Have to say the MM Pro has exceeded expectations - I've had 2 fantastic evenings playing old (and a couple of new) vinyl LPs that I know like old friends. More depth and detail for all the individual parts, both instrument and vocals - hearing nuances on guitar lines particularly and bringing vocals forward when needed. A increased feeling of cohesion and blend between those constituent parts - despite hearing more, there is an overwhelming sense of completeness! The balance is perfect...
MM PRO phonostage in Justin's setup
I remember when I first replaced my teenage vinyl with CD copies that I was immediately hearing more detail, but on certain albums hating the sterile result. Almost as if the recording was no longer mastered. The MM Pro does the opposite! I bought a new album last year that came out on CD before they managed to get a vinyl copy. The CD was great - in the car and on my set up - but for the first time I was disappointed and underwhelmed with the vinyl in comparison. You have sorted that - so many many thanks!
The reviews online are all spot on and it is nice when the (potential) hyperbole turns out to be modest understatement. Looking forward to your next gen products - when are you taking on the integrated amp market?
Justin, Yorkshire
I finally received my new interconnect cables and was able to hook up the Spartan 15 to my stereo. I kept my Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN cartridge so I could tell any difference. Wow, what a pleasant experience.
SPARTAN 15 phonostage in Mark's setup
My records have never sounded so clean and full. I am so glad I purchased your phono preamp. When this cartridge wears out, I will install the VM540ml, but that won't be for awhile. I cannot imagine what that will sound like.
Mark, USA
Excellent! I have been using an Ifi Zen phono stage which is good, better than the Naim boards in my NAC 82. I briefly tried a Pro-ject Tube box S2 which was a mistake, woolly base and loads of distortion which made piano sound jarring and harsh.
SPARTAN 15 phonostage in Grahame's setup
The Spartan 15 is a huge step improvement, compared to the Ifi Zen I find the base more defined and musical, the sound stage is more expansive and airy. Overall a much more balanced and lively experience. Thank you!
Grahame, Cheshire
I own a 1984 Linn LP12 with Ittok arm and Kiseki Purpleheart Sapphire cartridge. The LP 12 was modified a few years ago to bring it up to the latest spec with the Lingo power supply. Originally it supplied the signal to a Musical Fidelity A308 via the pre-amp’s phono input but it has been less than satisfactory so I looked at alternatives.
MC PRO phonostage in Adrian's setup
I now have perfectly silent phono output, apart from the glorious music, and really appreciate Michael’s support on my journey. Suffice the say, the MC Pro is an absolute joy and I recommend it to all vinyl enthusiasts.
Adrian, Oxfordshire
My system consists of two Onken boxes with four Altec 416b, two Altec 1803b horns with two Radian 951 and two Stereolab with Tad 2002 drivers, the cut-off frequencies are at 300 Hz and 2,000 Hz with passive crossover adjustable up to -10db, placed between the preamp and the power amps.
The preamp is a Benchmark LA4 and the tri-amplification is made up of 2 Benchmark AHB" on the mids and highs with Hypex Ncore modules on the bass. The turntable is an EMT 930 with TSD15 sfl head and the phono pre is your Classic Audio creation MC PRO.
MC PRO phonostage in Marco's setup
The CDP is a Sony and the DAC is a Gustard A26 which I don't use much lately because since I got your MC PRO phono I continue to listen to LPs and I'm literally enthusiastic about it. All the LPs seem to have been listened to for the first time, so many are the new details, the infinite dynamics, the deep bass, the natural mids and the extended highs that highlight even the smallest sounds naturally. All this with a background noise that was not I was not used to it at all, everything was fantastic.
I took the phono to a friend who has another high efficiency system and here too with other high level cartridges and turntables it worked extraordinarily and outclassed his phono preamp which cost five times as much.
Marco, Italy
The MC Pro has joined my ever changing Hi-Fi Rack and is a keeper. It's not fussy on placement, low noise pollution through the system (unlike the Rega Aria and ANT stages good as they both were).
LP's go on the Rega 10 turntable and play to the end due to the entertainment given. Yes even those dodgy ones where I used to play only a few selected tracks. I have no technical explaination of what makes the MC Pro so good - in fact I was worried about the aray of fascia switches, but Michael advised for my cartridge and all is fine - I only have to worry about the On/Off switch.
MC PRO phonostage in Ken's setup
I bought on an agreed sale or return basis (I'd settled on a pair of attenuators which got rid of my noise problem) and happily the MC Pro matched the interference noise levels (now at 12-o-clock plus) and of course improved the sound. OK I'm off to play and buy more records.
Ken, Hertfordshire
The S5 arrived in one week to Australia: amazing work by the postal services. I'll give you a couple of first impressions and if you're interested a fuller review in a couple weeks after either the amp, my brain or both burn in. Sent a picture of my entertainment area for your amusement. I think you will gather I have some idea what I'm on about.
Ken's HiFi system
I plugged the S5 into a Goldring 1042 immediately and can tell you the depth of soundstage is only rivalled by my $1500 preamp. It is not in your face like my other comparably priced stuff, I'm still letting things sink in but detail isn't missing; refinement comes to mind. Looking forward to re-listening to my mono discs.
Thanks for the prompt service. I am already very happy with my purchase.
Ken, Australia
Just received the phono preamp. Right away. Louder, so much louder. Keeping the volume at the same level, much louder.
Louder is probably relatively easy for engineers, but louder without increasing noise floor, distortion, pops and crackles etc is another deal. Not only is it louder but the hum and other associated noises from the record and turntable are much lower.
Sean's SPARTAN 15
I was a very skeptical, CD era guy and I am not saying I am now 100% vinyl guy now but I am surprised at the upgrade. I really am.
Sean's HiFi system
Regardless, well done sir, well done.
Sean, USA
Just wanted to tell you how much I’m enjoying the Spartan 15. The dynamics and stereo imaging are superb.
I use a strain gauge system which I think is pretty superlative but this more than stands up to it. It manages to pull out so much detail but is not wearing in any way.
SPARTAN 15 (bottom left) in Lee's system
I’ve been upgrading my system over the past couple of years and this is the icing on the cake.
I heard a rumour that you are working on a headphone amp. If so I’d be interested in hearing it.
Lee, London
Received the preamp in perfect condition this past Monday. I began listening after it came to room temperature and have not stopped since.
Andy's MM Pro
Your preamp is extraordinary. It far exceeds my expectations. I have always listened first to woodwinds and piano for my assessment. