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Darlington Labs MP7B

Mongo1958

Mongo1958

Active Member
I got my Darlington Labs MP7B a week ago, still burning in.
The MP7B noise floor compared to my Halo P6 phono stage. At nearly full volume The Halo P6's phono stage sounds like a torrential down pour in comparison.
The first half of the video is the Halo P6 Phono Stage, the Second half is the MP7B Phono Amp, both set to the same volume level.
Keep in mind that the Halo P6 is set internally at 52 dB (set for MC) and the DL is set (via jumpers) at 61 dB (also set for MC).
The sound? Yeah, It's awesome (with my ZYX Ultimate Cart).
Click me --->DL MP7B noise floor
 
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Just one of many reasons I recommend Darlington Labs to anyone willing to spend a little for better performance. Their gear isn't exactly inexpensive, but it's a bargain just for the sound quality, in my opinion. Add in the adjustment capability, it's a genuine bang-for-your-buck proposition.

And when you get the urge to upgrade, the MP8B, with a triple regulated dual mono power supply architecture, is even better, at everything. Just sayin'........
 
Decently priced and the sound is above the price point.
The tweak ability for every conceivable aspect is a big plus.
I'm not a tweak geek, but I want the potential of my phono front end to be realized.
Adjustments will get me there. After that, I don't plan to mess with it again.
The upgradeability is cool. We'll see, but right now, I'm in no hurry.
However, I am an opportunist at heart, and if a great deal comes along...
 
hi Mongo Glad your happy so far. I saw you over at Hoffman. While burning in set your load and gain to where you want, leave every thing else alone until it's burnt in. In the first couple of days, weeks the sound will be changing. When it calms down then you can start fine tuning. Over at Hoffmans several preople started adjusting right away. especially the LF - HF eq trim. then when it settled in they were unhappy with it . they had to start all over again with the adjustments. Enjoy your mp7b How many of your records have you heard? You will hear new subtle things . It's great to think you know a song and suddenly hear something new. Have fun
 
Mongo has a background in electronics, and a bit of experience with burn-in. What he needs, more than anything, is simply time to listen!!!
 
justjed2 said:
Just one of many reasons I recommend Darlington Labs to anyone willing to spend a little for better performance. Their gear isn't exactly inexpensive, but it's a bargain just for the sound quality, in my opinion. Add in the adjustment capability, it's a genuine bang-for-your-buck proposition.

And when you get the urge to upgrade, the MP8B, with a triple regulated dual mono power supply architecture, is even better, at everything. Just sayin'........
Click to expand...

Agreed! Enjoy what you have now, but definitely send it back later for the upgrade to 8b. Makes a great pre much better.
 
steven94 said:
hi Mongo Glad your happy so far. I saw you over at Hoffman. While burning in set your load and gain to where you want, leave every thing else alone until it's burnt in. In the first couple of days, weeks the sound will be changing. When it calms down then you can start fine tuning. Over at Hoffmans several preople started adjusting right away. especially the LF - HF eq trim. then when it settled in they were unhappy with it . they had to start all over again with the adjustments. Enjoy your mp7b How many of your records have you heard? You will hear new subtle things . It's great to think you know a song and suddenly hear something new. Have fun
Click to expand...
My thoughts exactly. I did begin making the simple adjustments, first one was the Gain, to match the gain of my volume control in my Pre Amp. I selected 61dB, down 5 dB from what Keith selected.
I also changed the load from 220 Ohms to 150 Ohms. It was already sounding pretty good. Everything else is as Keith set it up. I may play with the EQ some time in the future just to see what it will do. The DL MP7B has been on since it arrived with the exception of turning it off for pictures and adjustments.
Yes, hearing something with a new sense of clarity and sound stage is amazing.
Not much listening time lately. It is like washing your bike, car, or truck and it rains.
Lots of activity in my house after I got the DL MP7B.
I may need a set of head phones.
For those in the USA, Happy Independence Day!
 
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Mongo1958 said:
Yes, but not today.
Click to expand...
It's ok, we've planted the upgrade bug. Time to let the parasitic idea find a dark corner of your mind, to hide for awhile, to grow, quietly, before it begins actively feeding, and crowding out rational thoughts of never needing, or even wanting, anything better.....
 
justjed2 said:
It's ok, we've planted the upgrade bug. Time to let the parasitic idea find a dark corner of your mind, to hide for awhile, to grow, quietly, before it begins actively feeding, and crowding out rational thoughts of nev er needing, or even wanting, anything better.....
Click to expand...
The "Bug" has been alive and well for decades starting in the early 80's. The 7B vs the 8B was strictly a financial decision. Prior to the 7B there were 4 major upgrades from the beginning of this year that don't include the 7B.
Genov said:
I did say ‘later’ ;)
Click to expand...
true
 
Mongo1958 said:
The "Bug" has been alive and well for decades starting in the early 80's. The 7B vs the 8B was strictly a financial decision. Prior to the 7B there were 4 major upgrades from the beginning of this year that don't include the 7B.

true
Click to expand...
Many will find the MP7B to be end-game, others may find the MM6B to be all they'll ever need. Vinyl probably comprises 85-90% of my listening time, and I'm using LOMC carts. I'm also a sucker for a good power supply. For me, upgrading to the MP8B was a no-brainer. I miss the big orange WIMA caps in the MP-7, and the dedicated nature of the MM-only circuit, but that's about it.
 
It should be reasonably well burned-in by now, what's your honest, unbiased, childish opinion? (Basically, do you still want to play with your other toys?)
Or is this the one that changes things forever? (Like discovering girls!)

Just kidding, obviously! But, the basic questions remain: Whaddaya think??!!!
 
It is a keeper. It sounds great, Better than any other phono stage that I have ever owned. The noise level is so low, you think something is missing, until your mind comes to the realization that the "noise" is what is missing.
So, try to explain to me why the MP8B is so much better.

I do need a set of Head phones though, it would help when my wife in the room making noise.
One of my friends has a set of Grado 80's that he likes.
 
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