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Art Audio Vinyl Reference vs Maxxed Out K&K

I am considering moving from a Moon LP 5.3 with outboard power supply to either a the Art Audio Vinyl Reference (used about $2,700) or the Maxxed Out K&K phono pre with all upgrades constructed by Kevin Carter (new about $2,600). I would appreciate comments from anyone who has heard one or more of these phono pre amps. I am currently using ortfon jubilee cartridge. Thanks in advance
sgunther
lewm
12,985 posts
 
I just recently read on the Art Audio website something to the effect that Kevin Carter either builds the Reference for AA or that he designed it. I think the latter is the case. Or do you know this already? Therefore I would expect the two to sound very similar to each other and any differences could be due to capacitor and resistor choices, differences between and among the various Lundahl transformers used in both units. IOW, nothing that I could not "fix" myself with a soldering gun. You might think that since the new K&K Maxx phono is a later design, it might be a tad better, or not. You might even ask Kevin. He is a straight shooter, as far as I can tell.
wrm57
1,040 posts
 
Kevin designed and builds the Vinyl References. He'll tell you the differences between it and the Maxxed Out. He is a straight shooter.
john_tracy
341 posts
 
The Vinyl Ref. will not have the latest mods. That is: current source plate load for the input stage with the new JFET along with changing the series RIAA filter resistor from a series connection to a shunt connection, IXSYS 1N100D/2N100D2 MOSFETs in both current sources (input/output stages) and a different connection for the PS filter choke. These changes make for some rather striking differences. I would certainly recommend the Maxed Out kit over the Vinyl Ref. More so if you opt for the LL1931 input trannies.
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