Addendum (MM Phono stage comments): I have finally received a quality MC SUT for the Spettro MM phono stage. I obviously first listened the new sound on my reference, the Audia Flight FL phono and then compared it with the Spettro. The sound of the Spettro is very good, much better than several stand-alone phono preamops that I have tested in the past. Did it live up to the Audia? Yes! Did it exceed it? No! The sound was excellent but compared to the Audia it was a little recessed, less open and less transparent. The sound was also less dynamic, not much but enough to perceive it distinctly. The midrange was a hair more vivid on the Spettro but lacked soundstage and dimension that the Audia recreates with ease and with a vibrant presentation.
I would like to thank you for the kind words you spent about the work of Luciano Sanavio, the mind behind all MastersounD products. I was more than happy to tell him that you appreciate Spettro so much. Thank you very much!
And so? I am now a Spettro’s owner, but the balanced Aux input is dead silent. It is not working at all. Maybe just e little problem with the internal “saldatura” with the rca inputs. Meanwhile, the xlr output to the power amp is working, so I can use my quality balanced VDH interconnect there. I bought a new one, so I still have the warranty for 5 years. But I am not returning it to the shop to adjust this little problem with the xlr input because I do not want to remain without this quality pre amp for the time it could take to fix this balanced input which I am not using at the moment. Could you maybe tell me how long does the company take to fix a problem? I am in northern Italy, so it could not take that much long
MastersounD... a year ago I've bought my definitive tube amplifier, the "Box", Single Ended Class A 35W per channel (2xECC82 JJ Tesla pre/6xEL34 Electroharmonix final) rack standard amplifier. Power button, source selector and volume and you are in heaven!!! A entry level that is NOT an entry level
I love the 2 outputs. I've always bi-amped or tri-amped because I like to have a separate amp driving the multi-driver open baffle dipole line-arrays, and another driving the low end 2-15" dipole woofers. That way you have more control over the low/high tone, but WITHOUT the dreaded tone controls introducing more stuff into the signal chain. So, with my current Ayon Orion II Class 'A' integrated tube amp, I use the 'Pre-Out' to go to my bridged Crown which drives the low end. With my older dual mono Sherwoods driving the tall line-arrays before, I used the 'Tape Out' which is the fixed volume 'Rec' on yours. When I recently switched to the Ayon (big leap upward! 😁) I didn't understand why the volume of the Crown seemed so low until I did some research and realized that the past 'Tape out' outputs that I had been using with the Sherwoods had been at full volume, the 'Pre-Out' is not and is governed by the preamp section of the Ayon. So, by bridging the Crown and wiring the woofers in parallel @ 4 ohms, the power from the Crown for the low end is much more balanced with the Ayon now. Sure looks like a LOVELY preamp there Bro! 👍 Just to add too, now that I've watched more of your video, that I just recently tried a new JJ preamp tube in my LittleBear T11 all tube phono amp, just replacing the No. 1 tube out of the 3 preamp tubes (there is also another rectifier tube too) And just replacing that ONE tube in the No. 1 position made a BIG leap in sound quality, where now the LittleBear is approaching the resolution of my IFI Phono 2. I use the LittleBear more for less busy Jazz because it gives the soundstage a more smooth, holographic image, and the IFI Phono 2 has more punch for the Rock and more Progressive Jazz stuff.
Please give us a hint of what's coming! Some of us are planning to pull the trigger on a purchase. I would wait if you are going to review a component that I'm planning on replacing. Your reviews and recommendations are always held in high regard and serious consideration, at least for me.
@@anadialog Thanks. I'm in the market for an amp but it must be heat adverse. Cannot be a room heater. Is the solid state amp reasonably cool? Class D would be nice.
More expensive or better reputation does not necessarily mean that it works in every case like this. That’s why it’s nice to try other tubes and your ears are telling you what sounds best not the reputation of the company.
In 2007, at CES was the new Gradient Helsinki 1.5 speakers. They were powered with the Mastersound Evolution 845 integrated amplifier. During the interim, there was even a 20 year anniv. version. It is the most musical amplifier I have ever heard. There is a direct input for your matching Mastersound preamp. Regard your tube rolling you did not say you tried the Telefunken tubes. In the 70's, they were the best I tried, just above the Mullard 10M (gold pinned ) 12AX7. No one seems to have any 10M versions today. In the old literature, the output transformers for the amps were hand made by the owners father. On most PC boards, its only the copper traces that are gold plated.
Ciao, Thanks a lot for your two videos on preamps. I tend to disagree on the valve comparison you have made probably because i did the same exercise on a different Mastersound machine. I own the Evo 300B e did tube rolling between Mullard NOS 1968 Blackburn square getter, the JJ and the EH. The NOS sound milion of times better as they reduce the noise floor incredibly thus bringing more sound to the stage. As i said probably this is because the Evo 300B is a different machine to the Spettro. I am also a Shindo fan and reguarly listening the Aurieges at my friend's place. After i listened the Aurieges i fell in love with Shindo preamp (only not the power amp.....too relaxed) and wanted to buy one to pair it with Gryphon S100. Would be interested to know more about differences in sound between your Masseeto and the Spettro in terms of soundstage, harmonics, etc. Grazie a presto
Nice! As I said they are quite similar, soundstage in both didn't impressed me. When I describe a sound signature I only mention what is really different compared to other machines, the god and the bad. Harmonics seem smooth. No problems if that is what you are implying. Can't say the same with the Pass XP22.
