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Calling all owners - Jasmine LP 2.0 MKII

I've got about 4 full day's use on mine but do not like what I hear.

Question: How dramatically does this phono preamp change throughout break-in?

I hear distortion (spittiness and splashy bass as if it is running out of power) and a flat soundstage.

I am using the stock power cord and umbilical.

I compared it to my other three phono preamps - Hagerman Bugle, V-LPS, Biotronics Control Systems Gestalt (outstanding and extremely rare). They all are much clearer and cleaner.

It must be mentioned that I requested the Ebay seller to provide a reduction in global gain since I have loads of it with my Project Sunrise II headphone amp. They added a switch on the rear that cuts gain by about 5 dB.
roth_s
redglobe
223 posts
 
I replaced my output caps with the Jantzen Superior z-caps on my Jasmine. I don't recall any brightness. Rather, it was like lifting a veil that resulted in greater clarity and life. I use a Denon DL-S1.

Have you checked the VTA on your tonearm? I use a magnifying glass and observe the angle of the stylus in the record groove and strive for 90 degrees. Then, I move the arm up or down for the best sound. I also lean towards the highest tracking force so the stylus properly tracks the grooves instead of skimming past the tiny undulations. When I lose dynamics, I know it is too heavy.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
well I use a Shelter 501 mk II with a origin live silver tone arm on a nice origin live Calypso tt on a Ginkgo cloud. and yes after 40 years I got the vta thing figured out. Man the cloud made more difference then the Jasmine has so far. So I am to believe from your comments this phono sings right out of the box and no break in time is required? the phono's sound does not improve much after a certain period of time break in time? just replace the coupling caps to improve the sound?
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
Oh! ok Thanks,
Audiogabby
The sound will change dramatically with time. I left mine on for over two months straight after purchase. After more than 50 hrs of playing time, I noticed a huge difference
cool well thats what I was thinking (hoping,praying lol)
I will let you all know my thoughts in about 2 months. Then I will compare the Jasmine to the Lehman black cube.
after that get some superior z's crossing my fingers peace out, Ron
redglobe
223 posts
 
Another consideration on output caps: An Audiogon member told me that Auricaps were even better than the Jantzen Superior Z-caps. He thought the z-caps were only just good. If that is true, the Auricaps must be really remarkable.

If you give them a try, I would like to hear of your experience.
sbrownnw
693 posts
 
How does on break in a new phono stage as quickly as possible besides leaving it on? I assume trying to play as much vinyl through it in the waking hours. Is there a quicker way?
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