I had the chance today to listen to my stereo shops custom made by Classic Valve Design- Solaris phono preamp.
I just got my turntable finished from the store with a newly mounted Dynavector 17D3 Karat MC cartridge. While it was at the shop, I had the owner have a customer bring in the Classic Valve Design phono preamp, called the Solaris, in to have a listen to it. I was considering getting one myself, so this was a chance to have a listen. This phono pre uses 6 6922 tubes and has an outboard power supply. Cost is $1650 US dollars, so Canadian value depends on the exchange rate. The service tech at Classic Audio custom designed this phono pre and custom makes it to order. Dollar value to quality is very high.
I brought in my YBA 2 preamp that has an onboard MM phono stage. We used a custom made step up transformer so we could use my Linn LP12 with the Karat cartridge. The YBA phono stage I was told was supposed to be very good, so this was a chance to see how it faired against the Solaris phono pre.
We played quite a few records and switched back and forth between pres. The YBA 2 preamp was used in both cases for volume and switching duty, and we just disconnected the step up transformer from each phono connection. Most obvious difference between the two phono stages, was the YBA phono section was a lot flatter, with less depth and space around the music. It was also harder in sound, less bass, clarity was a bit brighter to the point in was clinical, and 3D sound was less. The Solaris pre had a way more open sound, clarity was good, but not harsh, depth and 3D sound filled the room. It was more real and live sounding, and clarity was also good, but smoother. The guy that owns this pre, said since he got it, that pre gave the best sound from vinyl he's ever heard. He has since stopped listening to CDs because he can't stand the sound of them anymore since having the Solaris.
So soon I will place an order for my unit, but mine (unlike his), will come with the optional MC section in it. When you get that option, the preamp has both MM and MC inputs and will switch between them. So you are not tied to MC. I can't wait to hear the Solaris in my own system. The YBA phono section will not get much use here.
I just got my turntable finished from the store with a newly mounted Dynavector 17D3 Karat MC cartridge. While it was at the shop, I had the owner have a customer bring in the Classic Valve Design phono preamp, called the Solaris, in to have a listen to it. I was considering getting one myself, so this was a chance to have a listen. This phono pre uses 6 6922 tubes and has an outboard power supply. Cost is $1650 US dollars, so Canadian value depends on the exchange rate. The service tech at Classic Audio custom designed this phono pre and custom makes it to order. Dollar value to quality is very high.
I brought in my YBA 2 preamp that has an onboard MM phono stage. We used a custom made step up transformer so we could use my Linn LP12 with the Karat cartridge. The YBA phono stage I was told was supposed to be very good, so this was a chance to see how it faired against the Solaris phono pre.
We played quite a few records and switched back and forth between pres. The YBA 2 preamp was used in both cases for volume and switching duty, and we just disconnected the step up transformer from each phono connection. Most obvious difference between the two phono stages, was the YBA phono section was a lot flatter, with less depth and space around the music. It was also harder in sound, less bass, clarity was a bit brighter to the point in was clinical, and 3D sound was less. The Solaris pre had a way more open sound, clarity was good, but not harsh, depth and 3D sound filled the room. It was more real and live sounding, and clarity was also good, but smoother. The guy that owns this pre, said since he got it, that pre gave the best sound from vinyl he's ever heard. He has since stopped listening to CDs because he can't stand the sound of them anymore since having the Solaris.
So soon I will place an order for my unit, but mine (unlike his), will come with the optional MC section in it. When you get that option, the preamp has both MM and MC inputs and will switch between them. So you are not tied to MC. I can't wait to hear the Solaris in my own system. The YBA phono section will not get much use here.