 

We'll see. For what I paid for it, worth the shot.