New Phono Pre-amp!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Although I'm in the market for a dedicated 2-Channel setup, I am still tweaking around with my present system and trying to improve the sound.

In recent months I've upgraded my cartridge to a Grado Refrence Platinum, replaced the belt and had it looked over and adjusted by my dealer when installing the cartridge. Barring a few instances when my tracking force and anti-skate delivered some issues, my turntable is now back to its wonderful and reliable condition.

So last week I came upon a Phono Pre-amp from a company called Tonar International B.V. They're based in The Netherlands and I tried getting some info to no avail. Their site is under construction and the only reference I could find was here. I decided to take the jump and bought it. I know, it was impulsive to do so, but for $113 U.S. or $150 CDN (bought from a local dealer) I didn't think it was too much of a big deal.

My initial impressions are good to very good. I listened to it for the first time last night by playing 3 of my fave LP's and ones that I know inside-out. Ricky Lee Jones' self-titled debut, Jazz At The Pawnshop Volume 1 and PF's Dark Side Of The Moon. I am not the best person to describe the tonal qualities of a recording with audiophile vernacular, but I can say it opened up a whole new world so to speak. These LP's sound much more open and less muddled. There is a tightness and quickness to them on almost every instrument and soft background harmonies are now really apparent. This was especially noticable on the Ricky Lee Jones LP. The piano on Jazz At The Pawnshop is much more open and lingering once the last note is played. On DSOTM I heard things I haven't heard in years, but I also think this LP has more things going on than any LP I've ever heard. It was an absolutely fantastic night and I'm looking forward to spending several hours more in the next few days, as I'm off til Sunday.

Bottom line, from my first impressions, get yourself a Phono Pre-amp. I don't know how I ever did without it! The results are astounding!