I got to say I’m extremely surprised: the general impression I got is a more lively and airy sound; everything sounds better. My biggest surprise is the noise; lately I was avoiding some records because, despite trying to clean them with several products and no visible marks, pops and cracklings were unbearable.
I don’t know where’s the magic, but as soon I plugged the Spartan in my chain, I noticed a much lower noise floor; so I tried a couple of those records and, pops and cracklings were still there, but not so loud as before, much more quieter and bearable. I didn’t expect it!
Gaetano, Italy
Arrived safe and sound. I've connected it up and have played a number of tracks. It sounds stunning even straight out of the box compared to the Whest Audio and a Pro-Ject Phono Box RS . I will be sitting down to a longer session but you know when something sounds so right.
It's like opening a window to the sounds outside. Top end detail, midrange to die for and base control all superb. You have designed something quite special. My wife commented how instruments were so clearly defined on are favourite songs we playing last night. That is a first!
Cameron, Cheshire
Just got the box. Everything looks great. Hooked it up this morning. Everything seems to work. It's dead quiet. Very impressive. I'll be doing a lot of listening later today.
MC PRO in Mike's rack
The preamp sounds super clean. The bass is pretty well refined and controlled. Very transparent. As advertised. I'm beyond impressed. I'm so glad I bumped into the review on ASR. Thank you so much!
Mike, USA
I’ve had the MM Pro up and running for 10 days now, and all I can say is that I love it. Paired with AT VM540ML the sound is smooth but punchy, detailed yet forgiving. A VERY musical combination and a great contrast to my streaming setup (that I love), which was just what I wanted.
MM PRO next to Alexander's turntable
I don’t see a reason to leave the MM universe, but if I ever feel the need to try MC, I know where to get the phono stage.
Alexander, Norway
Just spinning the first disc: Horace Andy, Midnight Scorchers- Adrian Sherwood production. Your phono is as fiercely intelligent as his sound scape. I’m very happy already! I should apologise, I realise, for bothering you to compare your work with the Rega Fono MM!
SPARTAN 15 Mk2 in Paul's setup
The evening continued to the point where I was trying out all sorts of discs just to enjoy what your Spartan 15 2 was allowing to happen. It felt as though I had stopped hearing music being reproduced, however well, (Rega) and, instead, I was just entering with the musicians into the moment of creation. What it will be like with a stylus upgrade, I can't imagine - but thanks so much!
Paul, Devon
My Spartan 15 arrived late morning, many thanks for your help and prompt despatch. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you. It’s all connected up now and I have been playing my reference vinyl LP which is a Mobile Fidelity original master 45rpm recording of Dire Straits ‘Communique’ it being one of my favourite albums ever and an incredibly silent pressing with virtually no surface noise of any type. It's early days yet but the results are extremely promising with improvements in detail, transient response and a richer more assertive tone.
Early SPARTAN 15 Mk2 in Nigel's setup
Mark Knopfler’s guitar work just sounds incredibly ’Stratty’ and to coin a common Welsh term ‘Lush’. Soundstage has clicked into focus and the whole effect is as though someone cleaned my windows without me knowing so that I can see clearly now. As you may gather, I am very impressed and look forward to listening to other albums but that’s all I have had time for, for now. This is a keeper!
Nigel, Wales
Detail is the word you used perfectly. It did take a bit to acclimate but once that happened I could hear the the cleanness and tightness as well. Tried out various things like some Jazz (Cannonball/ something else). Norah Jones/ a lot of them...but most impressive to me was the difference it made on heavier things like Metallica and Sleep Token!! Solid peice of equipment you have put together and thanks for all the help and guidance in the process too.
SPARTAN 15 next to Aaron's turntable
Just wanted to say after a couple days of experimenting I am thrilled with the improvements! Side by side this is no contest. It improved on every level but most surprisingly on heavier albums. Don't get me wrong though, I listened to something else by Cannonball adderly and it was in my face so much more but the tightness on stuff like Metallica or Sleep Token blew me away! Thanks again and I will spread the word to anyone I know that needs to have this.
Aaron, USA
I need to say that the S15 really surprised me. When I changed cartridge from ortofon 2M Red to 2M Blue I got more clarity and more details, especially on top of frequency range. From the S15 I was expecting exactly the same thing, but instead of that I get very smooth and relaxed presentation, instruments separation and level of details are also quite good.
First production SPARTAN 15 Mk2
Everything now sounds more natural, pleasing and enjoyable. So far I'm very happy with my purchase and the S15 is just better than my previous Rega Fono MM and it's definitely worth to pay the difference in the price.
Krzystof, UK
The Spartan arrived today and after a couple of couple of hours of listening, the impressions are more than positive. Better width and depth, great control down low and clear but not tiring trebles. Great instrument separation . And it s very quiet. I'm sure it's going to get better after a few days.
Konstantinos's SPARTAN 15
I've been listening the past few days and enjoying the Spartan, burning it in. Today it was a test of the big guns, Aja, Thriller and Misty from Yamamoto Trio. I have to say, it went from very positive to impressive. I thought I was getting good sound out of the Exact, until now. No comparison to any Rega, Project or Lehman that I listened before and definitely destroyed my old Mani.
Fantastic. My only upgrade now will be your MC phono if I ever get a MC cart.
Konstantinos, Republic of Ireland
Just to let you know that the MC Pro was received fine yesterday. I got it up and running and on early impressions, it’s sounding great. It certainly lives up to its reputation as far as low noise goes. I have to turn the amp up higher than I would ever use it in practice before hearing any hiss at all and even them very minor. At normal listening levels, even ‘enthusiastic’ ones, it’s silent.
MC PRO in Dan's rack
I can actually see the input level on my Lyngdorf amp and the noise floor is about 13db lower than the best of everything else I’ve tried which includes some pretty high end and well regarded models including the Gold Note PH10 and Cyrus Phono Signature (both with their respective off board power supplies). Thanks very much, you’ve made a great product there and your service was impeccable.
Dan, Bournemouth
