2. analog
  3. 168436-88353

Project Tube Box DS2 vs. Hagerman Audio Trumpet MC

I am currently using a Project Tube Box DS2 phono preamp. If you see my system, I love the tube sound and prefer over hyper detail and neutrality. However, I am not talking about extreme euphonics, loose bass and no sparkle at all. Modern tube sound is not like that. The vinyl setup is pretty decent, but recently I contacted Hagerman Audio Labs and Jim told me that the Trumpet MC is all tube amplification where the Project is tube buffer and the difference should be night and day. The Trumpet MC should blow the Project out of the water.

Given that the price difference is only $200 more for the Trumpet MC and Project is well made and is infinitely adjustable, do you agree with his assessment? Does anyone have experience with the Hagerman products or this phono in particular? He indicated his 30 day return policy is no strings attached, just pay return shipping which is no big deal as this weighs 3 lbs. However, I want to see if anyone has had the experience dealing with this company before.

Thanks in advance!
128x128dandaroy
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@sandthemall

The SBooster power supply came today for the Hagerman Trumpet. Yep, after a few LP’s, I can definitely say an improvement to an already great phono pre. More ‘filled-out’, more definition, more ‘punch’ in its overall presentation.

Now, I got mine used, in NM condition for only $250 shipped. New ones go for almost twice that. Was $250 worth it? To me, without a doubt. $400+/-? I still think it’s worthwhile. Takes the Trumpet and raises it a notch or two in its overall performance, to what it already does well.

My $0.02

sandthemall
544 posts
 

@bkeske 

Thanks! That's good enough for me. I'm driving distance from Upscale Audio...so will plan on getting it soon.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@sandthemall 

I think you will be pleased. There isn’t really just one thing the SBooster improves. It’s the overall performance. 

I was getting ready to go to bed last night after several hours listening, and had to play another LP instead. That is always a good thing. 😉

orange5o
9 posts
 

Did you end up getting this? I'm currently in a tube box s2 and looking at the trumpet...I feel like when I compare with digital I'm losing definition and sparkle, but at same time if I wanted a digital sound I would just go with a solid state or abandon vinyl, so I do see value in tube sounds... just want to make sure tube box to trumpet can get me to that sweet spot...

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@orange5o

Change out the stock Mullard tubes in the Trumpet to something like the Genalex Gold Lion gold pin 12ax7’s (which I did soon after I bought the Trumpet), and you will get the sparkle and definition you might desire. Or, find some Telefunken smooth plates and that takes the Gold Lion presentation up a couple more notches but with much less grain and added smoothness. I was lucky to find some Dynaco branded Telefunken smooth plates for at least 1/2 the cost of Telefunken branded tubes. I would go that route first, if you can spend the extra over the Gold Lions.

I know I read that someone asked Jim Hagerman about the difference between these two phono pre’s (Tube Box vs the Trumpet), and it is said he thinks the circuitry of the Pro-Ject makes it more a ‘tube buffer’ stage vs his Trumpet. It would be best to email Jim and ask him directly.  

Jim provides a 10 year warranty, and I would bet if the Trumpet didn’t work out for you, you could return it for a full refund. Again, ask Jim directly. 

More to discover