• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Have to post this find

arcorob

arcorob

Addicted Member
I am still on hiatus but it would be a disservice to the many fine people here if I did not share this.

Recently, on another forum, I posted how hard it seemed to be to find a sub $300 phono stage for MC carts that sounded "right" to me. To many with rolled off highs, lack of detail or narrow soundstage.

The clear winner after a lot of testing was and still is the AT630 (SUT) into the ART DJ Pre II. But it gets better. This little wonder is full of surprises.

I decided to review the specs again on the ART and saw it runs on 7 to 12 vdc. So, having a handy plug to fit the back and some cool rechargeable 12v batteries I was using for the HTMCPS, I hooked it up. Straight 12vdc, no walwart.

Holy Cow. Not only did it have extreme detail, robustness and separation but the soundstage actually widened a few feet. Anyone who thinks the ART is a little flat HAS to try this...Best find since wonderbread...

so what has this little setup bested on my system thus far using an OC9/III cart ?
  • TCC TC 760
  • Project Phono Tube Box
  • Cambridge Azure 640P
  • NAD 1130
  • HTMCPS
The key to the ART though is the SUT in front ...Denon makes a good one as do others...But with the cost of some of these plus the ART you may be in higher end phono stage territory..

Good luck to you all...see you in a few weeks..

P>S - A friend from another site is GIVING me a Vista Phono Stage to play with...just because he has so many and it was gathering dust...so In a few weeks, I will be able to add that comparison.

Another sleeper he recommends, the IFI IPHONO (no apple affiliation)

http://ifi-audio.com/en/iPhono.html

http://www.analogplanet.com/content...doing-place-399-ifi-iphono-phono-preamplifier
 
Register to hide this ad
I can't believe Apple hasn't gone nuts on this:

iPhono

iPhoto

same minimalist type-set, same clean design -

Even their simple one line pronouncement and presentation is Apple-like.

Nice looking unit - thanks for sharing ...
 
Rob how do you find the MM performance with the same combo of the ART DJ Phono Plus with 12v DC battery source?

It would be very intriguing if that combo could out perform a stock cambridge 640p which you listed.



Sent from my SGH-T999V using Tapatalk 2
 
I'm running my ART's on 9 VDC power supplies. Dumped the Ac wall-warts a while back. An improvement. Stepping up to 12 VDC could be another level :)

Very interesting that with an SUT, the ART will handle MC's :scratch2:
 
Jkilla...just because you asked

jkilla said:
Rob how do you find the MM performance with the same combo of the ART DJ Phono Plus with 12v DC battery source?

It would be very intriguing if that combo could out perform a stock cambridge 640p which you listed.



Sent from my SGH-T999V using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

A LONG needle drop for you

Be patient, may take 2 to 4 minutes to download due to size, your bandwidth, etc. Best listening, HOOK to your main rig. No sense in listening on a laptop.

Made with ATLP120 and an AT440ML/OCC with less than 3 hours on it. 100pf setting on the ART. Great sample for what it can do with a mid-fi cart and a low end table. Magnify that by a top table and cart. Magnify even more with a SUT and MC cart.

Enjoy
 
I downloaded the needle drop not expecting much. I downloaded quite a few needle drops and on my PC before. I really don't hear that much detail in them. But I was impressed with this one. Because of the cheap TT that it was played on. I must say that if the ART II pre-amp is making your TT sound that good. Then I sure on a better TT it is wonderful. I like the choice of music also. Thanks
 
Any recommendations on national chains that might stock a 12v lantern battery in their stores?
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Order placed! Many thanks, Rob. I'm excited to check this out for myself. The weakest link of the ART is its imaging capability; if this solution will correct that, the ART may well end up being a true giant-slayer.

I just listened to the 'long needledrop' via a pair of Grado SR80i's and a 'CMOY' headphone amp, and the imaging was extraordinary. EXTREME L-R separation, excellent depth, and at one point the bass drum(?) seemed to be floating above my head. Wow.
 
Cool!

Can someone point me in the direction of finding a cable with 12vdc plug that connects the battery to the preamp?
 
jkilla said:
Cool!

Can someone point me in the direction of finding a cable with 12vdc plug that connects the battery to the preamp?
Click to expand...

Rob suggested to me using a compatible cable from an old wall wart, cut off the power supply, and connect the center barrel to the + terminal and the outer part of the wire to the - terminal.
 
Last edited:
If you don't have an old wall wart

jkilla said:
Cool!

Can someone point me in the direction of finding a cable with 12vdc plug that connects the battery to the preamp?
Click to expand...

Go to radio shack, bring the art with you and make sure it fits...they sell ends...

I take it the Needle Drop impressed ?
 
Really surprised

Very few takers on the needle drop....Oh well, I tried. Some folks are benefiting and have ordered their 12v batteries....and ART DJ PRE's...LOL
 
arcorob said:
Go to radio shack, bring the art with you and make sure it fits...they sell ends...

I take it the Needle Drop impressed ?
Click to expand...

Oh very! Lol

I actually have a really cool product I've been waiting to use on something like this.

I specifically ordered a belkin residential gateway backup battery: long story short it is a 12v solid lead acid battery meant for hooking up your router during power outages etc.

It stays plugged into the wall, charges when I need it, when I'm ready to power my preamp, flip a switch and good to go.

Going to order the ART and give it a whirl. Was considering getting the usb version to replace my behringer ufo202, but that is pretty handy since it doesn't require anything more than usb power. Good for troubleshooting etc.

Sent from my SGH-T999V using Tapatalk 2
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom