2. analog
  3. 1376907736

Oh no , not another phono stage rec

Yes friends it is but with a twist .

I am seeking a phono stage with a warm presentation that will warm up , or come into its own , in a rather short time .
Let me explain . I am currently using the Music Hall MMF 5.1 turntable and their 2.2 model phono stage which is SS .
This 2.2 phono takes @ 7 hours to start to warm up or come into its own to sound decent . My tubed integrated amp takes about 30 minutes and by tubed CDP takes about 45 minutes to get to a nice listenable state . I do prefer tubed equipment for its sound and adjustability .
I live in paradise...central Florida , the lightening capital of the country ! Leaving my equipment plugged in is not an option and that is the twist !

So , a phono stage (tubed ?) that will produce good sound on the warm side of neutral and do it in a time frame commensurate with the other pieces , about 30-45 minutes .
I am using a MM cartridge and would like to keep the price under $1,500 , new or used . Does such an animal exist ?

Thank You
saki70
frogman
7,473 posts
 
I know semantics makes these discussions difficult, but there is no way that an amplification device can slow down the tempo or speed of music. They may sound rhythmically lethargic, but not slower in speed.

I've done a lot of tube rolling. Favorites (in order) are: Telefunken 12ax7, Raytheon 7025, GE5751.
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
That's cool , thanks for the tube recs .
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Does anyone here use a Jolida JD-9 ?
I would like to know about the warm up time period .

There seems to be some question as to whether the tubes are an actual gain stage or a buffer . I would 'guess' that if the tubes are just a buffer that the warm up time would be that of a SS unit , which is much longer and what I am trying to avoid .
frogman
7,473 posts
 
I lived with the Jolida for a few months while my EAR was being modified. It is pretty amazing for the money. However, it is not in the same league as the EAR when it comes to natural timbres and natural rhythmic flow. IMO, it is not particularly warm sounding nor as naturally smooth and suave like the EAR. But, it is quite PRAT(Y) although it tends to sound rhythmically aggressive all the time. If you listen mostly to rock this might be the ticket for you. I don't remember the warm up time to be particularly long at all and overall I consider it to fall more into the ss camp than tube camp, sound wise; and it will give you some of the classic tube dimensionality and a little of the warmth. Good luck.
rsimms
150 posts
 
At this price point, I recommend the Dodd phono preamp. Since it runs on batteries, it runs quiet. It quickly comes up sounding good. Probably designed that way since it runs on batteries. With Amperex Orange Globe tubes in the input stage, it sound incredible. Easily besting my Minmax phonostage with NOS Mullards or Telefunken smooth plates.

Bob
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