2. analog
  3. 1286914917

Lehman Black Cube or Fisher 500C?

I've decided to resurrect my analog rig which consists of a Sota Saphire Deluxe series 3 TT; Premier FT-3 tonearm and Benz Glider moving coil cartridge. I believe the Benz, which is an early version, is probably a medium output... I used to run this all into an original Lehman Black cube phono stage,(Not with the extra large/optional power supply) which would feed into my Sonic Frontiers Line 3. I recently picked up a Fisher 500c receiver which is getting a complete makeover at the moment (all restored to stock) and I was wondering if the phono stage on it would add some much needed warmth . If so, how would I do it exactly? Could the Lehman feed the Fisher and then to the Line 3 or should I just run into the Fisher and then the Line 3? I'm open for suggestions. Sorry it sounds so elementary but its been a long time since analog for me.
lissnr
lewm
12,859 posts
 
I am surprised that even the CJ is adequate for the Apogees, since the REL crossover does not have a high pass filter (i.e., the CJ has to drive the Apogees full range, I think). You certainly could try running the Benz Glider straight into the MM input of the Fisher. If you have a talented tech working on the Fisher, perhaps he could even perform a trick or two to increase phono gain, if that proves to be needed at all. I bet the Fisher into the Silverllines will be divine.
lissnr OP
365 posts
 
Thanks for the input Lewm. The crossover does have a high pass filter (choices of 50, 80, or 110 hz) which is what helps the CJ handle the Apogees without issue. Should I really ask the tech to try to increase the phono gain or should I just try it all first? My other question for the tech is should I have him install an IEC jack (which I happen to have available) into the Fisher so I can use aftermarket pc's or would that be blasphemous (all else in unit will be restored as original). Thanks for your input. And yes, I'm excited about hearing the Fisher into the Silverlines too.
lewm
12,859 posts
 
The Fisher phono section should work OK with 2.0 or 2.5mV input. The Benz has about 1mV output. So you really do not need the Lehman at all, and I should have thought of this before. Any decent SUT will have an easy time supplying the missing drive, IF the direct input into the Fisher phono section from the Benz is not quite adequate to make you happy. Also, there are many great MM and MI cartridges that IMO surpass the Glider in both output and overall performance and could easily drive the Fisher phono stage, for less than half the price of the Glider.
lissnr OP
365 posts
 
I just picked up the Fisher, they did a nice job. The tech says he owns 4x500c's personally and one 800 (is that a model?) and loves them. That said, he poured his heart into replacing everything he thought it could use and cleaning it up nicely : Note: he kept the tubes which he found in it which were not all original but all tested strong and appear pretty "vintage" to me. He said they were playing music through it for the last 3 days to break it in and it was the best sounding receiver he has had in his shop....He compared it favorably with some Mcintosh unit he still uses, I don't know the model..... He also says he thinks my Benz may be ok for the "low-output" input of the unit. My TT should be set up asap and I'll try to post my experience with it then. Thanks for all the help..
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