New Here

Hello, new member here.  Well, actually I joined almost a year ago, but real life smacked me upside the head pretty hard before I could get the ball rolling. 

Anyway, what drew me here in the first place was the loaner program.  Being able to test out top quality audio gear in my own home with my system for 2 weeks?  Yes please!  Why aren't more manufacturers doing this?

I contacted Bruce from the US loaner program, and am now on day 2 of auditioning the Accession MC.  It's early days, but already I am really liking what I am hearing.

For reference, other phono stages I've used include the Musical Surrounding Nova II, Parks Audio Budgie and Lounge MKIII. 

Rgds,

Steve

Hi Mick,

Thanks for the welcome, and I will definitely update with impressions as it burns in.  Bruce mentioned I am the first one to take out this unit on loan, so it should definitely benefit from some hours.  I used to be skeptical of burn-in, then I bought a Schiit BiFrost and couldn't believe how much it changed after a week or so.

Rgds,

Steve

I think this is what Mick was referring to:

Spent many hours with the Accession this weekend, after not having much time during the week. 

The sound is really starting to open up a bit.  When I first used it last week, the notes were not as full and colorful as they are becoming.  They were present, but a bit drab and unsatisfying.  It really didn't sound all that much different from my Phonomena II at first listen.  But I knew better than to make a judgement at that point.

After a week, the tonality is becoming more rich and musical.  The lower mids have stepped into the spotlight this weekend.  Listening to familiar recordings, there are bits of music in those registers that I have never taken notice of before.  It's a bit startling at times, in a good way.  There is a power to the notes that I am not accustomed to.  Getting smacked upside the head with acoustic guitar plucks is a new experience!  Maybe it's the outboard power supply giving everything a little extra juice.  My previous phono's have all had wall warts, not dedicated supplies.

Very interested to see what surprises more burn-in time produces!

Steve