The circuit traces are gold plated copper, not gold. They didn’t use a mask on the circuit board itself (typically green), which improves the sound. Not many manufacturers know this little trick. Audio Research used to use nude circuit boards, but for some reason now use green circuit board, after they were bought out by Italian investors. Luxman use nude circuit boards also. Another way to improve the sound would be replace polypropylene coupling capacitors with Teflon or good paper oil cap from Jupiter or Dueland. Also that preamp most likely uses a remote control Alps pot, not the best pot, which can be improved with stepped resistor remote control attenuator. But if you’re satisfied with the preamp as is with new tubes, the better.
@@anadialogGold by itself is a poor conductor and not used for carrying signal. In electronics including high end, gold is used because it does not corrode or oxidize. Rarely, a tiny amount of gold is used to dope copper or silver wires.
I know what you're aiming at, and I am always honest with my audience. My answer is not many because I mainly used integrated untill last year and I will not count (even though it could have been easy to cheat) those auditioned in fairs, homes etc. because they are completely different systems. My main comparisons are the Shindo, Pass Labs XP22 and the Avi Laboratories, Luxman L10 and Luxman L590axii used as pre. But apart from that, the XP and Shindo are considered holy grails and this is miles ahead.
John Lee is quite correct, PCB laminates CANNOT be made of solid gold. Gold is a 'noble' metal, thus it cannot be etched. Copper traces can be plated with gold on a PCB in various ways and thicknesses however. Plating gold has plusses and minuses - positive is the gold plating prevents corrosion (noble metal) but the negative is you now have a bi-metal situation where two different types of conductors are in parallel along the transmission path.
Guido, I understand that you will be reviewing new power amps in the future, but can you share what existing amps you already have that you've found good synergy with this preamp? I ask because I don't know your current/existing setup.
I was heading to get a used Cary Audio Slp 05 very classic top tube pre amp, but now, being in Italy, I may be spending some extra money for this Spettro…May you be damned 😂😉! The only problem is it is not a fully balanced pre amp. Anyway, I have to pair a pre amp to the very same Accuphase A48 you own too. So, I’m tempted to do the same match, even if not exploiting the fully balanced combination with the Accuphase is a still keeping me in doubt…
Puoi provare anche Noval cinesi e sicuramente ti piaceranno. Personalmente non uso tipologia Noval sul mio pre phono ma solo Octal e devo dire che le Shuguang (ma anche le Full Music e altre marche) volano. Anche se le WWII era Sylvania o Ken-Rad sono tuttora ottime
I do not understand why some preamps do not have tone controls or any type of EQ. What do you do when using bright speakers or speakers with low bass output? Rolling tubes to adjust tone just seams expensive and crazy to me.
Because thats what many people want. There are many with tone controls for those who want.... Choices, nothing wrong with that. Personally I dont want tone controls, never have.
@@anadialog I got some sad news for you, master recording engineers use EQ on every track of a recording. If we didn’t the final mix would sound dull and lifeless. A mix without EQ is very very very rare, I myself have not seen one in over 30 years. EQ can compensate for any system weakness.
@@mattsynth Oh jeez, belittle me with that hackneyed common knowledge nonsense, c'mon. I've been at this a few decades...I'm not really concerned with what happened at the studio, I understand the process...... My concern is reproducing in my home what they created. I don't want to change what they did, I want to hear as clearly as possible WHAT they did!....Whatever techniques and equip they used really has nothing to do with me, or how I am reproducing it. Its an entirely separate thing.... In my home system, eq etc can definitely degrade the signal, change the tonality, that the studio created. I just don't want that, its my choice. You like eq/tone controls, great, your choice!...This is why I also go direct from my dac to my amp, no pre, just the stepped attenuator in the dac. The less added to the chain, the more I can hear what the studio did! I'm obviously a fan of minimal/simple parts. Therefore I have 4 watts of S.E.T. going into my (96db sens) single driver speakers. To each his/her own! Rock on bro.
The Mullards are made in two halves, they put the gubbings in and then the glass is smelted together like a chocolate Easter egg. The East European JJ's are probably a blown bulb something the Russians perfected. Look closely at the Mullards and you should see a seam running top to bottom on both sides. Personally, I think seamless tubes last a little longer.
Gold Lions are a favorite of mine as well as Pavane Chinese tubes. I have had mixed experience with NOS tubes. One great experience and two duds. JJ I have not has the smoothest best results.
Have you tried the EAR Yoshino 912? It is in a similar price range but it has a fantastic MM/MC phono stage, so you won't need the Audia Filght FL. The EAR 912 is used in professional recording studios too, especially by studios making AAA records.
Yes, it's a quite famous machine signed by Tim Paravicini. I actually wanted to buy this 10 years ago. A beautiful machine but in the past several have claimed a negative experience. Although I must admit that I have never listened to it.
Ciao! Io sono italiano e apprezzo molto il tuo canale! Ho lo Accuphase A 48 e volevo accostarlo allo Spettro che tu e non solo magnifichi! Ma ho l’opportunità di fare uno scambio e avere un Cary Audio Slp 05 gratis(mentre per lo spettro dovrei spendere e andare sul nuovo). MI PIACEREBBE MOLTO SE TU FACESSI UNA RECENSIONE DEL CARY AUDIO SLP 05. Da 28 anni considerato uno dei pre migliori al mondo. Puoi compararlo al Mastersound e allo Shindo. Io sto davvero impazzendo per decidere se scegliere il Cary o il Mastersound. Visto che le tue recensioni sono eccezionali, sarebbe magnifico potessi recensire il Cary audio!Gli americani dicono che è blasfemo un pre Made in USA con un finale Accuphase in classe A.Ma secondo me sono solo pregiudizi,perché loro sono troppo attaccati alle loro marche come Pass Labs e Audio Research.Non ho trovato nessuno che abbia recensito il Cary Audio Slp 05 con finale Accuphase. You should be the first!Potresti essere il primo e ti varrebbe migliaia di visualizzazioni!Anche perché anche secondo me il pre di qualità è il vero game changer!
