Guest CCallil Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 (edited) Hi all, Wondering if anyone has had any experience/knowledge regarding a good phono-preamp match, for a Grace F9 MM cartridge? I'm pairing it with a Grace G-727 / modded Thorens TD-160 Super. Pretty good synergy so far. A few weeks ago I purchased a Dynavector P75 MK3, which I was originally going MC for. But a few bargains later, here we are. The P75 is a capable phono-pre, but I'm wondering if it's more suited to MC? Is there a more MM focused phono-pre, between 600-700 that would suit the F9 better? I may be over thinking it, but I thought I'd ask. Regards. - Chris Edited January 22, 2018 by CCallil
awty Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 (edited) On 22/01/2018 at 9:23 AM, CCallil said: I may be over thinking. Expand Yes. I don't find them that fussy, even on cheap phonos they sing, yours should be fine. They are a great cartridge enjoy. Oh! the only way they dont sing is if your using an old worn out stylus. The sound smith replacement stylus are very good. Edited January 22, 2018 by awty 1
stevoz Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 My suggestion is below your budget point but I have four Grace carts and while my F9 needs a retip, my other Graces, particularly the Level II RC, which I imagine, performance wise, is right up there with the F9, sound really nice with my Vincent PHO-8 phono stage (it's both MM and MC).....very solid and refined SQ. This relative bargain is worthy of consideration. My two cents worth...... 1
Guest CCallil Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 22/01/2018 at 12:19 PM, awty said: Yes. I don't find them that fussy, even on cheap phonos they sing, yours should be fine. They are a great cartridge enjoy. Oh! the only way they dont sing is if your using an old worn out stylus. The sound smith replacement stylus are very good. Expand Good to hear, I'll stick it out and see how everything pairs. Thank you
Guest CCallil Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 1:44 AM, stevoz said: My suggestion is below your budget point but I have four Grace carts and while my F9 needs a retip, my other Graces, particularly the Level II RC, which I imagine, performance wise, is right up there with the F9, sound really nice with my Vincent PHO-8 phono stage (it's both MM and MC).....very solid and refined SQ. This relative bargain is worthy of consideration. My two cents worth...... Expand Thanks for the advice, I'll look for a second-hand one and side-by-side it against the P75
mattd2308 Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 Lounge Audio LCR MkIII Happy with mine, gets a favourable review in the latest Stereophile mag. Matt 1
stevoz Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 1:56 AM, CCallil said: Thanks for the advice, I'll look for a second-hand one and side-by-side it against the P75 Expand Maybe audition some others first but if you're going to jump right in, check here: https://www.stereophonic.com.au/vincent-audio-pho-8-mm-mc-phono-pre-amplifier/ >>>>only $359 new (not sure on delivery cost). I got mine from Audiotrends ($349 + free delivery) but they don't seem to sell Vincent anymore. Local distributor of Vincent products changed recently, that must be why.....
stevoz Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 2:57 AM, ppaul said: Eastwood hifi still have pho8 listed at $229 Expand Still some sale stuff left! That's a great price......
BATMAQN Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 2:57 AM, ppaul said: Eastwood hifi still have pho8 listed at $229 Expand Can't find that is there a link?
Guest CCallil Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 5:07 AM, BATMAQN said: Can't find that is there a link? Expand Same here, can’t find it.
rossb Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 This one is still available, and is an outstanding MM phono stage: https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/107665-fs-exposure-26-mm-phono-stage-new-in-box-big-price-drop/?tab=comments#comment-1666985 1
ppaul Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 Go to specials page, it’s in Christmas clearout box
MattyW Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 Whatever you do, go with the SoundSmith line contact. I got the Ruby elliptical and it's nothing special. Much prefer my F8 '10 and F8/Jico NeoSAS/S Frenkencart to it.
mloutfie Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 7:33 AM, MattyW said: Whatever you do, go with the SoundSmith line contact. I got the Ruby elliptical and it's nothing special. Much prefer my F8 '10 and F8/Jico NeoSAS/S Frenkencart to it. Expand Which version of the line contact did you get?
Guest CCallil Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 7:33 AM, MattyW said: Whatever you do, go with the SoundSmith line contact. I got the Ruby elliptical and it's nothing special. Much prefer my F8 '10 and F8/Jico NeoSAS/S Frenkencart to it. Expand Thanks for the heads up, I was planning on the $299 (Blue) CL, Aluminium. Wondering if going higher is worth the invest though? They are pretty pricey.
MattyW Posted January 23, 2018 Posted January 23, 2018 (edited) With the SoundSmith I didn't. I got the Ruby cantilever and elliptical tip. Cost an arm and a leg due to them charging a ridiculous amount for postage and has been nothing but a disappointment. The Grace F8L with Jico NeoSAS/S on the other hand is incredible. Far cheaper too. Edited January 23, 2018 by MattyW
awty Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 I have the RS-9U and a RS-9E I bought way back when they first came out while Aus dollar was worth more than USD. Have sent both back since, from me being a butter fingers, been repaired and sent back. The RS-9U is noticeably better than the cheaper RS-9U which is better than the original stock stylus (green plastic). Havent heard any other bad reports about the ruby, but have never used one myself. I have 2 x f-9 carts I bought when they use to sell for around $100. Now I will just get the soundsmith stylus retipped when needed.
Guest CCallil Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 11:37 PM, MattyW said: With the SoundSmith I didn't. I got the Ruby cantilever and elliptical tip. Cost an arm and a leg due to them charging a ridiculous amount for postage and has been nothing but a disappointment. The Grace F8L with Jico NeoSAS/S on the other hand is incredible. Far cheaper too. Expand Interesting you’ve had such a poor expenerience, sorry to hear that. I also own an old F8, I can’t tell what model it is though. Still perfectly working, but imagined the F9 would be an good upgrade. Might consider just a retip and Jico stylus, use those bucks elsewhere.. Thanks for putting in your 2 cents.
MattyW Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 (edited) On 24/01/2018 at 1:11 AM, CCallil said: Interesting you’ve had such a poor expenerience, sorry to hear that. I also own an old F8, I can’t tell what model it is though. Still perfectly working, but imagined the F9 would be an good upgrade. Might consider just a retip and Jico stylus, use those bucks elsewhere.. Thanks for putting in your 2 cents. Expand I'd suggest sending to Garrott Bros for a sapphire or ruby cantilever and whichever line contact tip they recommend. I've always been very impressed with their work. The cart is worth it. I've found that the cantilever and tip make these carts. Edited January 24, 2018 by MattyW
stevoz Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 (edited) On 24/01/2018 at 1:11 AM, CCallil said: I also own an old F8, I can’t tell what model it is though. Still perfectly working, but imagined the F9 would be an good upgrade. Expand It's an F8L..... I have one too....and the F9 would be a good upgrade, as would the stylus MattyW recommended. Edited January 24, 2018 by stevoz 1
Guest CCallil Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 On 23/01/2018 at 11:37 PM, MattyW said: With the SoundSmith I didn't. I got the Ruby cantilever and elliptical tip. Cost an arm and a leg due to them charging a ridiculous amount for postage and has been nothing but a disappointment. The Grace F8L with Jico NeoSAS/S on the other hand is incredible. Far cheaper too. Expand On 24/01/2018 at 1:33 AM, MattyW said: I'd suggest sending to Garrott Bros for a sapphire or ruby cantilever and whichever line contact tip they recommend. I've always been very impressed with their work. The cart is worth it. I've found that the cantilever and tip make these carts. Expand Thanks for the great advice, where did you purchase the Jico NeoSAS from? I've only heard fantastic things from Garrott Brothers. I'd honestly much prefer sending a Grace F8 or F9 locally, and they definitely know their stuff. Luckily I've only auditioned the F9, and haven't purchased one yet. So I have flexibility of choice. If I can't find a F9 body at a decent price I'll probably just send my F8 in for the upgrade. Thanks again.
Guest CCallil Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 On 24/01/2018 at 6:58 AM, stevoz said: It's an F8L..... I have one too....and the F9 would be a good upgrade, as would the stylus MattyW recommended. Expand Thanks for the clarification, It's a great cart but really due for a retip!
MattyW Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 On 24/01/2018 at 7:38 AM, CCallil said: Thanks for the great advice, where did you purchase the Jico NeoSAS from? I've only heard fantastic things from Garrott Brothers. I'd honestly much prefer sending a Grace F8 or F9 locally, and they definitely know their stuff. Luckily I've only auditioned the F9, and haven't purchased one yet. So I have flexibility of choice. If I can't find a F9 body at a decent price I'll probably just send my F8 in for the upgrade. Thanks again. Expand From Jico directly. It's a VN35HE NeoSAS/S meant for a Shure cartridge. I removed the plastic leaving just the shank. Not ideal but it works. Sending to Garrott Bros should yield a better result.
Colin Rutter Posted May 22, 2018 Posted May 22, 2018 On 22/01/2018 at 9:23 AM, CCallil said: Hi all, Wondering if anyone has had any experience/knowledge regarding a good phono-preamp match, for a Grace F9 MM cartridge? I'm pairing it with a Grace G-727 / modded Thorens TD-160 Super. Pretty good synergy so far. A few weeks ago I purchased a Dynavector P75 MK3, which I was originally going MC for. But a few bargains later, here we are. The P75 is a capable phono-pre, but I'm wondering if it's more suited to MC? Is there a more MM focused phono-pre, between 600-700 that would suit the F9 better? I may be over thinking it, but I thought I'd ask. Regards. - ChrisIf you work out what phono equilization stage is doing I think you will understand the nature of snake oil
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