Bellari VP129 tubed phono stage

[KitR]

>Logged on, saw the "got my bellari" thread , went away - gone! So I'm starting my own. I've had mine for nearly two years now, picked it up for $80.00 on ebay once I decided that tubes were the answer. After reading the threads I agree wih what's said - for a new owner that is. However, this thing GROWS on you. Initially I was mildly disappointed, the sound being less tubey than expected. I found out why: it's the Sovtek LPS tube - the "COOL" tube. So I hunted round for a hot one. The tube I decided on was the Electro-Harmonix 12AX7EH - the last 2 letters being VERY important. Once again, one had the break in period during which I was thinking maybe I've made a mistake...then period over and this thing starts to SING! It's superior in every respect to my B&K Pro 5's phono input: especially so running in passive mode. Playing the new Cream @ RAH2005 vinyl album is fantastic( I was at their VERY FIRST first gig in '66 by the way!Memories!). the you are THERE feeling is palpable and the sense of listening to something real instead of just great sound is VERY strong. What this baby does with a drum kit frosts every cookie with a thick coating! Not bad on classical either. HiFiITIS completely gone. Now, what do I do?!If you're looking for the ultimate sure I've not doubt spending a lot more you'll find it but you'll need to spend a lot! You can pick up a EH @ PartsExpress.com for $15-20incl S&H, or seek one out on ebay - where I bought 4 for $5.00 each.
RIG for those interested;
Systemdek IIX T/T w/SOTA Acrylic Supermat & Reflex clamp, Extreme phono mat underneath those.
Rega RB300arm w/Cardas rewire & Elys2 cartridge
B&K Pro5 + 2xST-140M's pre + pwr amps
Magneplanar SMGc
HSU TN1225x2 subs
oh, and a Sony SACD player!
I've never enjoyed recorded music so much in my life. For those that can afford one, hurry up, the normal shop price is increasing by 50 bucks soon. BTW you can get this cheaper by buying from Pro music shops. I've seen it new for $150, spend the extra on the Harmonix tube.