@@anadialog I think it’s great but I haven’t compared it to anything else in my current system (which like you is a Pass Labs XA30.8). The JJ 243 is a tube preamp.
Mullard ecc82 are known for its lush dark mid-range. Do yourself a favour and purchase some RFT ECC82. These are plentiful, cheap and extremely underrated. There are better more expensive 12au7's but in terms of value for money, they are hard to beat. They will blow away the JJ's and Gold Lions (Russian version) in terms of dynamics, harmonics and overall musicality. They are quite neutral sounding tubes as well. Do a search on ebay, there are many examples.
12AU7 by IEC, B329 by Marconi and CV491 (Various Manufactures), will all work as replacements for ECC82 all with their own sound characteristics. As years go by, they get harder to find so it always pays to have a few replacements.
Stunningly beautiful looking preamp. It’s unfortunate they don’t make a true balanced version. With tubes it would be nice to have common mode rejection for lowering the noise floor, especially with long cable runs to an amplifier.
I did, in the second part of the video. More than words I would listen to my reference LP video to catch a better idea: ua-cam.com/video/RgvhLD98EVk/v-deo.html
used can be phenomenal. I found my croft acoustics micro25 phono pre and series 7 amp for 600€ each, endgame for me (unless I win the lottery, which I don't play)
The search for better sounding equipment in the audiophile world is essentially an attempt to transcend the limits of our mortality, at least in part. There's much more to this science and art of music than transcending the limits of our present life, but there is an element where we are always reaching for something not quite attainable.... It's likely why our hearts long for an eternal world. Beyond the limits of this present one, we can only imagine what music's going to sound like in heaven.
True, that is lacking, but the overall sound quality is just astonishing...I didn't know but I just followed my intuition...I am sure there are better preamps out there with also balanced inputs for the same price or better...so I am open to recommendations! I can also add that balanced is good but not mandatory for me.
Tieni conto che ila filosofia costruttiva di qualche decennio fa (che poi era anche quella di Sakuma) non si preoccupava di usare componenti eccelsi. Sakuma montava in uscita ai suoi finali dei connettori che si adattavano bene a delle piattine! Per fortuna le cose sono cambiate e ormai l'andazzo consiste nel montare materiale molto sofisticato e assai costoso. E credo che quella sia la strada giusta. Permettimi un'osservazione: il pre Spettro monta una IEC con incluso fusibile. Io la cambierei subito per il semplice fatto che tutta la corrente che alimenta l'impianto passa attraverso quel fusibile. Io metterei una presa in Ag senza fusibile di quelle che vendono i cinesi (purtroppo assai costose). L'ho fatto sul mio pre e sulla ciabatta di distribuzione. Sembra paranoia ma le prestazioni aumentano a dismisura sia per quanto riguardano trasparenza e musicalità...
Nice ! I prefer the Golden lions over JJ with my Doge 10 or lua Sinfonia 😆 Thanks for the video congrats I can tell from your enthusiasm you love the Preamp thats great what amp was you using ? ( I bought the schiit freya and wasn't impressed 😥) pics on my community page but i didn't review it because i couldn't reccomend it . P.S. your preamp looks very nice you stole that 1 !!!
Instability after start up on the output is NORMAL with this kind of preamp ! Same happens with quasi complementary solid state amplifiers , look at the speakers when switched on/off...................wait to switch the loudspeakers ,there's nothing wrong with that ! The preamp is not UNSTABLE after warming up !
)))) All of them have the same schematic inside. Born in 50-s The difference is in fantasy applied to a chassis. I'm sure you just forgot how the other tube preamps sounded. PS Instead of "solid gold" I'd recommend them to spend these money to Visay resistors and Elna capacitors. F.. audiophiles =)
I am sure it is an as I said I wasn't expecting it to come even close to my Shindo or Pass XP22, instead UT blew them out of the water. You won't believe it until you try. As for my Audia Flight, it's one of those rare cases where you think, this is right. No need to update for a long time and you focus on another part of your system. That to me says it all.
This is NO surprise ................when a preamplifier /amp is designed arround a BRAND of tubes ...saw this often with modern tube gear ..........if you design with NOS tubes ( Mullard TFK etc ) THEY will sound superior !!!!....................Even experiened it with the real genuine WE 300B versus ( inferiuor ) new production, the new 300B cirrently produced sounded better in the set amplifier desoigned arround current produced 300B 's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS LONG AS I HAVE QUALITY NOS i buiild with them..........then there's NO comparison or hesitation about witch tubes are better musical performers !
I can understand the idea of tube amplifiers, but what is the POINT of a tube PRE-amplifier? Isn't a pre-amp nothing more than a switching device between your sources and your amplifier? What are tubes supposed to do that's any more functional than a simple analog/digital switching device? Seems to me it's just another way to print money (for the manufacturer). I can't see a real reason for their existence.
Alcune settimane fa ho visto un pre Masseto in vendita per 9500 euro. Posso immaginare che fosse il tuo. Non dubito che suoni molto bene ma i criteri costruttivi quanto a scelta dei componenti sono davvero obsoleti (almeno per i miei gusti)
@@anadialog E come potrei visto che è così raro trovarne uno? Se mi consenti, vedo che il materiale che il costruttore ha adoperato non è eccelso. I condensatori di gran classe lì non li vedo, la via del segnale va cablata in Ag, ecc. ecc. I connettori in entrata e in uscita devono essere il meno numerosi possibile al limite due o quattro in entrata e un paio in uscita. Poi in questo campo i dogmi non funzionano e solo l'ascolto ti dice se il prodotto vale oppure no. Il povero Art Dudley lo usava e gli piaceva, ma ognuno ha i suoi criteri...
@@paolo60333 esatto infatti il mastersound è superiore contro il dogma shindo, però devo riconoscere che siamo davvero in alto. Il tanto blasonato XP22 secondo me è davvero un prodotto debole è poco eufonico.
Based on the apparence, the build is Very, Very cheap. The sculpted wood gives it a "pro" & design aspect. The screws are super low end. The way the metal frame is threaded is beyond cheap. The main board barely contains anything. And that "click" sound when you turn it on makes it look like it was designed by some electronic school student. But still, I am willing to give a try to one. Honestly not convinced it could beat a Quad.
You’re nitpicking on things that has nothing to do with good sound. The fact the main board “barely contains anything” is a good thing. The more complicated the circuitry the more thing can go wrong and degrades sound quality.
I was expecting a subjective listening statment of this preamp, but as it is the case nowaday there is no comparison... When we talk about listening session some adjectif description have to be accurate , I would say.. Soundstage, balance, peace, rythm and timing.weight of the music, there is matter or not, ( it is very important to use a common vocabulary) What ever the preamp quality is there are not are universal and listening session should include different pairing with amplifiers and phono adaptation ( today the high end MM or MC cartridge production choice are very poor At the end ,we have to forget the electronic and listening the music when the system 'sounds great!... You are referring upon other preamp to highlight your argument, whitch comparison did.you achieved.? So , my approach and understanding come from the seventies/eighties when the listening session were consistants and developed by numbers of people having musical culture as pioneer..I practise vocal jazz within an association. I agree with you, the preamp is a component very difficult to bring into focus and need experience and know how... Please could you complete your presentation of this preamp, no doubt it may be an interresting machine since you seems to be a fan of EMT gears ( ah the 927 and 930St..... Regards Raymond ( from France)
Addendum (MM Phono stage comments):
I have finally received a quality MC SUT for the Spettro MM phono stage.
I obviously first listened the new sound on my reference, the Audia Flight FL phono and then compared it with the Spettro. The sound of the Spettro is very good, much better than several stand-alone phono preamops that I have tested in the past. Did it live up to the Audia? Yes! Did it exceed it? No! The sound was excellent but compared to the Audia it was a little recessed, less open and less transparent. The sound was also less dynamic, not much but enough to perceive it distinctly. The midrange was a hair more vivid on the Spettro but lacked soundstage and dimension that the Audia recreates with ease and with a vibrant presentation.
Ho praticamente in mano il top di gamma Cary Audio e mi stai davvero convincendo a spendere un extra per arrivare al nuovo Spettro…Mannaggia a te!
E il Cary è più verso lo Shindo…Anche per come beneficia di upgrade di valvole
I would like to thank you for the kind words you spent about the work of Luciano Sanavio, the mind behind all MastersounD products. I was more than happy to tell him that you appreciate Spettro so much. Thank you very much!
Can you ask me why the balance output is just “formal”? Thank you
@@lazyyprophet I will, no problem
And so? I am now a Spettro’s owner, but the balanced Aux input is dead silent. It is not working at all. Maybe just e little problem with the internal “saldatura” with the rca inputs. Meanwhile, the xlr output to the power amp is working, so I can use my quality balanced VDH interconnect there. I bought a new one, so I still have the warranty for 5 years. But I am not returning it to the shop to adjust this little problem with the xlr input because I do not want to remain without this quality pre amp for the time it could take to fix this balanced input which I am not using at the moment. Could you maybe tell me how long does the company take to fix a problem? I am in northern Italy, so it could not take that much long
MastersounD... a year ago I've bought my definitive tube amplifier, the "Box", Single Ended Class A 35W per channel (2xECC82 JJ Tesla pre/6xEL34 Electroharmonix final) rack standard amplifier. Power button, source selector and volume and you are in heaven!!! A entry level that is NOT an entry level
Wow - my eyes kept being drawn to the beautiful wood grain and sculptural shapes.
I love the 2 outputs. I've always bi-amped or tri-amped because I like to have a separate amp driving the multi-driver open baffle dipole line-arrays, and another driving the low end 2-15" dipole woofers. That way you have more control over the low/high tone, but WITHOUT the dreaded tone controls introducing more stuff into the signal chain. So, with my current Ayon Orion II Class 'A' integrated tube amp, I use the 'Pre-Out' to go to my bridged Crown which drives the low end. With my older dual mono Sherwoods driving the tall line-arrays before, I used the 'Tape Out' which is the fixed volume 'Rec' on yours. When I recently switched to the Ayon (big leap upward! 😁) I didn't understand why the volume of the Crown seemed so low until I did some research and realized that the past 'Tape out' outputs that I had been using with the Sherwoods had been at full volume, the 'Pre-Out' is not and is governed by the preamp section of the Ayon. So, by bridging the Crown and wiring the woofers in parallel @ 4 ohms, the power from the Crown for the low end is much more balanced with the Ayon now. Sure looks like a LOVELY preamp there Bro! 👍
Just to add too, now that I've watched more of your video, that I just recently tried a new JJ preamp tube in my LittleBear T11 all tube phono amp, just replacing the No. 1 tube out of the 3 preamp tubes (there is also another rectifier tube too) And just replacing that ONE tube in the No. 1 position made a BIG leap in sound quality, where now the LittleBear is approaching the resolution of my IFI Phono 2. I use the LittleBear more for less busy Jazz because it gives the soundstage a more smooth, holographic image, and the IFI Phono 2 has more punch for the Rock and more Progressive Jazz stuff.
Very nice! Thanks for sharing
Evvai Guido ,questa passione è sempre alla ricerca della perfezione !
Cmq la t shirt è da 10 e lode !!
Please try the CARY AUDIO SLP 05 TOP OF THE LINE TUBE PRE AMP. Analog magic
Very beautiful machine
Please give us a hint of what's coming! Some of us are planning to pull the trigger on a purchase. I would wait if you are going to review a component that I'm planning on replacing. Your reviews and recommendations are always held in high regard and serious consideration, at least for me.
Two very good amps are coming up, a solid state and a SET. But it will take time...
@@anadialog Thanks. I'm in the market for an amp but it must be heat adverse. Cannot be a room heater. Is the solid state amp reasonably cool? Class D would be nice.
More expensive or better reputation does not necessarily mean that it works in every case like this. That’s why it’s nice to try other tubes and your ears are telling you what sounds best not the reputation of the company.
Pre amps are the most important part of hi-end systems 👍
пассивные-лучше всех
In 2007, at CES was the new Gradient Helsinki 1.5 speakers. They were powered with the Mastersound Evolution 845 integrated amplifier. During the interim, there was even a 20 year anniv. version. It is the most musical amplifier I have ever heard. There is a direct input for your matching Mastersound preamp. Regard your tube rolling you did not say you tried the Telefunken tubes. In the 70's, they were the best I tried, just above the Mullard 10M (gold pinned ) 12AX7. No one seems to have any 10M versions today.
In the old literature, the output transformers for the amps were hand made by the owners father.
On most PC boards, its only the copper traces that are gold plated.
Ciao, Thanks a lot for your two videos on preamps. I tend to disagree on the valve comparison you have made probably because i did the same exercise on a different Mastersound machine. I own the Evo 300B e did tube rolling between Mullard NOS 1968 Blackburn square getter, the JJ and the EH. The NOS sound milion of times better as they reduce the noise floor incredibly thus bringing more sound to the stage. As i said probably this is because the Evo 300B is a different machine to the Spettro. I am also a Shindo fan and reguarly listening the Aurieges at my friend's place. After i listened the Aurieges i fell in love with Shindo preamp (only not the power amp.....too relaxed) and wanted to buy one to pair it with Gryphon S100. Would be interested to know more about differences in sound between your Masseeto and the Spettro in terms of soundstage, harmonics, etc. Grazie a presto
Nice! As I said they are quite similar, soundstage in both didn't impressed me. When I describe a sound signature I only mention what is really different compared to other machines, the god and the bad. Harmonics seem smooth. No problems if that is what you are implying. Can't say the same with the Pass XP22.
The circuit traces are gold plated copper, not gold. They didn’t use a mask on the circuit board itself (typically green), which improves the sound. Not many manufacturers know this little trick. Audio Research used to use nude circuit boards, but for some reason now use green circuit board, after they were bought out by Italian investors. Luxman use nude circuit boards also. Another way to improve the sound would be replace polypropylene coupling capacitors with Teflon or good paper oil cap from Jupiter or Dueland. Also that preamp most likely uses a remote control Alps pot, not the best pot, which can be improved with stepped resistor remote control attenuator. But if you’re satisfied with the preamp as is with new tubes, the better.
Could be. The website reports gold tracks. Considering thickness and price could also be just gold but your option would probably be even better.
@@anadialogGold by itself is a poor conductor and not used for carrying signal. In electronics including high end, gold is used because it does not corrode or oxidize. Rarely, a tiny amount of gold is used to dope copper or silver wires.
I own the PHL-5 preamp. I'm very happy with what it added in my system.Would a phl-7 make an improvement?
I haven’t listened to the phl-5 unfortunately
I have just purchased a new ex demo phl 5...to pair a pass xa 25...cannot wait!
Your description of the signature reminds me of the Sunrise Lab V8 Amplifier. If possible, please check their product line.
Will do!
Beautiful preamplifier, I have a little power amplifier that uses the ecc82 tubes
Can you list the top 5 preamplifiers you have auditioned besides the Shindo? It’s important to have a baseline and reference for comparison.
I know what you're aiming at, and I am always honest with my audience. My answer is not many because I mainly used integrated untill last year and I will not count (even though it could have been easy to cheat) those auditioned in fairs, homes etc. because they are completely different systems. My main comparisons are the Shindo, Pass Labs XP22 and the Avi Laboratories, Luxman L10 and Luxman L590axii used as pre. But apart from that, the XP and Shindo are considered holy grails and this is miles ahead.
can this pre amp be paired with Solid-state or would it lose it's magic ?
I tried it with both SS and SET amps. Great results on both sides. Older models, like my Shindo, tend to work better with tube amps.
Except for the tube phono section this preamp reminds me of the Audible Illusions Modulus 3B which is a minimalist circuit design.
I'm waiting for your consideration about step up for MC you will find to combine with this Mastersound preamp.
The step-up will arrive in the next days. After some testing I will post an update
@@anadialogI tried the Ortofon Verto and sound very good for the price point, very silent, dynamics nice separation, for the price point....
John Lee is quite correct, PCB laminates CANNOT be made of solid gold. Gold is a 'noble' metal, thus it cannot be etched. Copper traces can be plated with gold on a PCB in various ways and thicknesses however. Plating gold has plusses and minuses - positive is the gold plating prevents corrosion (noble metal) but the negative is you now have a bi-metal situation where two different types of conductors are in parallel along the transmission path.
Where do you look for used equipment?
Mainly Hifishark!
Great video! I really like my Audio Research SP11 that uses those tubes. I like Amperex bugle tubes in my system. Keep the great videos coming!
A beauty
Guido, I understand that you will be reviewing new power amps in the future, but can you share what existing amps you already have that you've found good synergy with this preamp? I ask because I don't know your current/existing setup.
Can't reveal them for now. Can only say that with the Pass Labs XA30.8 they were super.
MastersounD and the older Unison stuff is to die for
If you ever have the chance to listen to a Unison Simply845...DO IT
I was heading to get a used Cary Audio Slp 05 very classic top tube pre amp, but now, being in Italy, I may be spending some extra money for this Spettro…May you be damned 😂😉! The only problem is it is not a fully balanced pre amp. Anyway, I have to pair a pre amp to the very same Accuphase A48 you own too. So, I’m tempted to do the same match, even if not exploiting the fully balanced combination with the Accuphase is a still keeping me in doubt…
Puoi provare anche Noval cinesi e sicuramente ti piaceranno. Personalmente non uso tipologia Noval sul mio pre phono ma solo Octal e devo dire che le Shuguang (ma anche le Full Music e altre marche) volano. Anche se le WWII era Sylvania o Ken-Rad sono tuttora ottime
Ottimo, grazie!
I do not understand why some preamps do not have tone controls or any type of EQ. What do you do when using bright speakers or speakers with low bass output? Rolling tubes to adjust tone just seams expensive and crazy to me.
If you mod the sound you will degrade it. It's a purist concept.
Because thats what many people want. There are many with tone controls for those who want.... Choices, nothing wrong with that. Personally I dont want tone controls, never have.
@@islandlightphotodotcom7162 some preamps have all three like Marantz with pure mode, EQ and tone controls.
@@anadialog I got some sad news for you, master recording engineers use EQ on every track of a recording. If we didn’t the final mix would sound dull and lifeless. A mix without EQ is very very very rare, I myself have not seen one in over 30 years. EQ can compensate for any system weakness.
@@mattsynth Oh jeez, belittle me with that hackneyed common knowledge nonsense, c'mon. I've been at this a few decades...I'm not really concerned with what happened at the studio, I understand the process...... My concern is reproducing in my home what they created. I don't want to change what they did, I want to hear as clearly as possible WHAT they did!....Whatever techniques and equip they used really has nothing to do with me, or how I am reproducing it. Its an entirely separate thing.... In my home system, eq etc can definitely degrade the signal, change the tonality, that the studio created. I just don't want that, its my choice. You like eq/tone controls, great, your choice!...This is why I also go direct from my dac to my amp, no pre, just the stepped attenuator in the dac. The less added to the chain, the more I can hear what the studio did! I'm obviously a fan of minimal/simple parts. Therefore I have 4 watts of S.E.T. going into my (96db sens) single driver speakers. To each his/her own! Rock on bro.
The Mullards are made in two halves, they put the gubbings in and then the glass is smelted together like a chocolate Easter egg. The East European JJ's are probably a blown bulb something the Russians perfected. Look closely at the Mullards and you should see a seam running top to bottom on both sides. Personally, I think seamless tubes last a little longer.
Gold Lions are a favorite of mine as well as Pavane Chinese tubes. I have had mixed experience with NOS tubes. One great experience and two duds. JJ I have not has the smoothest best results.
Psvane art series are more direct respond hi are less aggressive mids are perfect basse earthquake. Let them heat 50h and feel it on the hairs.
Have you tried the EAR Yoshino 912? It is in a similar price range but it has a fantastic MM/MC phono stage, so you won't need the Audia Filght FL. The EAR 912 is used in professional recording studios too, especially by studios making AAA records.
Yes, it's a quite famous machine signed by Tim Paravicini. I actually wanted to buy this 10 years ago. A beautiful machine but in the past several have claimed a negative experience. Although I must admit that I have never listened to it.
Have you had the chance to compare to a Conrad Johnson preamp?
I haven't!
Ciao! Io sono italiano e apprezzo molto il tuo canale! Ho lo Accuphase A 48 e volevo accostarlo allo Spettro che tu e non solo magnifichi! Ma ho l’opportunità di fare uno scambio e avere un Cary Audio Slp 05 gratis(mentre per lo spettro dovrei spendere e andare sul nuovo). MI PIACEREBBE MOLTO SE TU FACESSI UNA RECENSIONE DEL CARY AUDIO SLP 05. Da 28 anni considerato uno dei pre migliori al mondo. Puoi compararlo al Mastersound e allo Shindo. Io sto davvero impazzendo per decidere se scegliere il Cary o il Mastersound. Visto che le tue recensioni sono eccezionali, sarebbe magnifico potessi recensire il Cary audio!Gli americani dicono che è blasfemo un pre Made in USA con un finale Accuphase in classe A.Ma secondo me sono solo pregiudizi,perché loro sono troppo attaccati alle loro marche come Pass Labs e Audio Research.Non ho trovato nessuno che abbia recensito il Cary Audio Slp 05 con finale Accuphase. You should be the first!Potresti essere il primo e ti varrebbe migliaia di visualizzazioni!Anche perché anche secondo me il pre di qualità è il vero game changer!
Have you ever auditioned the JJ243 tube preamp?
I haven't! Good?
@@anadialog I think it’s great but I haven’t compared it to anything else in my current system (which like you is a Pass Labs XA30.8). The JJ 243 is a tube preamp.
Personal opinion! What has wood got to do with the technology of this device?
Nothing, just design or perhaps some vibration damping.
I might love to have one of these but being in the US (unfortunately) I’m concerned about who would repair it if it broke.
I don't think that is an issue since they are distributed by MoFi in the US, hence sale and service, I suppose.
Wow, does this mean the Spettro beats the Pass Labs X22 preamp?
Absolutely yes!
Telefunken tubes are usually the best that you can find. Very difficult to locate some of the Black Diamond type.
Mullard ecc82 are known for its lush dark mid-range. Do yourself a favour and purchase some RFT ECC82. These are plentiful, cheap and extremely underrated. There are better more expensive 12au7's but in terms of value for money, they are hard to beat. They will blow away the JJ's and Gold Lions (Russian version) in terms of dynamics, harmonics and overall musicality. They are quite neutral sounding tubes as well. Do a search on ebay, there are many examples.
12AU7 by IEC, B329 by Marconi and CV491 (Various Manufactures), will all work as replacements for ECC82 all with their own sound characteristics. As years go by, they get harder to find so it always pays to have a few replacements.
Backer labs ruhmba extreme 1.3 would be an interesting review
Stunningly beautiful looking preamp. It’s unfortunate they don’t make a true balanced version. With tubes it would be nice to have common mode rejection for lowering the noise floor, especially with long cable runs to an amplifier.
eccezionale apparecchio...
Could you please elaborate how it sounds?
I did, in the second part of the video. More than words I would listen to my reference LP video to catch a better idea: ua-cam.com/video/RgvhLD98EVk/v-deo.html
Telefunken nos from the 1950s are often the best
Indeed, but not with most modern equipment it appears
Interesting, what power amplifier are you using with the MastersounD Spettro?
Well, I can't really say because I must do a review soon. Besides the new amps I also tested it with my Pass Labs XA30.8
@@anadialog great, curious about the review
used can be phenomenal. I found my croft acoustics micro25 phono pre and series 7 amp for 600€ each, endgame for me (unless I win the lottery, which I don't play)
Cute little thing.
The search for better sounding equipment in the audiophile world is essentially an attempt to transcend the limits of our mortality, at least in part.
There's much more to this science and art of music than transcending the limits of our present life, but there is an element where we are always reaching for something not quite attainable....
It's likely why our hearts long for an eternal world. Beyond the limits of this present one, we can only imagine what music's going to sound like in heaven.
The link their website gives a 404. Did they go bankrupt?
I doubt it ;-) www.mastersoundsas.it/
Why did go for a single end preamp and not a balance one? As a lot what you own , your DAC,phono stage are all belance so why
True, that is lacking, but the overall sound quality is just astonishing...I didn't know but I just followed my intuition...I am sure there are better preamps out there with also balanced inputs for the same price or better...so I am open to recommendations! I can also add that balanced is good but not mandatory for me.
Tieni conto che ila filosofia costruttiva di qualche decennio fa (che poi era anche quella di Sakuma) non si preoccupava di usare componenti eccelsi. Sakuma montava in uscita ai suoi finali dei connettori che si adattavano bene a delle piattine! Per fortuna le cose sono cambiate e ormai l'andazzo consiste nel montare materiale molto sofisticato e assai costoso. E credo che quella sia la strada giusta.
Permettimi un'osservazione: il pre Spettro monta una IEC con incluso fusibile. Io la cambierei subito per il semplice fatto che tutta la corrente che alimenta l'impianto passa attraverso quel fusibile. Io metterei una presa in Ag senza fusibile di quelle che vendono i cinesi (purtroppo assai costose). L'ho fatto sul mio pre e sulla ciabatta di distribuzione. Sembra paranoia ma le prestazioni aumentano a dismisura sia per quanto riguardano trasparenza e musicalità...
Già cambiato! È per quello che l'ho menzionato nel video.
need a 3d out for pair of subwoofers. I will stick to my C2500.
I also use JJ tubes, gold pin
Did you check to see if it was stolen🤗
I got it from a hifi shop
@@anadialog You are a lucky man. When you say that you like this component better than the Shindo I was staggered having never heard of the company.
Funny Tape and Tuner is still used as input names.
Well, I do record and a lot of people have dedicated tuners, but yes, it is retro style
Nice ! I prefer the Golden lions over JJ with my Doge 10 or lua Sinfonia 😆
Thanks for the video congrats I can tell from your enthusiasm you love the Preamp thats great what amp was you using ? ( I bought the schiit freya and wasn't impressed 😥) pics on my community page but i didn't review it because i couldn't reccomend it .
P.S. your preamp looks very nice you stole that 1 !!!
I was using the Pass XP22 and the Shindo...both did not convince me all the way...
@@anadialog nice ! Thanks
Instability after start up on the output is NORMAL with this kind of preamp !
Same happens with quasi complementary solid state amplifiers , look at the speakers when switched on/off...................wait to switch the loudspeakers ,there's nothing wrong with that !
The preamp is not UNSTABLE after warming up !
)))) All of them have the same schematic inside. Born in 50-s The difference is in fantasy applied to a chassis. I'm sure you just forgot how the other tube preamps sounded.
PS Instead of "solid gold" I'd recommend them to spend these money to Visay resistors and Elna capacitors. F.. audiophiles =)
I am sure it is an as I said I wasn't expecting it to come even close to my Shindo or Pass XP22, instead UT blew them out of the water. You won't believe it until you try. As for my Audia Flight, it's one of those rare cases where you think, this is right. No need to update for a long time and you focus on another part of your system. That to me says it all.
RCA in/outs? I thought this is supposed to say a top level unit?
So regardless the sound only balanced connections now are top level? Mmmmmh...
The heat from tubes is RADIATED !!!! all components ( capacitors and tubes are inside ....)
Stupid money.I'd be happy tp get it at $2K but I'd like that 1/7 price on a Rogue RP-7 or an Aesthetix Janus/Rhea combo
Psvane art series are mist of Niagara...tried jj aggressive high, ps are more direct. Imo.
No built-in mc stepup....no sale🤣🤣😎😎
This is NO surprise ................when a preamplifier /amp is designed arround a BRAND of tubes ...saw this often with modern tube gear ..........if you design with NOS tubes ( Mullard TFK etc ) THEY will sound superior !!!!....................Even experiened it with the real genuine WE 300B versus ( inferiuor ) new production, the new 300B cirrently produced sounded better in the set amplifier desoigned arround current produced 300B 's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AS LONG AS I HAVE QUALITY NOS i buiild with them..........then there's NO comparison or hesitation about witch tubes are better musical performers !
Good point
I can understand the idea of tube amplifiers, but what is the POINT of a tube PRE-amplifier? Isn't a pre-amp nothing more than a switching device between your sources and your amplifier? What are tubes supposed to do that's any more functional than a simple analog/digital switching device? Seems to me it's just another way to print money (for the manufacturer). I can't see a real reason for their existence.
Have you ever tried a quality preamp?
As well as being responsible for volume adjustment and input switching, a pre-amplifier also has a gain stage.
Place a steak on top and don't forget some seasoning.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I tried that! The tubes give that special warmth to the taste! ;-)
That's not news to me New tubes sound better technology is better
sembra un grill !! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Alcune settimane fa ho visto un pre Masseto in vendita per 9500 euro. Posso immaginare che fosse il tuo. Non dubito che suoni molto bene ma i criteri costruttivi quanto a scelta dei componenti sono davvero obsoleti (almeno per i miei gusti)
Lo ha mai sentito?
@@anadialog E come potrei visto che è così raro trovarne uno? Se mi consenti, vedo che il materiale che il costruttore ha adoperato non è eccelso. I condensatori di gran classe lì non li vedo, la via del segnale va cablata in Ag, ecc. ecc. I connettori in entrata e in uscita devono essere il meno numerosi possibile al limite due o quattro in entrata e un paio in uscita. Poi in questo campo i dogmi non funzionano e solo l'ascolto ti dice se il prodotto vale oppure no. Il povero Art Dudley lo usava e gli piaceva, ma ognuno ha i suoi criteri...
@@paolo60333 esatto infatti il mastersound è superiore contro il dogma shindo, però devo riconoscere che siamo davvero in alto. Il tanto blasonato XP22 secondo me è davvero un prodotto debole è poco eufonico.
Based on the apparence, the build is Very, Very cheap. The sculpted wood gives it a "pro" & design aspect. The screws are super low end. The way the metal frame is threaded is beyond cheap. The main board barely contains anything. And that "click" sound when you turn it on makes it look like it was designed by some electronic school student. But still, I am willing to give a try to one. Honestly not convinced it could beat a Quad.
You’re nitpicking on things that has nothing to do with good sound. The fact the main board “barely contains anything” is a good thing. The more complicated the circuitry the more thing can go wrong and degrades sound quality.
I agree that there's not much there. Fitting wood sides to quadruple the retail price is the oldest trick in the book.
I was expecting a subjective listening statment of this preamp, but as it is the case nowaday there is no comparison...
When we talk about listening session some adjectif description have to be accurate , I would say..
Soundstage, balance, peace, rythm and timing.weight of the music, there is matter or not, ( it is very important to use a common vocabulary)
What ever the preamp quality is there are not are universal and listening session should include different pairing with amplifiers and phono adaptation ( today the high end MM or MC cartridge production choice are very poor
At the end ,we have to forget the electronic and listening the music when the system 'sounds great!...
You are referring upon other preamp to highlight your argument, whitch comparison did.you achieved.?
So , my approach and understanding come from the seventies/eighties when the listening session were consistants and developed by numbers of people having musical culture as pioneer..I practise vocal jazz within an association.
I agree with you, the preamp is a component very difficult to bring into focus and need experience and know how...
Please could you complete your presentation of this preamp, no doubt it may be an interresting machine since you seems to be a fan of EMT gears ( ah the 927 and 930St.....
Regards
Raymond ( from France)
Did you watch ALL the video?
Bah - no balanced inputs /outputs
Tube preamps are rarely balanced. Old school almost none. Let's focus on sound and not just specs or preconceived ideas.
State of the art???-- No display
It adds noise and not necessary
Expensive & Ugly