Phono Stage upgrade to complement Dohmann Helix One Mk 2
Thanks to the recommendations from many users on this Audiogon blog, I think I was able to make a more informed purchase of a turntable, the Dohmann Helix One Mk 2. I've really been enjoying the turntable for the past month!
The next phase of my system now needs attention: the phono stage. Currently, I'm using a Manley Steelhead v2 running into an Ypsilon PST-100 Mk2 SE pre-amplifier (into Ypsilon Hyperion monoblocks, into Sound Lab M745PX electrostatic speakers).
I've been told that I could really improve my system by upgrading the phono stage from the Manley Steelhead (although I've also been told that the Manley Steelhead is one of the best phono stages ever made).
Interestingly, two of the top phono stages that I'm considering require a step-up transformer (SUT). I'm not fully informed about any inherent advantages or disadvantages of using an SUT versus connecting directly to the phono stage itself.
I suppose my current top two considerations for a phono stage are the Ypsilon VPS-100 and the EM/IA LR Phono Corrector, both of which utilize an SUT. I don't have a particular price range, but I find it hard to spend $100k on stereo components, so I'm probably looking in the $15k - $70k price range.
Thanks.
One can it in analogue… there is not a requirement to do it digitally.
Not everyone would want a Vandersteen sub, but some do. And the crossover is a key part of it: |
Dear @drbond : The swarm is nothing new and the main problem is that its subs are of low quality because they think that eliminating bass standing waves almost everything is solved and it's not exactly that way in the other side the ones that sale the swarm " scenario " almost always tell the audiophiles that an advantage is that bass is " rigth " does not matters where the audiophile is seated. Many years ago the Harrrrman Group ( JBL, Infinity, Levinson, etc, etc,. ) made a in deep scientific research ( modeling. ) about subwoofers and they determined that the ideal number in subwoofers in home be 4 subwoofers but that 2 subwoofers were enough in a home system and for one seat position. Subwoofers mainly is not about how deep goes but before that is the quality level has that reprodutcion bass at least to 16hz. Not all subwoofers give you the same quality level. One very well regarded subwoofers are the JL Audio that have very good look but that inside mesurements showed at full SPL and obviously at 20hz a THD of around 6%. The Velodyne's I own measured only 0.5% on THD thanks that the sub is checking over 18K times per second the woofer excursion. Other quality characteristic that you have to look for is that the subwoofer be a sealed design, it does not goes down to 6hz-8hz as the ported/open-box ones ( well if the sealed one design is the " rigth " one can goes to 6hz-8hz but needs not only a bigger driver but a big box and very good construction of that box. ). If you can find out a sealed sub with paper cone drivers the better if bass quality matters for you.
R.
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Dear @holmz : A subwoofer is a complete solution where the crossover is only an inherent and important part of any sub ( a key like you posted. ) along the box, drivers and the like. The crossover is not a second product but is part of the subwoofer it self that must has a low/high pass filters and several other functions.
Analog or digital are only options and convenience for the audiophiles to choose in between. The subwoofer bass solution with good integration to the main speakers and room give you huge benefits. We can't talk here of disadvantages in the same way we can't say that a phono stage has the disadvantage of the RIAA eq. because it's part of the phono stage in the same way that creossover is integral part of a subwoofer. Btw, when we have well integrated subs in our system there is no come back, we learn that we can't listen any more with out it due that helps to lower the distortions levels of not only the speakers but amplifiers too and several other advantages.
R. |
Any recommendations for a pair of subwoofers that would work with the Sound Lab ESL's? Also, since I know nothing about setting up subwoofers: is there a frequency dial that you can adjust for the precise crossover frequency? Does that mean that you then could have two sets of speakers producing that frequency: the ESL's and the subwoofers? (In which case do you need to dial out that frequency from the full range speakers?) |
Dear @holmz @drbond : At the end digital tech is used in almost all today subwoofers through the DSP that is the one that can gives us ( comes with a microphone. ) where in position and to our " ears " makes the " best " system/room integration.
drbond, today there are 20+ true subwoofer manufacturers so we have a wide range about. Btw, can works really fine with your SL, no problem. This one is the today Velodyne ( mines are out of production 16 years ago. ). My way of thinking is to go with the " winner " till be outperformed:
https://www.velodyneacoustics.com/en/products/digital-drive-plus/#digital-drive-18-plus
I know by references that its DSP software is really good. The sub’s integration is critical. You will know if your choosed sub’s are well integrated when those subs never tells you " hey I’m here " ( boom, boom, boom.... ) but only when the MUSIC is demanding asking for. When the subs are well integrated you can’t detect from where comes the bass other that when the score ask it but when the scrore is asking for the experience is just unique/marvelous and full of emotions, nothing can even it.
R. Even this 32K dollars can't even the Velodyne THD 0.5%. Well certainly maybe the best sub out there and you need 64K :
https://www.magicoaudio.com/news/magico-titan-15-the-ultimate-powered-subwoofer-2
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