It's a doggone shame.

[frenchmon]

A Rega Fono?!? Yes I am grinning. Funny stuff. Actually London Audio will be receiving the Rega DAC soon, I am anxious to hear it.

Slippers you should look into the GCPH down the road. Wildly accurate with great features for a decent price.

Thanks oh wise one...ah... I mean Pops....I will put it on the list.

[02audionoob]

Is the Rega Fono SS?



Do you know bajaed over on the Audiokarma forum? I got him a deal on a mmf-7.1 with the cart from my dealers. He is in town this weekend picking it up. When may meet up today or tomorrow at my dealers house to sit and talk audio before he goes back to Ohio. We I was at my dealers two days ago and he was breaking in the cart on bajaeds 7.1 before he picks it up, with this album that breaks in new carts, I ask if he would put on an Album so I can hear the Goldring 2400 cart that was on it. So he put on a Muddy Waters live album and man I could tell that cart was outstanding. But I think the system was a little overly warm for my taste. Not because of the cart, but because he had the entire Bel Canto system which is warm ss gear and he was using a Grado phono amp which is also warm toned. But I could still tell the cart is outstanding. Its not totally off my list. In fact with the 7.1 the 2M Red at times with certain artist seem a little to bright ...but the Black is suppose to be a little more pleasant in that regard.

Have you purchased the Dynavector yet? Which one are you getting? Dont know what you are paying but my dealer is able to sell cheaper because he closed his brick building and sells now out of his house. He will sell me a Black for almost $200 cheaper than retail. IF you want I can see what he will sell on for and then I can put you in contact with him and you two can make the transaction. Let me know.

frenchmon

The Rega Fono is nothing much, as far as I know. It's a budget SS model. I just figure if I pick one up for under $200 on the used market, I could maybe try it out on the wife's Debut III/Kenwood Basic setup. And if it's not better than the phono stage of the Basic C2 I'd sell it. But it was just a fleeting thought...nothing related to trying to achieve what you're aiming for.

I've responded to bajaed's threads and even traded PM's with him. Seems like a great guy. He asked for opinions on the mmf-7.1, among others. I plan to keep watching for his threads. Naturally I like the AK threads that get into modern affordable turntables, instead of the 1960s/1970s models.

The Dynavector is a 10X4. It's in the queue for a re-tip. Thanks for offering to hook me up.

I'm sort of curious about the 2400 since I had a 2200 and liked it. When I sold my mmf-5 I included the 2200 and then bought the 1042. I'm happy with the 1042, but I sort of wish I hadn't let go of the 2200. The buyer is an AKer who has already ditched the mmf-5 for a Rega P1. Very odd.

[frenchmon]

The Rega Fono is nothing much, as far as I know. It's a budget SS model. I just figure if I pick one up for under $200 on the used market, I could maybe try it out on the wife's Debut III/Kenwood Basic setup. And if it's not better than the phono stage of the Basic C2 I'd sell it. But it was just a fleeting thought...nothing related to trying to achieve what you're aiming for.

I've responded to bajaed's threads and even traded PM's with him. Seems like a great guy. He asked for opinions on the mmf-7.1, among others. I plan to keep watching for his threads. Naturally I like the AK threads that get into modern affordable turntables, instead of the 1960s/1970s models.

The Dynavector is a 10X4. It's in the queue for a re-tip. Thanks for offering to hook me up.

I'm sort of curious about the 2400 since I had a 2200 and liked it. When I sold my mmf-5 I included the 2200 and then bought the 1042. I'm happy with the 1042, but I sort of wish I hadn't let go of the 2200. The buyer is an AKer who has already ditched the mmf-5 for a Rega P1. Very odd.

Hey if you needed anything my dealer sells...check with me or him to see if its cheaper than the price you are quoted. He usually is...I will PM you his site so you can take a look at what he offers....he also has some stuff thats not on his site.

Yeah thats strange to ditch a MMF 5 for a P1....Is it the same guy who at one time owned the clearaudio concept ? If it is thats a really nice guy who has been through a lot of gear.

[poppachubby]

Pops...as I mentioned to Art K. one day.....I know broke....he and I are best friends...

