ZESTO's new Tube Phono Preamp is a KNOCKOUT!

[@CVH0907]

Thanks for bringing the original intro music back Steve! 🎉

[@petervlaminck2960]

Steve, your enthusiasm is contagious as ever, especially when you talk about music. It makes me wanna buy all the records you listen to. Thank you so much!

[@brianfisher812]

A very nice response!

[@Unpreeeedictable]

Another great review Steve. I'm also a SUT into MM phono pre guy. In my case I use an Allnic AUT-2000 SUT into a Lejonklou Slipsik 8 MM phono pre. I'm really glad you are introducing the concept to your sizeable audience. I wish the Spirit MM was out when I was making my phono pre choice, as there aren't that many high end standalone MM available these days. Looks very promising.

[@Michael-bj4sz]

Hey Steve, love these phono amp reviews. How about not just showing Audio Note equipment, but doing reviews of Audio Note.

[@jonathanscull7712]

Excellent as always, interesting idea.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

IBID Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@darrellross8609]

Dear Steve, A LS35A user, I do love them. To keep my Gjallarhorn mono blocks from clipping the LS35A's. I use a dB meter to set the volume, it keeps me [sane] relaxed. Best, D.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks for watching, how loud do you listen?

[@ronaldweed6103]

I'm not going to lie,the look is stunning, love tubes. So are the others,amp etc

[@dougcampbell2814]

Steve, I enjoyed your review and learned a few SUT things along the way. Thanks! 🎵

[@nathanevans6277]

Steve's (viewer system) listening room looks very tidy, a great dedicated space.

[@middleearthltd]

I actually prefer a rear on/off switch but I am singular, as a general matter, in this view. Looks like a nice phono stage.

[@weatheranddarkness]

I might mind more with a tube stage, my SS stage is always on since it only draws like a couple watts, and it has a rear switch.

[@peterlarkin762]

Especially with phono preamps, you want as little interference and auxiliary circuitry as possible. Most front power buttons these days are 'standby' circuits that require an extra powersupply.

[@davidatrakchi2707]

Hi there Steve, adopted your idea of lower gain phono stage with sut’s Zesto means hot in Greek, which makes sense with the fascinating tube glow as seen at unit front

[@brooklynbummer]

It just sounds different and has a certain appeal to some people. For a long time that is all we had and were thrilled with the sound.

[@mikeg2491]

Tubes sent out of style before I was born and I love them them

[@paulhovenga4138]

Great review. Maybe consider Sutherland's new SUTZ as step up instead of transformers. I absolutely love it in place of transformers in my system.

[@roncronovich9095]

I love that you do reviews for folks who can afford to spend $3000 on a phono stage and another $3600 on an SUT.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

. It takes time & patience Ron. $100 a month gets to 3K pretty quick. I've now been watching these reviews for about 38 months. You can get there, just don't buy the DAC D'jour today. Buy it last & do not mix digital and analog in one chassis. 👍

[@mikeg2491]

@@TriAmpHiFialso never be afraid to buy used from a reliable dealer, I’ve gotten some great deals over the years

[@spark7516]

I would love for you to review the new Sutherland Dos Locos and compare and contrast against their Little Loco. I’m a fan of Sutherland stages.

[@Ylojaketz]

This is certainly a way to test one’s commitment to vinyl music reproduction. Cartridge, tube and transformer rolling? Fun if you’re into it for sure. Just makes my head ache thinking about the possible combinations.

[@weatheranddarkness]

Some folks have two or three tonearms on the same turntable too.

[@brendanmccarthy4218]

Great comparisons Steve. Are the OJAS products available to buy?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes they are, Google OJAS transformer. Then Google OJAS Denon.

[@weatheranddarkness]

I've heard an Andros (II?) with my cart and a table I'm familiar with and it's clear they know how to do a phonostage. This jr Andros is much cheaper, I'd be curious to know how much of the magic of their fancier stuff they squeezed in.

[@johnvincent4048]

Steve, I have a love/hate opinion with your videos. With all the great audio gear out there, where do I stop? 😫😂 I agree with Some Girls. Last great Stones album.

[@DanielWilliams-l7j]

My electronics are all tubes (including CD), and I use the Vincent PHO-701 phono preamp. I agree (as usual) with Steve.❤🎶

[@johnvincent4048]

Did you change out the stock tube that came with it? I put in a vintage RCA 12AU7 black plate and it made a big difference.

[@DanielWilliams-l7j]

@@johnvincent4048 I did, yes.

[@charlesf2804]

I have a Mac C2300 preamp, and McIntoah phono stages are known to be good; but this Zesto has me more than curious. I would have gotten a JC3+, but now I want to rethink that.

[@markboyle9941]

I'm surprised there are no screening cans on those valves for low level signals. Op-amps will always out-perform valves in phono stages, you can run them off of a couple of 9v batteries, dead quiet. Combined with an SUT this works really well. Even with a really sophisticated PSU, a valve phono stage will always be noisier.

[@weatheranddarkness]

I can vouch for Zesto's ability to build a quiet phonostage, at least on their higher end stuff.

[@Kaziglu11]

I’m using a Decware ZP3. Love it.

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

I'd love to see a review comparing the Zesto Spirit MM only @ $2997.00 to the Decware ZP3 Zen Triode Phono Stage MM only @ $2455.00

[@unclewilbur8976]

Steve, Please answer this question. When it comes to Magnepan, do you think tubes or ss is better.

[@peterlarkin762]

I'm no Steve, but solid state 100%. Maggies are too power hungry.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Right, as Peter said, Maggies love current, so for the most part solid state is the way to go. Unless you have 150 watt+ tubes.

[@peterlarkin762]

I use a 150W DIY amp with Lateral MOSFETS, they have a slightly more tubey sound than a lot of transistor amps. There is an affordable amp using these, made in the US (I think Steve reviewed it but I cannot find it after a long search). A Schitt Vidar would be a good match for the price I reckon. And could get one of their hybrid tube preamps for the valve sound. Good luck with your search!

[@stimpy1226]

I should have never sold my Koetsu moving coil step up transformer years ago.

[@weatheranddarkness]

or waited till this year? Since they just decided to close their doors the street price is likely to explode for those things

[@stimpy1226]

@@weatheranddarkness the reason brought this up is because I was able to find possibly the last new Black Gold line that may be around. It cost me $$ but it’s beautiful sound is what everybody says… ‘Magical’. This is the second black goldline I’ve had in my life as an audiophile. I’ve had the original Rosewood as well. That transformer sounded so beautiful many years ago when I first purchased it. Thanks for your comment

[@chelillingworth9466]

When you buy the moving coil are they doing that with transformers, a solid state input stage, or an additional tube input stage? It's $1,000 up charge so I imagine it's a good implementation.

[@chelillingworth9466]

I guess I'll answer my own question looks like they use a step up transformer implementation that does give you a good range of loading options

[@chelillingworth9466]

And I'll answer my question with another question it would have been really interesting if you were able to compare the built-in transformers that they give you with the $1,000 upgrade to the variety of outboard transformers that you have. It may be that the $1,000 inbuilt transformers are actually the best value?

[@mkfmkf55]

For 3 grand I think the power switch could have been located on the front panel or at least on the side near the front since phono preamps are often located in tight spots.

[@BlankBrain]

I prefer using a high output moving coil cartridge into a good preamp.

[@theonl1128]

Indeed it's true! 👍

[@carlosbauza1139]

Review the OJAS mod of the Denon cartridge?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I talked about the sound in this review, please understand it's not modified. It's a Denon 103 with a clear body.

[@rickmathis8590]

Interesting, Steve. I'm a die-hard tube guy, so this seems to be right up my alley. Thanks for another great video and have a great weekend!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Rick

[@gojdartamas34]

Try the UREI 1122 and forget the tubes phorever!😁

[@jeffcline7689]

I have one of the some girls albums with Farah Fawcett on it which they were sued for and the picture removed. Have you ;istened to Yello One Second 1987 German pressing CD lately?

[@Spock105]

It might be good , but any gear where the on-button is on the back is for me a no-go. The least they could have done , is put it on the side and still have short wiring if that was the point.

[@billa5289]

Wow, this makes Manley labs Chinook phono pre seem like a complete bargain. Price points are similar, but the build quality , versatility and sound are in different ball parks. Both are California products with very different manufacturing techniques, warranty, and engineering. The Chinook can do both MM and MC with an unbelievable tube roll payoff. As an electrical engineer, I am shocked that the MSRP for this unit is in the Manley Chinook ball field. It would likely compete at $1200 - $1500 but for $3K, the parts and engineering just aren't there IMHO.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Choice is good, it's great that we have so many options. This quest for the best, that's where it gets weird for me. They're different, and each company develops its own buyer bass. I think that's great.

[@jt-hn6ur]

I was excited when I first saw this video. Then I found out its 3 Grand. Not in my budget.

[@roncronovich9095]

Don’t forget another $3600 for the SUT.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Build one yourself and it may even be better .......

[@jt-hn6ur]

@@frankgeeraerts6243 Not sure why you made this comment. 3 grand is out of most peoples budget period. Then another $3600 for the SUT? If you can afford it great, but don't knock me because I can't.

