Phono stages

Valvefan · Post by **Valvefan** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:34 pm

Hi All,

I'm shopping for a phono stage to go with my Rega P3, Sumiko Blue Point Special, BC3 Despina II, BC24 setup.

I have tried the BC27 pi and it sounded great to me. Has anyone else heard it? How did it compare with other phono stages you have heard? Has anyone tried the Graham Slee Era V, how did it compare to the BC27 pi?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Valvefan

esoxhntr · Post by **esoxhntr** » Sat May 07, 2005 11:08 am

Valvefan:

I haven't seriously listened to a phono stage other than Blue Circle in about 7 years. I had a BC23 and upgraded to a 27pi about two years ago. The 27pi has been used with both a Roksan Xerxes and an SME 20/2A. The 27pi has certainly not been a disappointment!

To clarify - I have heard a few other phono stages (not any Graham Slee), but there has been nothing to make me want a change. I think the 27pi is a great match for you given your existing system.

Valvefan · Post by **Valvefan** » Sun May 08, 2005 10:15 am

Thanks Esox,

I just borrowed a Graham Slee Era Gold from a dealer. It was brand new which may not be a fair comparison to the fully run-in BC27 pi that I tried.
At any rate, The BC27 pi had a much wider soundstage, more speed and energy in the transients and better reteival of detail.

Do you know if the BC27 works well with low output MC cartridges? What cartridge are you using? Right now I have a modest Sumiko high output MC, but I would like a cartridge with higher resolution some day. The Graham Slee would require a step up device if I wanted to use a low output MC. I'd rather not put another device in the signal path.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Valvefan

esoxhntr · Post by **esoxhntr** » Sun May 08, 2005 11:23 am

Valvefan:

I am using a Dynavector 17D mkII cartridge, with a pretty low output. No problems with either the 27 or 27pi version. As to the improvements you noticed, I have heard others say the same things in comparison to a variety of other phono stages - almost verbatim.

Maybe that's why I am so happy with mine

Valvefan · Post by **Valvefan** » Sun May 08, 2005 11:59 am

Why hasn't there been a review of the new BC phonostages?

Gilbert, If you're reading this, would you consider submitting the BC27 pi for a review by one of the audio magazines?

Valvefan

Gilbert Y · Post by **Gilbert Y** » Sun May 08, 2005 12:15 pm

Valvefan

One of the on-line magazine has completed a review and it is just waiting to put on line. I have a couple other magazines in mind for future review.

I am hoping the first one will come out by May or June this year.

Valvefan · Post by **Valvefan** » Sun May 08, 2005 1:51 pm

Hi Gilbert,

That's great! I look forward to reading the reviews.

Your phonostage deserves more press coverage.

Do you have any particular cartridge/table/arm recommendations for the BC27 pi?

Valvefan

Sugarbrie · Post by **Sugarbrie** » Mon May 09, 2005 10:52 am

I wrote a review on the BC27 (not pi) over a year ago that is on AudiogoN.

Copy and paste if no link

My Webpage

Gilbert Y · Post by **Gilbert Y** » Mon May 09, 2005 11:26 am

It's a difficult question to answer Valvefan. I can tell you what I like but I don't usually recommand equipment because I know other people may like different sound than I do. One thing I can tell you is when I design anything, I try to design them so they will fit into most applications. That rules apply to the BC27 and BC27pi too.

Hope I have kind of answered you question.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 09, 2005 3:01 pm

Hi Gilbert,

I understand that you can't make specific product recommendations.

Do you think that the design of the BC27 pi would favour a low output MC, High output MC, or MM cartridge (from an engineering point of view)? Or does it just depend on one's taste?

Valvefan

Punker X · Post by **Punker X** » Mon May 09, 2005 4:26 pm

First post here. Met Gilbert at AK fest and he let me use a BC-27pi for a couple of hours, I was blown away. Tried a few others, Black cube, seduction and an NAD. I like it so much, I put one on order last week. Can't wait to get it. My first Blue Circle piece, and definately not my last.

There were a few others that got to use it at AK fest and there was nothing but positive comments on it.

My vinyl rig.. Oracle MkV Turbo, Graham 2.2, Benz Ebony H.

Punker X

Valvefan · Post by **Valvefan** » Tue May 17, 2005 12:35 pm

After 5 days of listening to a Graham Slee Era Gold V, I oredered a BC 27 pi. The Graham Slee was OK but (in my system) it wasn't even in the same league as the BC 27 pi. The BC had way more energy in the transients and a much broader soundstage. Also the BC has more authority and control in the bass region.

I can wait to hook it up!

Valvefan