New phono preamp?

[02audionoob]

I've been paying PayPal out of my checking account for several years. I've never had a problem with them.

[E-Stat]

Is that a bad idea?

You have zero protection from having them seize money from your account for a number of reasons. Google "paypal lawsuits" to get a flavor. Unless you plan to do a lot of business in terms of receiving payments, I find that using my American Express card for purchases works fine and I get the protection backed by the credit card company. When I ask folks why they voluntarily open themselves up to potential fraud, I have yet to get a good answer. Why take the risk? What is the benefit?

rw

[02audionoob]

Although this looks like a 2-way conversation, I did a Google search on "paypal lawsuits" and it looks to me like people with problems they contributed to.

[E-Stat]

Although this looks like a 2-way conversation, I did a Google search on "paypal lawsuits" and it looks to me like people with problems they contributed to.

I've heard other stories. So, what do you see as the benefit of using your checking account instead of a protected credit card?

rw

[02audionoob]

I've heard other stories. So, what do you see as the benefit of using your checking account instead of a protected credit card?

rw

For me, linking a checking account has simply been convenience and speed. For example, when I have a balance from selling something I can easily and quickly get that money into my checking account with an electronic transfer executed within PayPal.

When it comes to paying for things, the option of using a credit card is always available. You can pay that way even through PayPal and even when you have a linked bank account. If you have a dispute that PayPal will not resolve to your satisfaction, you can still take it up with your credit card company.

Over the years, I've had increasingly more trouble with eBay transactions and in all my disputes PayPal has decided in my favor...not because I'm special or lucky...I've just been right.

[E-Stat]

I can easily and quickly get that money into my checking account with an electronic transfer executed within PayPal.

That is the only benefit I see. In my case, I've always found a place to spend it!

When it comes to paying for things, the option of using a credit card is always available.

A chargeback, however, would always be taken from your bank account. Even if you *win* after arguing a case, you have to wait for your money to be reimbursed. If I were to ever have a problem with a purchase, I would write AMEX (and the seller) and explain why I'm not paying for the never delivered, misrepresented or damaged goods.

rw

[02audionoob]

A chargeback, however, would always be taken from your bank account.

Do you know for sure that that is happening to people who are right and honest in the ttransaction? That's not how it's supposed to work. If your credit card charges it back to PayPal, PayPal should be charging it back to the seller. You then forfeit your right to PayPal's assistance in dispute resolution on that transaction. I'm just going from memory on this. I think it's explained in the PayPal agreement.

[E-Stat]

Do you know for sure that that is happening to people who are right and honest in the ttransaction?

I refer to a different scenario and yes, I've heard of situations with honest sellers getting defrauded.

1. You are the seller.
2. You sell something and get paid via Paypal into your account (no CC involved)
3. Buyer balks about something and complains to Paypal
4. Paypal reverses the payment and drafts your bank account
5. You are out merchandise and money until you successfully defend yourself

rw

[02audionoob]

I refer to a different scenario and yes, I've heard of situations with honest sellers getting defrauded.

1. You are the seller.
2. You sell something and get paid via Paypal into your account (no CC involved)
3. Buyer balks about something and complains to Paypal
4. Paypal reverses the payment and drafts your bank account
5. You are out merchandise and money until you successfully defend yourself

rw

I'd say that's just the risk you take to sell online. Going through a 3rd party like PayPal enhances the level of trust the buyer can have and therefore increases your ability to sell the item. You have to keep good records so you can make your case when the time comes.

I'm not here to defend or advocate PayPal. I just know I have always gotten adequate service and have been satisfied with all my transactions.

[E-Stat]

I'd say that's just the risk you take to sell online.

Only if you choose that risk vs. convenience approach. I can always have Paypal send me a check.

rw

[02audionoob]

Only if you choose that risk vs. convenience approach. I can always have Paypal send me a check.

rw

I don't understand. When a seller accepts online payments, isn't there always a risk associated with receiving that payment, such as a dispute filed by the buyer?

[E-Stat]

I don't understand. When a seller accepts online payments, isn't there always a risk associated with receiving that payment, such as a dispute filed by the buyer?

they can always dispute, but not immediately seize money from your bank account!

rw

[02audionoob]

OK...you win.

[jupiterboy]

I have this unit and like it very much. It is, to my ear, very neutral and revealing, with good bass extension and an overall fair presentation with good dynamic impact.

I had the Jolida for a few weeks and it was not the right fit for my system.

I would recommend the Phonomena II with a tube output system that could benefit from the speed of the SS stage. To be fair, I currently use a prototype that was modified for my system by Michael Yee. I am using a MM cart and wanted more loading and capacitance options than were stock.

My gear for reference:

AMC CVT-3030a Tube amp
Vandersteen 1b Speaker
Sota Comet sIII S300 arm Turntable
Audio-Technica USA 150MLX Cartridge
Musical Surroundings Phonomena II Preamplifier
Incognito Copper Tone Arm Wire Tweak
Pete Rigel Counterweight for the Common Man Tweak
Oppo DV-980H CD Player
AudioQuest Coral Interconnect
Denon TU-280 Tuner

[JohnMichael]

I have this unit and like it very much. It is, to my ear, very neutral and revealing, with good bass extension and an overall fair presentation with good dynamic impact.

I had the Jolida for a few weeks and it was not the right fit for my system.

I would recommend the Phonomena II with a tube output system that could benefit from the speed of the SS stage. To be fair, I currently use a prototype that was modified for my system by Michael Yee. I am using a MM cart and wanted more loading and capacitance options than were stock.

