bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
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Post by bigbird on Aug 20, 2021 20:17:23 GMT
Hi Rob hope you’re well mate? Your in for some fun times ahead with all these fantastic offers to listen to some of the best stages out there . Having had the OTP for a short while a few years ago and comparing it to a number of unit that were similarly priced from the likes of Rega, Graham slee , Naim I can say that the OTP was ever so slightly better than these stages in the 3-400 price range so represents a bit of a bargain for an introductory level stage but I really don’t think it’s going to be able to show you what that lovely cartridge is capable of , or wether it will be any or much better than what you already have ? The first time i got a taste of what good Phonos are all about was when I bought the Whest 2.2. Things really stepped up quite a bit with regards to clarity ,detail and resolution and if you are a fan of SS then I would have a look at the Whest range as they can be had for about 7-800 used or 1500 new . Some say they are one of if not the best retail units out there under 2k . That said there are some very handy lads on here that could knock you up a Paradise for similar money to a new Whest which will undoubtedly be better . The next big step up from my Whest came from the BB3 . For a grand they have to be one of the biggest Hifi bargains in the world . Things just opened up and you got deeper into the mix . Things were more 3dimensional more detail, more colourful more resolution . To say it’s 500 cheaper than a new Whest unit , and to be that much better was a bit of a shock and it started me on my journey with DIY Hifi and I haven’t looked back. My setup is pretty much at reference levels now with the BB3 ,BT2,686. I certainly wouldn’t let the whole valve vs SS sway your opinion just yet mate . There are some brilliant valves that can be had for 10-20 quid each and will likely last a couple of years each as they are not driven hard in the BB3. My friend has also just bought a BB3 to replace his Whest 2.2 and he said it’s the first time he’s been able to hear what his very expensive (3k)Soundsmith cartridge is capable of and it makes the Whest sound flat and 2d. I have to agree . It’s not subtle You have to wonder what a unit of this level would cost you in a retail environment if it’s making mince meat of one of the best sub 2k Phonos in the world ? 3 ,4K maybe? Alan and Oli have done a brilliant job on this one and I can’t think of anything out there for a grand that can show it up . I would definitely give this one some serious consideration if I was in the market I think it would be a matter of personal preference between that and the paradise for world class playback at sensible prices . $$$$ 🤣🤣 😂 I shall remove my tongue from between your bum cheeks now
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,063
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Post by Bigman80 on Aug 20, 2021 20:30:34 GMT
$$$$ 🤣🤣 😂 I shall remove my tongue from between your bum cheeks now Hahahaha, Christ, People will do anything for free upgrades 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Just kidding....you've gotta pay 🤣
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Post by robbiegong on Aug 20, 2021 20:32:15 GMT
Hi Rob hope you’re well mate? Your in for some fun times ahead with all these fantastic offers to listen to some of the best stages out there . Having had the OTP for a short while a few years ago and comparing it to a number of unit that were similarly priced from the likes of Rega, Graham slee , Naim I can say that the OTP was ever so slightly better than these stages in the 3-400 price range so represents a bit of a bargain for an introductory level stage but I really don’t think it’s going to be able to show you what that lovely cartridge is capable of , or wether it will be any or much better than what you already have ? The first time i got a taste of what good Phonos are all about was when I bought the Whest 2.2. Things really stepped up quite a bit with regards to clarity ,detail and resolution and if you are a fan of SS then I would have a look at the Whest range as they can be had for about 7-800 used or 1500 new . Some say they are one of if not the best retail units out there under 2k . That said there are some very handy lads on here that could knock you up a Paradise for similar money to a new Whest which will undoubtedly be better . The next big step up from my Whest came from the BB3 . For a grand they have to be one of the biggest Hifi bargains in the world . Things just opened up and you got deeper into the mix . Things were more 3dimensional more detail, more colourful more resolution . To say it’s 500 cheaper than a new Whest unit , and to be that much better was a bit of a shock and it started me on my journey with DIY Hifi and I haven’t looked back. My setup is pretty much at reference levels now with the BB3 ,BT2,686. I certainly wouldn’t let the whole valve vs SS sway your opinion just yet mate . There are some brilliant valves that can be had for 10-20 quid each and will likely last a couple of years each as they are not driven hard in the BB3. My friend has also just bought a BB3 to replace his Whest 2.2 and he said it’s the first time he’s been able to hear what his very expensive (3k)Soundsmith cartridge is capable of and it makes the Whest sound flat and 2d. I have to agree . It’s not subtle You have to wonder what a unit of this level would cost you in a retail environment if it’s making mince meat of one of the best sub 2k Phonos in the world ? 3 ,4K maybe? Alan and Oli have done a brilliant job on this one and I can’t think of anything out there for a grand that can show it up . I would definitely give this one some serious consideration if I was in the market I think it would be a matter of personal preference between that and the paradise for world class playback at sensible prices . Thanks for this, interesting, insightful stuf - thanks !
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Post by sq225917 on Aug 21, 2021 1:19:01 GMT
If you do use the paradise with a cadenza black load it at 90 ohms, not 100, not 110. Out of all the carts I've heard into a Paradise this was the fussiest.
Lyras don't care 200-400 works, same with benz carts, even koetsus are happy with +/- 20 ohms around 100, but the CB had to be 90.
Left field phonstages with a real house sound aside IME as you ascend the ladder they begin to sound more alike than different.
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Post by robbiegong on Aug 22, 2021 21:51:39 GMT
I am no longer a off board / stand alone phonostage virgin, courtesy of top man Andy Smangus.....
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Post by antonio on Aug 23, 2021 1:37:36 GMT
So we will be finding out what is was like to lose your virginity in the next couple of days Hope it was a pleasurable experience, I remember mine was, especially when the power supply was added
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Post by robbiegong on Aug 23, 2021 9:14:22 GMT
So we will be finding out what is was like to lose your virginity in the next couple of days Hope it was a pleasurable experience, I remember mine was, especially when the power supply was added Indeed ! Will post up the experience first chance, hopefully later this evening
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Post by rexton on Aug 23, 2021 17:33:08 GMT
Well done. Virginity lost, hopefully a pleasent experience.
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Post by electronumpty on Aug 23, 2021 18:21:24 GMT
Well done. Virginity lost, hopefully a pleasent experience. And I was there to see!! 🤣
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Post by rexton on Aug 23, 2021 20:18:54 GMT
Well done. Virginity lost, hopefully a pleasent experience. And I was there to see!! 🤣 We expect to see the film!
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Post by electronumpty on Aug 23, 2021 20:28:39 GMT
And I was there to see!! 🤣 We expect to see the film! Sorry I need proof of age...
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