The set-up
Contents
Reference system
- Pass Labs XP-12 pre-amp
- Pass Labs X150.8 power amplifier
- Sonnet Pasithea d/a converter
- AlphaPC (streaming bridge) with Jcat USB and Ethernet
- Pura Dodo power supply on Jcat cards
- Mutec MC3 USB / Mutec REF10-120
- Isotek Titan V5 filter for Pass X150.8
- YETI Reference 1000 for sources
- Yeti power-cables
- Van den Hul Nova speaker cable
- Van den Hul CNT XLR interconnect
- PSI AVAA active bass traps
Turntable setup
- STD 305D record player with SME 3009 series III tonearm
- Primare R35 phono preamplifier
- Hypex DIY preamplifier
We know the Primare R35 very well, both in comparison with other phono preamps and in comparison with other turntables and cartridges. It is our reference phono preamp because the R35 itself adds nothing to the sound. The low noise floor and the ample adjustment settings ensure that we can always achieve optimum tuning. After a few trials, the ‘default’ MM-cartridge values (impedance 47k𝞨 and capacitance load 100pF) worked best.
We auditioned with both the Passlabs preamp and the Hypex preamp in the chain. The Hypex sounds a bit sharper and clearer, but also more spacious. There is less push in the bass, but it is as if a veil is lifted off the albums. Less ‘meaty’, more information. We think that the synergy between the Primare and the Hypex is better with this cartridge and decided to continue listening with the Hypex.