New phono stage from SOTA

We need a blind test to sample a full feedback design vs. the no feedback design.

Maybe use a decent budget mm cart like an AT Vm95en or At vm95ml, and compare a few short samples using the Pyxie and a comparably priced discrete design such as the hagerman bugle or the Darlington labs mm5.

It may help to point out the sonic differences between the two design philosophies - assuming the differences can be discerned.

I have a extensive experience of experiencing through demonstration Phonostages, many of which have been compared using a control measure that keeps one system in use.

I am familiar with a Broad Range of Circuits and Topologies that cover both SS and Tube used with a particular system.

Comparing Tube to Tube, SS to SS or Tube to SS, will usually show a difference to the sonic being produced from the used system. It will be conjecture to suggest the same outcome will be repeated on another system.

What I have learned is that Phon's that share similar circuitry and topology, even though not identical, are quite easy to separate into a family sharing similar traits.

Another lesson learned is that even though I am at present a user of Tube Phon's as my preference, I have discovered SS Phon's that I would not hesitate to use for a owned system demonstration, and do believe these models will quite comfortably be considered as keeper devices.

The thing of interest is that Phon's that have been able to make this impression have been with a cost of less than a £1000 and as much as £10000, with a few models that will cost less than 50% of the most expensive.

Phon's that can make a very good impression can be discovered with a very reasonable cost attached to them. The experiences encountered pretty much suggests if a Phon' is discovered that will close the door on all other options, it will be a Phon' with a high retail price approaching the highest, or a model that is bespoke built to meets ones preferences. 

If the Phon' in question in this thread is proving to be a match for the qualities being described, it won't be long before the 'cat is really let out of the bag'.    

I’m with Raul on this one.  To think we can measure everything the ear/brain system can perceive is Human arrogance.  It was recently discovered that the brain responds to signals above what we can think we can detect.

Some of you probably know this,  but an opamp does not have to be an IC.  I prefer discrete circuits with little or no feedback, particularly of the global kind.

You folks take care,

Robert

The Pyxi architecture is, as far as I can tell, unique, or at least highly unusual.

The design is configured to be explicitly neutral. Your preferences are, frankly, inconsequential without some non-empirical basis to support them.

Despite the low-cost of the unit considerable care was taken to confer neutrality on the design, including very careful evaluation of the components and the layout.

As for, "It was recently discovered that the brain responds to signals above what we can think we can detect." what the heck does that even mean??

Dear @wynpalmer4  : I really do not disagree with your concept of neutrality in your design in what I'm not totally sure is in those " non-empirical  " refered in your post:

" Your preferences are, frankly, inconsequential without some non-empirical basis to support them. "

In non-empirical basis researchs tells that human been can listen from as down 4hz to over 50khz because you and any one else " hear " with all our body not only the ears

We " listen " through the bones, through the body skin, through the hair, through the millions of nervous terminations in the body, through the muscles and so on.

But each human been  whole body it's " damaged " in different ways against any other human been for ovbious reasons as age, health level, life experiences, mood, life type of nutrition and the like that along other reasons affects any single body cell. So what our brain detect is not exactly the same on each audiophile.

From all those and more comes the preferences. You said that your design is neutral and technically can be but I imagine you voiced it in different room/audio systems and I think that one way or the other you are biased ( with good reasons. ) to your design.

Of course only and opinion.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.