It's from a '70's Kenwood called a KR-44 - midline from '77. I like it as well as the Grado I've heard and think it's a decent comparable solid state-wise to the EAR 834. Both are phono's I like, despite their respective probs. Plus the Kenwood actually uses higher quality parts than either of those. Like I said, I've been restoring it, and it's all elna, noble, orange tops (not orange drop). Much better than the starter Project phonostage I had. Basically a lot of older equipment just seems to have phonostages that are better than what you find in good integrateds now - back when I thought cats and tubes wouldn't mix (they do) I had thought maybe I would go Levinson or Arcam for an integrated, but their add-on stages were definitely not this good.
Actually, the Kenwood has made me think I may need to redefine my buy in price point. I had said about a third of a good preamp, e.g. about $1200-1400 (e.g. an EAR 834p with the volume run directly into my amp). On the other hand, I had been thinking about getting something like a Cary SLP98, which would match my Rocket. But I think I have decided against it as I would like something tubed but solid state regulated like Acoustic Research or the Cary 308. But then again, I could spend a lot of money and get something I don't like; for instance the standalone Pass Xono just did't do it for me. I have to say the Steelhead at that astronomical $7300. is the best of all worlds; but you know, like ow, even though in theory I can afford it.
You would think if the acoustic signature/over capacitance thing about MM's was true, you would be noticing it with gear as transparent as a BAT/Maggies combo?
Actually, the Kenwood has made me think I may need to redefine my buy in price point. I had said about a third of a good preamp, e.g. about $1200-1400 (e.g. an EAR 834p with the volume run directly into my amp). On the other hand, I had been thinking about getting something like a Cary SLP98, which would match my Rocket. But I think I have decided against it as I would like something tubed but solid state regulated like Acoustic Research or the Cary 308. But then again, I could spend a lot of money and get something I don't like; for instance the standalone Pass Xono just did't do it for me. I have to say the Steelhead at that astronomical $7300. is the best of all worlds; but you know, like ow, even though in theory I can afford it.
You would think if the acoustic signature/over capacitance thing about MM's was true, you would be noticing it with gear as transparent as a BAT/Maggies combo?