illusion Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 My Lehmann SE phono has developed a hum in the left output RCA, so I have taken it to Tivoli to sort out. James was very kind in giving me a loan of a Primare R32, which I have been looking at previously to replace the Lehmann. Wanting to hear my new Jack White Lazaretto album, I hooked up the Primare to my system and sat back for about 30 minutes. Initially I was surprised to hear some 'surface noise', a good clean of the vinyl and it went away. My first impressions of the Primare, besides it's size is the wider soundstage over the Lehmann. I will try a few different types of records in the next week before I return the Primare back to James at Tivoli. 2
blinky Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 I'm a big fan of this phono stage too, it's definitely got something special about it.
Guest Misterioso Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 Please keep us updated on your findings. I have a R32 in my system but I never heard the Lehmann.
Omegaspeedy Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 I've had my R32 now for 6 months and love it. It's big sounding and leaning slightly toward euphoric as opposed to the ultra detailing (analytical) camp which is what wins it over for me though don't get me wrong, it's got pleanty of fine detailing but will never offend or sound thin. Pride of ownership is high with this puppy! Next move up the food chain would be Gary's (Pure Audio) stage.
djb Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 Not very familiar with either. The lehmann has been around quite a while when did it first come on the market?
illusion Posted June 19, 2014 Author Posted June 19, 2014 Sat back tonight with a few very familiar records. I've heard Dire Straits' Private Investigations probably a few hundred times but with the Primare R32 I could clearly hear Mark Knofler's deep breaths that start about 3:30 into the track. Also on The Who / Love Reign O'er Me, I heard elements of the storm that I hadn't previously picked up on my Lehmann. I like this Primare R32. 3
illusion Posted June 25, 2014 Author Posted June 25, 2014 I am returning the Primare R32 back to it's rightful owner, Tivoli HiFi today. After living with it for a week I can say it's astonishing value for money. If your looking for a phono stage, it's a great buy for what Tivoli is offering them. It handled all types of records from Jazz to Classical to Grunge seriously well.
andyr Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 I am returning the Primare R32 back to it's rightful owner, Tivoli HiFi today. After living with it for a week I can say it's astonishing value for money. If your looking for a phono stage, it's a great buy for what Tivoli is offering them. It handled all types of records from Jazz to Classical to Grunge seriously well. So why are you sticking with the Lehmann? Andy
illusion Posted June 25, 2014 Author Posted June 25, 2014 Good question Andy, for my humble little Rega, the Lehmann will suffice.
andyr Posted June 25, 2014 Posted June 25, 2014 Good question Andy, for my humble little Rega, the Lehmann will suffice. Good thinking, illusion. I understand you can buy a super, add-on PSU for the Lehmann which turns the SQ up a notch or two (compared to the wall wart). Or you might like to try an isolating transformer in front of your current power supply? I found that, even on a most unlikely condidate (a TT speed controller), an isolating transformer improved the sound. I have just started producing these - PM me if you're interested. Regards, Andy 1
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