[@Wised1000]

I prefer a stepup transformer. No sophistication needed, simply two coils of wire with a faraday cage around it to prevent EM interference. no plugs, no power and done. The only essential thing is shielded RCA connectors in and out. The price of this very pretty doodad is absolute and unnecessary expense with no measurable benefit at all, in fact, probably worse measurable performance.

[@jm_1214]

I agree. I use a vintage version and a quicksilver sut. I've tried a lot

[@Anacridhaze]

SUTs are stupid expensive.

[@Wised1000]

@Anacridhaze In fact, exactly the opposite. You can buy an Ortfon ST70 for less than 1500 bucks.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

@@Wised1000is that meant to be reasonable?

[@zizendorf]

Separates = more money!

[@goboslament5535]

Power switch on the back is fine. But, to say this decision "saves a lot of money" is absolutely insulting. It's a $3000 phono preamp and this would have added up to $2 in components/manufacturing. Give me a break.

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

You always can use a power cable with a switch and forget about the amplifier power switch.

[@gabriellegiovanni7899]

Am I the only one who noticed the spec for the INTERNAL MC step up transformers?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Right, when you order the thousand dollar extra price moving coil version which uses built-in transformers. But then you're stuck with that transformer.

[@jmal5390]

Reviewers saying that tube equipment doesn't sound particularly "tubey" happens so often that I almost think they don't know anything about tubes, or rather amplifier design. If the bulk of tube equipment doesn't sound "tubey," then perhaps they should realize that there isn't a tube sound per se, but instead different implementations within amplifier circuits.

[@entity279]

Needless pedantry and rude. Saying it doesn't sound tubey is a compact way to make the listeners understand they're not getting a rolled off, sweet, slow sound

[@jmal5390]

@@entity279 Nothing rude or pedantic about my comment. It is just an observation. Additionally, throughout the history of tube amplification, there have been plenty of amplifiers that were not "rolled off, sweet, slow" sounding. This is a vast blanket statement about an entire class of amplification that persists despite it not being true. The fact that it is not true is validated by reviewers almost universally claiming that a tube amp doesn't sound "tubey."

[@entity279]

@@jmal5390 the speaker (steve) conveys meaning to audience in a concise way. In the context within which he says it. We understand without all your blah blah about the history of amplification. Doesn't matter if it's not strictly accurate You are rude because you claim superiority in amp topologies but guess what, it's entirely irrelevant for this kind of subjective reviews.

[@jmal5390]

@@entity279 Firstly, I initially said "reviewers." Plural. I'm not simply talking about Steve, but about numerous reviewers in the audio world. Secondly, the only rudeness I detect is coming from you. I never claimed superiority in anything. Pointing out that reviewers misattribute sound characteristics because they don't understand circuit design isn't rude; it's simply an observation. I didn't attack his character, nor anyone else's. In fact, you are the one that has insulted me. So, why don't you move on and pay Steve so that he will talk to you once a month.

[@entity279]

@@jmal5390 must have stuck a nerve somehow he he. Not sorry, but it was not my intention.🤷‍♀️

[@jm_1214]

Full vacuum tube phono pre is the only way of listening to music

[@chungang7037]

What doesn't sound good with tubes?

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Only a bad design as seen to often these days........mostly cheaper asian designs...( and bad tubes )

[@chungang7037]

@@frankgeeraerts6243 many of those don't count; a lot of them are fake, or are hybrid amps which basically do nothing for the sound or it is so slight it hardly matters

[@toddhupp]

outrageous prices for a relatively simple design.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

AGREE !

[@bizyz]

please review an accuphase sacd player.

[@paulhickey6896]

Vinyl sounds better with beer At least mine does!😂

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

Not all phono stages play well with MM cartridges or step-up transformers.

[@superdougie10]

It's just gotta be a side box with another attached step-up box and yet another side-kick additional box, or It's just not audiophile.......lol

[@SuperMcgenius]

Steve, liked your thoughts on step up transformers, I have never used one. 👍

[@gojdartamas34]

Maybe the MM is mire realitic? Hmm?

[@saint6563]

Cali v Cali

[@net_news]

Camilo Zesto

[@lukegowest]

Sure, why not add tube distortion to the aleady no dynanic sound of vinyl (RECORDS)

[@roadfordays]

If it works for doom metal guitarists to stack layers of distortion and dynamic compression on top of each other, it must work for hifi too 😂

[@nathanevans6277]

Have you ever heard a top flight vinyl system? Digital can't hold a candle to the best vinyl front ends.

