New Vincent Tube Phono Pre - Couldn't Resist

MrBuhl

Vincent Pho-700. The few reviews I've seen are pretty glowing at this price point. We'll see, only got about three songs of listening in last night.

Put it into the AA / McCormack / Dual 1229 setup, seemed to have some sibilance with the cables and that setup. After I really give it some time to settle in and some different tubes, I think I'll work on cables, they really cured my sibilance problem with the Pho-Ject phono box previously.

@voltz - thought you would appreciate - I just couldn't resist. Not sure I dig the fake LED light thing but I can shut that off. (three levels plus off). Uses a single 12Au7, came with a Chinese one, @snow is shipping me a selection of others to try. Much bigger than the Pho-8 unit but it handles both MC/MM. Separate power supply of course.

More thoughts to come when I get some time on it.

Joey_V

Congrats man! Looking good...

MrBuhl

Thanks! Hoping for an upgrade on the Pro-Ject Phono Box, but having moved the Vincent Pho-8 over there, I was pretty surprised just how little difference there is, the Vincent is better for sure, but that Pro-Ject is one hell of a value I just realized.

MrBuhl

LMAO - possession is 9/10ths of the law @DSkip !! He literally doesn't even know what hit him - I'm sure he's enjoying his Ocean instead LOL!

agfrost

How do you like the Audible Illusions L1? I had a line on one several years ago but broke my leg and lost interest in the deal...

MrBuhl

agfrost wrote: »

How do you like the Audible Illusions L1? I had a line on one several years ago but broke my leg and lost interest in the deal...

I like it, It's no Dodd by a long shot, but I like it. VERY tube finicky I've found. Very sensitive to microphonics, and not as quiet a design as Garys. Amperex Hollands sound very fine, but a few have gotten noisy on me after running them.

Currently I'm in the hunt for some Russian 6h23's for it, I understand those are the best tube for it, though relatively rare and pricey currently. Hopefully I dig up a pair soon!

dromunds

Those 12au7's from Snow will help. Chinese tube probably real bright.

Polkie2009

Congrats on the new Pho 700, looking forward to hearing more on it. Vincent is one of those brands( among many others AA carries) I see in my AA catalog that I would love to own someday.

mhardy6647

heh-heh-heh. Tubes. glowing. I see what you did there...

DSC_9988 by icouldbeahero, on Flickr
http://icouldbeahero.blogspot.com

erniejade

Sweet looking unit!!!! Nice!!!!

voltz

Nice one ED!! I am jealousy as you Know

When I got my Pho-8 I kept thinking get the 700 instead, as the price was right on both. I still the biggest Vincent Fan out here I think, between my preamp -amp -phono amp I'm sitting pretty. someday I may still buy the 700 so let me know how it goes.

You do have such a sweet system

Polkie2009

One thing's for sure Vincent gear is sharp looking!

MrBuhl

dromunds wrote: »

Those 12au7's from Snow will help. Chinese tube probably real bright.

Indeed you are right, so far I've only dropped in a Capeheart branded (RCA) cleartop, cause I haven't had any reason to take it out yet! AMAZING difference, I think I'm really gonna dig this phono stage. Still need to get more ear time on it but its already on the winning train with the new tube options.

MrBuhl

voltz wrote: »

When I got my Pho-8 I kept thinking get the 700 instead, as the price was right on both. I still the biggest Vincent Fan out here I think, between my preamp -amp -phono amp I'm sitting pretty. someday I may still buy the 700 so let me know how it goes.

You do have such a sweet system

Thanks Darryl, thats high praise from a guy with a system like yours! I still need to get more time on it, but I'm liking what I hear now that I've got the new tube in it. More to try but it's hard to get motivated to pull that cleartop, it's a great sound!

You've sold me - very happy with both Vincent pieces I have so far. Price is right, build quality and components used are excellent as well IMO.

MrRoboT

I always wanted to try these and get rid of my vp130.

MrBuhl

I haven't heard your VP130 - though with upgraded tube and PS I read good things about it. Honestly, I looked at it hard my first go-round - (and even this time when looking for tube stage) - but the Vincent's are only a little more if you're patient.

In the end, I snagged a great deal at Amazon when I bought my Pho-8 (though its SS) it's a great unit. Still - couldn't resist the tube glow... so when I found this Pho-700 for a steal I grabbed it too.

[Deleted User]

I'm still tempted to get one even though I have the VP130.
Don't think the wifey wants a turntable in the bedroom however.

george daniel

Nice rig! AI has a killer headphone output w the L1, I regretted selling mine for years,,got lucky and picked up an L2,, the 6H23 is the tube to go with,,just my .02

MrBuhl

george daniel wrote: »

Nice rig! AI has a killer headphone output w the L1, I regretted selling mine for years,,got lucky and picked up an L2,, the 6H23 is the tube to go with,,just my .02

Thanks @george daniel - I have a set of Voshkod and a set of Reflektor on the way in 6H23 - spendy little things for Soviet era valves - but hopefully worth it!

On a side note - perhaps you can answer - should I be phase inverting at the SDA's with this unit - I'm using a 1000 v/a Dread in the mix as well between my 1c's. I'm totally confused by the research on this subject. I've tried both ways, and think I prefer them red to black as would be proper with the L1, but don't want to damage the 1c's or McCormack of course either. Any thoughts?

MrBuhl

rednedtugent wrote: »

I'm still tempted to get one even though I have the VP130.
Don't think the wifey wants a turntable in the bedroom however.

I tell you - I really was very tempted with the 130 myself. I got this off the 'Bay for about 25% off - (I'm guessing the guy hated it because of the Chinese tube cause it WAS miserable when I first hooked it up) - otherwise I'd probably be in a VP myself.

You can always run two TT I assuage my guilt by telling myself one is idler and one is direct drive, so it's two different sounds I'm going for!! (the wife does not buy that at all though FWIW)

verb

MrBuhl wrote: »

rednedtugent wrote: »

I'm still tempted to get one even though I have the VP130.
Don't think the wifey wants a turntable in the bedroom however.

I tell you - I really was very tempted with the 130 myself. I got this off the 'Bay for about 25% off - (I'm guessing the guy hated it because of the Chinese tube cause it WAS miserable when I first hooked it up) - otherwise I'd probably be in a VP myself.

You can always run two TT I assuage my guilt by telling myself one is idler and one is direct drive, so it's two different sounds I'm going for!! (the wife does not buy that at all though FWIW)

Hey @MrBuhl you still rockin the Vincent PHO7? Been looking at them myself.

Clipdat

Hope you're doing well, Ed! Haven't seen you on much.