Yes I knew you would fit right in over there. Glad to hear it.

[frenchmon]

been spinning nothing but vinyl as of late!

AA...what tube gear is that? Is that a preamp or an Integrated amp? Is that the Melody?

[02audionoob]

Hey if you needed anything my dealer sells...check with me or him to see if its cheaper than the price you are quoted. He usually is...I will PM you his site so you can take a look at what he offers....he also has some stuff thats not on his site.

Yeah thats strange to ditch a MMF 5 for a P1....Is it the same guy who at one time owned the clearaudio concept ? If it is thats a really nice guy who has been through a lot of gear.

Thanks for the tip on your dealer. I think it was Art K. who had the Concept and now has a P1. I think he had some problems with the Concept but I don't know why he sold it. At one time, he had a P3-24...don't know the story on that one, either...or that Rega Saturn he sold. He does do some gear-changing.

I sort of felt bad about the guy who bought my mmf-5. He had just sold a P3-24 and was downgrading his gear to raise money for expenses, not other gear...and then he apparently didn't like it. I tried to help him set it up and even offered to swap him an Ortofon OM for the Goldring to see if a lighter cartridge would track better. The tracking seemed to be giving him problems.

Trying out some other camera angles...

[frenchmon]

Thanks for the tip on your dealer. I think it was Art K. who had the Concept and now has a P1. I think he had some problems with the Concept but I don't know why he sold it. At one time, he had a P3-24...don't know the story on that one, either...or that Rega Saturn he sold. He does do some gear-changing.

I sort of felt bad about the guy who bought my mmf-5. He had just sold a P3-24 and was downgrading his gear to raise money for expenses, not other gear...and then he apparently didn't like it. I tried to help him set it up and even offered to swap him an Ortofon OM for the Goldring to see if a lighter cartridge would track better. The tracking seemed to be giving him problems.

Trying out some other camera angles...

That arm looks very detailed in craftsmanship...Whats it like? I hear nothing but good things about that arm...and see alot of TT manufactures use the Rega arms as well.



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noob im not even in your ball park when it comes to turntables, but I must say I really love the sound coming from this thing. Back in the 70's and 80's if I had a deck that sounded like this, I would have never sold my TT and albums.

This thing is supper quite in the back ground, has very good bass and tracks very good. The 2.1 was a tease...this things the real deal. And that old 2M Red sounds like a champ sept for a few cuts where the cymbals ring out. Im sure the black or Bronze will take care of that.

[frenchmon]

And I must add that the staging is outstanding as well as the clarity.



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[frenchmon]

Its amazing how the Red sounds very different on the 7.1 than it did on teh 2.1..The 7.1 has gotten a level of performance from this cart that the 2.1 never knew was in it.



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[frenchmon]

Hey noob did you know that Oracle is now using the 9cc arm on one of its tables? Must be a very good arm.

[frenchmon]

noob...dont know what level of performance you got from your mmf-5 but the 7.1 is just off the chain and this is with the cheap 2M RED.....a better cart,tube preamp and phono amp and im going to be floored. CD? who said anything about a CDP? Dont need them unless one gets lazy. a few more pics....



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Im having fun, before I go and cut the lawn and fire up the grill....

[02audionoob]

That arm looks very detailed in craftsmanship...Whats it like? I hear nothing but good things about that arm...and see alot of TT manufactures use the Rega arms as well.

noob im not even in your ball park when it comes to turntables, but I must say I really love the sound coming from this thing. Back in the 70's and 80's if I had a deck that sounded like this, I would have never sold my TT and albums.

This thing is supper quite in the back ground, has very good bass and tracks very good. The 2.1 was a tease...this things the real deal. And that old 2M Red sounds like a champ sept for a few cuts where the cymbals ring out. Im sure the black or Bronze will take care of that.

And I must add that the staging is outstanding as well as the clarity.

Its amazing how the Red sounds very different on the 7.1 than it did on teh 2.1..The 7.1 has gotten a level of performance from this cart that the 2.1 never knew was in it.

