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Phono stages: Hagerman and Sun Valley 1616 possible giant killers

In the course of researching phono stages I came across two that if all the comments are true might certainly be giant killers ( defined by yours truly in the 5000 dollar price range ).  But alas, so much of what I read in reviews , both professional and audiogon users, doesn't always pan out.

So, has anyone had the opportunity to hear either the Hagerman Trumpet or the Sun Valley 1616? If so, I would be interested in your sonic thoughts.

As always, I appreciate your insights and would appreciate the absence of snark!

rivinyl
elliottbnewcombjr
5,669 posts
 

I highly recommend deHavilland

My friend bought two deHavilland tube pieces, brought them here, he is very familiar with my equipment/system sound. We love both of them here and at his house playing thru my old JSE Infinite Slope Model II's.

he ordered and waited for this Preamp

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm

he found and bought a vintage dehavilland Cornet2 Tube Phono. The current tube phono is different, his had a rectifier tube, the current one does not.

I would expect it and other of her products to sound terrific.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,240 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

dehavilland doesn’t even mention a phono preamp on their website.

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,149 posts
 

I don't think that Kara ever designed a phono stage called the Coronet 2 (she is within driving distance of me). I believe that is a Hagerman phono preamp.

theflattire
221 posts
 

No experience with the Trumpet.

I have built a Bugle and Cornet.

I fully expect the Trumpet to compete with next level phono stages.

If you are not set on tubes, check out Darlington Labs.

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