Reflex M or C for DL-103?
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
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Forum Name: Buying a headphone amp, phono preamp or hi-fi accessory?
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URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2140
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Topic: Reflex M or C for DL-103?
Posted By: Jackal008
Subject: Reflex M or C for DL-103?
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2014 at 9:54pm
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Hi all First formal post here, so here goes. I have just confirmed and purchased a Funk Firm Little Super Deck (couldn't resist the low price of the floor stock!) paired with a Zu Audio DL-103 MkII (tricked up DL-103). The specs from the manufactures site for this cart are: Zu/DL-103 Phono Preamp MatchingThe nominal output voltage of the Zu/DL-103 Mk.II is 0.3mV and the nominal internal impedance per channel is about 45 ohms. We recommend running a step-up transformer for moving magnet phono preamps. A step-up transformer is not required for phono preamps that have a moving coil (MC) setting, setting your impedance between 80 – 200 ohms. The rest of my modest setup includes NAD C356BEE int amp and PSB Imagine speakers. What's the best pre amp setup for this config? Straight out Reflex C or Reflex M with EXP? Obviously there is a cost impact here but I'd rather try and get the best way forward in order to avoid future double up of expenses, if that makes sense. Also, what GSP interconnect cables would best suit the setup? Thanks in advance - great info in this forum and the GSP site overall. |
Replies:
Posted By: Sounder 905
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2014 at 12:33am
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Hi and welcome to the forum! Though there are undoubtedly much more knowledgeable people here I'd like to still try to help out. First, while the Elevator is a much more extensible and conveinent solution to almost any SUT out there, if you know for sure you want to stick with MC primarily and reduce cost impact then you should at least check out the Cartridge loading plugs topic. http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/cartridge-loading-plugs_topic1246.html It's really cool knowledge and a great starting point relating to your inquiry, still whatever you do, try to get some confirmation from someone more experienced than myself. I don't really know how much this applies to strictly MC setup's without a SUT like the Reflex C but since it has a primary loading of 100 ohms it seems to me that would be all right with your particular cart. Still, it's cool to know what you could do to properly adjust an audio setup just by modifying the cables. Regarding your second question, CuSat50's or Lautus phono-style cables, as short as you can possibly get away with, should be ideal for any average non-balanced setup. Not that I'd ever cartridge load a cable as nice as those though, just an unrelated suggestion. Hopefully this can help point you in the right direction. Best of Luck. |
Posted By: Jackal008
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2014 at 2:21am
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Thanks Sounder 905. I think I am swayed toward the Reflex C with PSU1 rather than the Reflex M plus EXP as I don't intend to move between MC and MM frequently, if at all. Intriguing post re cartridge loading. I can see our study becoming a place for soldering and tinkering! Carl
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Posted By: Jackal008
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2014 at 2:37am
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Whoa - and then I read this.... http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/reflex-c_topic2134.html Back to head scratching...
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2014 at 3:21am
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Welcome to the forum Carl! The Reflex C versus Reflex M + Elevator dilemma may be best solved getting a home demo of both solutions from this forum, and seeing which you prefer. I chose the M+EXP because I started out using MM (and still do). I see from your IP address that you're in Oz. Drop a PM to phibes (aka Keith) who runs the Australian loan programme if you want to take advantage of this - there's no obligation to buy, you just need to refund the shipping costs. A word of warning though - most folk don't want to send the kit back, and your wallet can take a bit of a bash!  ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Sounder 905
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2014 at 4:42am
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Yeah, if I saw that Reflex C topic I'd have referred you to that too. I've not posted on here in a while. A more relevant insight to your inquiry? Absolutely. A 'total bummer'? Not necessarily, maybe not at all. I'm sure you'd rather know that than not, I do. It's that kind of insight and no nonsense honesty that drew me into GSP in the first place. In fact, after reading that I'd be all the more inclined to try to get a chance to hear what the Reflex C offers at about half the price of what the combo goes for just to hear what sonic differences that happened to be designed into it that you might like. Yes, from reading that it does seem the combo is a bit more capable, and way more versatile, over the whole of the MC spectrum. But some of those carts are also way out the realm of traditional design so their compliance, low-output and/or price point are on another dimension all together. At 0.3mV your cart just seems to fit safely within the recommened range. There may or may not actually be a big enough difference to otherwise warrant spending that much more for features you won't use in the combo. Who knows? Maybe there could be a nice-enough of a 'lo-fi' charm to the very bottom end that you find if such traits do show themselves in loud bass heavy music. Graham's always been very forthcoming with various aspects of the design and evolution of his products with regards to how it affects the sound. That's why I have full faith in the integerity of the product and what it has to offer. Head scratching indeed, but all is not lost. |
Posted By: Jackal008
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2014 at 5:09am
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Thanks all for your quick responses. I think having a quick loan of both will be the deciding factor. When I get back from OS holidays in early Feb I'll follow-up with Keith. Carlos
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