Hey noob did you know that Oracle is now using the 9cc arm on one of its tables? Must be a very good arm.

noob...dont know what level of performance you got from your mmf-5 but the 7.1 is just off the chain and this is with the cheap 2M RED.....a better cart,tube preamp and phono amp and im going to be floored. CD? who said anything about a CDP? Dont need them unless one gets lazy. a few more pics....



Im having fun, before I go and cut the lawn and fire up the grill....

I do think we’re in the same ball park. As you know, I remain a fan of Music Hall turntables even after selling mine. I like the isolation solutions and really like the tonearms. If I can ever rationalize two turntables, I figure my 2nd turntable might include a Pro-Ject tonearm. I was toying with the idea of an 2 Xperience on the used market but I can never get past the idea that the cost of two turntables is probably spent on one better turntable. I also like the idea of maybe putting a 9cc on an LP12 if I can find the Linn turntable without an arm. That Oracle turntable is a nice testament to Pro-Ject’s quality. I didn’t know about that one. It’s beginning to seem like Pro-Ject has achieved a status for their tonearms that is on par with Rega.

I do like the Rega RB700 tonearm and it’s easy for me to see why the RB251 and others are popular on other manufacturers’ turntables. I don’t understand why people put them on heavy, dampened or suspended turntables, though. I suppose they’re still good, even when they’re not on the type of plinth Rega had in mind. Mine does a marvelous job of digging out detail and not blurring it, especially with the addition of the machined metal subplatter. The TTPSU and the white belt are also noticeable improvements. I think I’m finished upgrading the P5, now. My turntable might just be in last place when it comes to upgrade priority, even behind my beloved tube amp.

Your move to the MMF-7.1 from the 2.1 is an example of how significant the tonearm and turntable are in the equation. Sure, a finer stylus profile will take you to greater heights, but there is much to be gained by giving that stylus better surroundings. Practically every part of the 7.1 is superior to the 2.1 (and the MMF-5) and it shows. It kind of reminds me of how I’ve occasionally seen comment that the P5 is close to the P7 because of the tonearm. But if you look around at each part, everything but the tonearm is upgraded.

[frenchmon]

Sure, a finer stylus profile will take you to greater heights, but there is much to be gained by giving that stylus better surroundings.

I like that idea....im really not hurting for a cart now, the Red is just fine...I can build around the 7.1 now...I do want to change the stock phono cables...I like the Analysis Plus phono cables...I may look into them...check out some reviews... You got any recommendations?

[02audionoob]

I like that idea....im really not hurting for a cart now, the Red is just fine...I can build around the 7.1 now...I do want to change the stock phono cables...I like the Analysis Plus phono cables...I may look into them...check out some reviews... You got any recommendations?

No recommendations, here. I'm sort of looking for cable solutions, too. I've got captive interconnects on the P5, so that stays. From the phono preamp to the integrated I have Straightwire interconnects. I figure I'll leave that. But for the CDP I used a green 75 Ohm video cable to the DAC and the red and blue 75 Ohm cables from the DAC to the integrated. It's fine, but I want to try something else.

[frenchmon]

No recommendations, here. I'm sort of looking for cable solutions, too. I've got captive interconnects on the P5, so that stays. From the phono preamp to the integrated I have Straightwire interconnects. I figure I'll leave that. But for the CDP I used a green 75 Ohm video cable to the DAC and the red and blue 75 Ohm cables from the DAC to the integrated. It's fine, but I want to try something else.

Do you like straight wire? if so,why not replacethe CDP and DAC with straightwire? I like A+ and will move up in the speaker and interconnect line once im done saving for a preamp. I am a believer in keeping the cables all the same brand....but many dont share my views... I've heard others say the A+ phono cable was bright in a system that leans that way, so I dont know, maybe it will be better with tubes.

[02audionoob]

Do you like straight wire? if so,why not replacethe CDP and DAC with straightwire? I like A+ and will move up in the speaker and interconnect line once im done saving for a preamp. I am a believer in keeping the cables all the same brand....but many dont share my views... I've heard others say the A+ phono cable was bright in a system that leans that way, so I dont know, maybe it will be better with tubes.

