New Schiit Phono preamp with Tubes !

[Enobenetto]

My Stjarna sounds great, especially with the newer "X" versions of Audio Technica cartridges (currently using a VM740xML). I had an Ortofon Concorde Music Bronze on the SL-1300G and it was very very good, but the 740xML is smoother and quieter. When I had the Bronze on the table I had to set the gain to 40db (the Concorde has 6mV output) when set at 47db it picked up every little pop/scratch on older records. With the 740xML with a much lower output (3.2mV) I set the gain on the Stjarna to 47db and the cartridge is sweet and silent.
The Concorde also liked the stock Russian made 6N1P tubes, while the 740xML likes the JJ E88CC/6922 better. I have the Concorde on my SL-1200GR2 in the office system with a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 and a pair of Psvane Horizon 12AX7 tubes and it is perfect with the gain set at 40 db If I bump it up to 45db the noise comes back.

Anyway, the Stjarna is magic once you figure out which cartridge/tube combo to use.

I love the 740xML. It was magic with my Luxman R-1070. I should have never had sold it. In the future I am going to consolidate my gear and repurchase it. It had a nice smooth sound with no treble tilt that other AT carts can exhibit with gobs of detail. The fact that it has an aluminum cantilever soured me to more expensive carts with beryllium, boron, etc...I still own carts with those cantilevers, but when I look at other carts to get, it doesn't factor as much any longer in my decision making. Cheers on the wise cart selection.

 

[Enobenetto]

man thats cool. years ago i was in a lot of classess with different engineers. i was one of the few there for a math degree.

ive been fortunate. ive had excellent results with SUTs, and the 3 phono amps with built-in jfet headamps sound great, too.

i just looked up that RM-4, and i sure am intrigued. ive never heard of it, and that RM-10ml=k2 looks gorgeous!

schiit sells a lot of gear...i bet used starjna will be showin up pretty soon.

I have an integrated with SUT's that I have tried using for vinyl. I can't wait to set it up and see how it sounds. I don't think I had the right setup before, or just inexperienced ears. End game audition would be a silver wound SUT!

 

[ceylon]

I have an integrated with SUT's that I have tried using for vinyl. I can't wait to set it up and see how it sounds. I don't think I had the right setup before, or just inexperienced ears. End game audition would be a silver wound SUT!

id sure like a silver wound, but man are they expensive!