My gear for reference:

AMC CVT-3030a Tube amp
Vandersteen 1b Speaker
Sota Comet sIII S300 arm Turntable
Audio-Technica USA 150MLX Cartridge
Musical Surroundings Phonomena II Preamplifier
Incognito Copper Tone Arm Wire Tweak
Pete Rigel Counterweight for the Common Man Tweak
Oppo DV-980H CD Player
AudioQuest Coral Interconnect
Denon TU-280 Tuner

Welcome to AudioReview. I noticed that you also used the Incognito rewire and are using a replacement counterweight. I thought about the Phonomena II but ended up buying Graham Slee's Gram Amp3 "Fanfare". I have spent much time reading reviews and looking at specs. The Fanfare is a moving coil preamp for low output cartridges only.

It arrived today and what I noticed most was a much wider soundstage, more extended highs and a more open midrange. The Fanfare will accept cartridges with outputs as low as .2mV and this sensitivity has given me the dynamics I have wanted. I also own the Cambridge Audio 640P and the Rotel RQ 970BX that I can use for MM cartridges. Out of the box the Fanfare is superior to both when using the Benz MC Gold. I look forward to it's sound after the continued burn in that I have read it needs. I will post more in a week or two.

[Jim Eck]

Just thought this might be of interest regarding the original post. Bottleheads.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Iss...pe_project.htm

Jim

[nightflier]

JohnMichael,

As a long time user of the Phonomena (first generation), I have to say that it's a phono preamp that punches way above it's weight class. The Phonomena II is an improvement in that you don't need to remove the cover to change settings. I've been considering an upgrade to the Jolida, but like you I've read multiple recommendations that it really does need upgrades and better tubes, thus bringing the price up.

A few others I am considering:

Grado PH-1

Clearaudio Smart-Phono

Pro-ject Tube Box SE-II

Sutherland Ph3D

Aqvox - Phono 2Ci Balanced Phono Preamp

The thought of running a sensitive component like a phono preamp off of batteries has always seemed to make more sense to me. Phonomena also makes one that runs off a recharchable battery, the Nova Phonomena, which you can leave plugged in, but then automatically disconnects from power when in use - very cool.

Of course, if you are willing to purchase used, there are lots of other options, including this first generation Phonomena cover-less listed on eBay for $345:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Musical-Surround...item29ffbaef68

It's been listed for a while (probably because it lacks a cover), so you may be able to haggle with the seller and get a better price. You can probably score a second-hand Phonomena cover from Musical Surroundings for very little.

[dean_martin]

congrats on the Gram Amp3! Keep us posted.

[poppachubby]

JohnMichael,

As a long time user of the Phonomena (first generation), I have to say that it's a phono preamp that punches way above it's weight class. The Phonomena II is an improvement in that you don't need to remove the cover to change settings. I've been considering an upgrade to the Jolida, but like you I've read multiple recommendations that it really does need upgrades and better tubes, thus bringing the price up.

A few others I am considering:

Grado PH-1

Clearaudio Smart-Phono

Pro-ject Tube Box SE-II

Sutherland Ph3D

Aqvox - Phono 2Ci Balanced Phono Preamp

The thought of running a sensitive component like a phono preamp off of batteries has always seemed to make more sense to me. Phonomena also makes one that runs off a recharchable battery, the Nova Phonomena, which you can leave plugged in, but then automatically disconnects from power when in use - very cool.

Of course, if you are willing to purchase used, there are lots of other options, including this first generation Phonomena cover-less listed on eBay for $345:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Musical-Surround...item29ffbaef68

It's been listed for a while (probably because it lacks a cover), so you may be able to haggle with the seller and get a better price. You can probably score a second-hand Phonomena cover from Musical Surroundings for very little.

Any pre amp can be a battery operated pre amp... I already posted to that effect on page 1...I almost have this up and running perfectly. I am running 2 12 volt batteries in series with a fuse and then plugging into the input. It's dead quiet and is drawing all the power it needs. I can't beleive how awesome it sounds.




Phonomena can suck the big one...

[nightflier]

Phonomena can suck the big one...

Huh?

Regarding the battery discussion, yes, I saw what you posted. Very interesting, but not exactly out-of-the-box, which is I think what the OP was looking for.

[poppachubby]

Huh?

Regarding the battery discussion, yes, I saw what you posted. Very interesting, but not exactly out-of-the-box, which is I think what the OP was looking for.

NF, I'm not suggesting it for John. I'm saying the concept of batteries can be applied to the stage of choice, if one really wants. Obviously, Phonomena make a great product.

[JohnMichael]

Well I think the Gram Amp 3 has been used enough to be sounding it's best. The phono preamp is detailed and extended but not bright. I am now hearing the benefits of using a low output moving coil cartridge. The Benz/Graham combo is giving me great dynamics. I used to think the Benz was slow and compressed sounding through both the Rotel and the Cambridge Audio preamps. Now I am enjoying faster transient speed which is bringing more excitement to the music. Bass is tighter and better defined. The Gram Amp 3 is a low output MC cartridge preamp only and it far exceeds the moving coil settings of the Rotel and Cambridge Audio phono preamps. There is much more vinyl spinning with the arrival of the Gram Amp 3.

[jrhymeammo]

It's nice to hear MD had redeemed themselves. But more importantly, congrats on your purchase. How about some pics? I would love to see internal components as well.

Have a great year!

[JohnMichael]

It's nice to hear MD had redeemed themselves. But more importantly, congrats on your purchase. How about some pics? I would love to see internal components as well.

Have a great year!

My Torx drivers are too small to open it. The preamp is very small and light but puts out a big sound. I will work on some pictures and I think I need a size 10 Torx.