I've tried this pair on the DAC and it seemed good. It was so good I decided I shouldn't waste on the DAC, since I play the turntable 90 percent of the time. So I guess you're probably right...If I know I like the Straight Wire cable it's a logical choice. The 75 Ohm cable allows a bit of an edge through sometimes; something the Straight Wire doesn't do quite so much.

[frenchmon]

I've tried this pair on the DAC and it seemed good. It was so good I decided I shouldn't waste on the DAC, since I play the turntable 90 percent of the time. So I guess you're probably right...If I know I like the Straight Wire cable it's a logical choice. The 75 Ohm cable allows a bit of an edge through sometimes; something the Straight Wire doesn't do quite so much.

Have you heard anything about Signal cable? Price looks good on the phono cable.

http://www.signalcable.com/analog_interconnects.html

[atomicAdam]

AA...what tube gear is that? Is that a preamp or an Integrated amp? Is that the Melody?

That is the Mystere ia11 integrated amp.

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/products...tere/ia11.html

So far I really like what it does with the mid-range and low end. I wish the high end was a bit more liquid - but I'm going to try out some different tube options. I like it cause it is small, sounds good, good price, and is no BS amplifier.

I think I'm all about integrated components at this point - less cabling, power, issues, than separates.

[JohnMichael]

Here is my Rega Planar 2 with my new Anniversary Ringmat mat.

[JohnMichael]

Here is a photo of my Rega Planar 2 without a mat showing the Deepgroove subplatter.

[frenchmon]

Well keep me informed on the forum of the high end if you don't mind. I have officially started a savings towards a tubed preamp and my list so far is ARC, Mystere, their cousin Primaluna, Rouge Audio, Vincent Audio and CJ if not to warm. Seeing I have the Rotel amp at 200 watts I would like a preamp, rather than a integrated. But the characteristics may be the same in the same name brand...so if you don't mind....keep me posted please?

[atomicAdam]

Well keep me informed on the forum of the high end if you don't mind. I have officially started a savings towards a tubed preamp and my list so far is ARC, Mystere, their cousin Primaluna, Rouge Audio, Vincent Audio and CJ if not to warm. Seeing I have the Rotel amp at 200 watts I would like a preamp, rather than a integrated. But the characteristics may be the same in the same name brand...so if you don't mind....keep me posted please?

I've heard both the Mystere and PrimaLuna but would personally take the Mystere. Less gizmos but I think has a cleaner and punchier low end.

But I think the real question to ask yourself about tube amps is what kind you like. There are so many.

KT88
EL34
EL64
2a3
300B
211

and so forth -

The Melody AN211 (http://www.eaststreetaudio.com/Produ...ody-an211.aspx) I had in for a while paired with the Zu ODs was a match made in heaven for me. Liquid sound, effortless, open, extremely detailed, dynamic, clean, I mean I really just fell in love. You'll have to do some listening before you jump in.

[frenchmon]

Thats just it...I don't know the difference. Whats the difference?

Also... Where do you place the Melody compared to the Mystere and PrimaLuna and Rouge as far as sound?

[frenchmon]

Thats just it...I don't know the difference. Whats the difference?

Also... Where do you place the Melody compared to the Mystere and PrimaLuna and Rouge as far as sound?

Yeah...whom ever I purchase from will have to have a good return policy.

[atomicAdam]

Thats just it...I don't know the difference. Whats the difference?

Also... Where do you place the Melody compared to the Mystere and PrimaLuna and Rouge as far as sound?

Not heard the Rogue -

But the Mystere/PrimaLuna/Melody amps I heard are all different.

Quickly speaking -
All three are detailed - have good dynamics - good staging and that tube like sound.

What I found to be most distinguishing about the three are.
PL - a bit too relaxed for me at lower volumes - alive when pushed - but lows aren't quiet clean enough for me. didn't hear with the KT88 tubes - so sound could radically change.
M - very alive at low volumes - needs a speaker with a bit too much bass to balance out the mids and high end at pushed volumes - very exciting sound.
My - better bass definition - sounds good low or pushed - great mid range - smooth highs