[@weatheranddarkness]

There's more dB dynamic headroom on vinyl than there is typical S/N on most power amps, and definitely over most speakers. Sure it's less than well mastered digital, but the dynamic range of a 12" is FAAAAR from the bottleneck in a real world system. And a good phonostage can show just how much that DR is actually worth. The point about tube distortion has been done to death, but the short version is that almost all of the distortion in a tube system is 2nd order, which is nearly inaudible at even very high levels. THD is unweighted, it's in the name "Total Harmonic Distortion". It's 3rd order harmonics and above that really affects perception, and poor SS designs show more of their distortion from this point.

[@lukegowest]

@@weatheranddarkness You can rattle off all the jargon you want. I have done extensive testing between the same album on Records, and CDs. I used my ears, and 50 years of experience to compare about 20 albums, and there is no question that they all sounded "better" on CD. Clearer,cleaner overall sound, much broader dynamic range, and no pops,or surface noise. The handleing of the records, and dropping the stylus on the record might be nostalgic and an experience for some, but for me, it's a pain in the ass. When CDs came out in 1982, I was blown away by these things. When people speak of "warmth", it is just distortion, and lack of the full frequencies etc. I was kind of making a smart ass joke, but there is truth in my joke. (to each his own) If you want to spend thousands of dollars for a really good turntable, and tube amp, then enjoy it. i have a recording studio, with all the great "records on the wall, but I listen to them on CD, because "to me" they sound sooo much better. Have a great day, and enjoy the music.

[@mikeg2491]

@@lukegowestI agree a *well mastered* CD will beat out vinyl on a quality DAC. Problem is there is a lot of garbage CD masters and for many classic albums the vinyl is the superior version even with its flaws.

[@carljung9230]

this device is $3k

[@gerlachsieders4578]

Or just play cd's, a lot less hassle 😂

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Vinyl isn’t hifi. Limited frequency response, high noise, high distortion. Can it sound good? Sure, but let’s not confuse it with hifi.

[@jm_1214]

I thought your comment was a joke but it isnt😅

[@henni1964]

Your comment is like if you love women, you are in a relationship with a beautiful lady and somebody tries to convince you: "Let's not confuse her with men." O.k. I get it, lol 😅

[@Carl-bd1rf]

I grew up in the 70’s with LP’s back then we didn’t know any better. Today’s digital sources are in a different league than LP’s. I’ve broken out my turntable and LP’s several times over the last 4 decades only to say, no way!

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@@henni1964 I’m kinda slow on the up take. I have no clue what your analogy means. I thought I was being specific as to why I thought vinyl isn’t hifi. I grew up on vinyl and remember going into my dealer and listening to the first Sony player that came out. I was like wow! No hiss, no tics, no pops, just music. It took me 3 years to save for my first cd player after that!!

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

When saying “vinyl isn’t hi-fi” I can agree, but it depends on what precisely is being claimed. It’s true that digital has superseded vinyl in terms of the capability for high Fidelity . But the fact vinyl is not “as” high Fidelity doesn’t mean it’s low Fidelity, or that the digital advantage is always some advantage in real world terms. There definitely are audible advantages, of course for digital. But sometimes the talk of the technical advantages for digital can leave an exaggerated sense of the differences one would hear. We have to remember that specs are one thing, human hearing is another, and there’s all sorts of issues, including masking effects, which means the technical advantages of digital don’t always translate to large or significant sonic differences in real world use. I have plenty of records that sound incredibly close to the digital counterparts, such that the average person may have trouble even telling the difference. In fact, my brother is an indie musician and he brings over his masters to my place to listen to, as well as his final releases on digital, and he also brought over the vinyl release of his music when he received that. Comparing the vinyl to the digital version, the difference is extremely subtle. Suggesting that the vinyl is quite capable of close Fidelity to the original.

[@hippydippy]

Christ! Does this channel ever review things "Average Americans'" can afford anymore?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I have an amazing speaker coming, it's $600 a pair, but it's made in China! And then people will complain that it's made in China.

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac It would be great if you could compare a few phonostage contenders that I could suggest to friends and relatives. I mean maybe that's more CheapAudioMan's thing, but I would trust your opinion on sound over his anyday.

[@mikeg2491]

I get what you’re saying and I’ve been there where a $200 headphone was a luxury. But at the same time there are a lot of “average” Americans who will go spend $3k on a vacation that lasts just a week. I’d rather buy a nice stereo that lasts me 15-20 years instead. It’s all about picking priorities in life.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

@@mikeg2491 thanks for putting that out there!

[@matthewtaylor7355]

​@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliacI have a valve rectified phono stage coming from China 312 GBP... It's based on a Audionote fono. The prices charged in the West r pure money grubbing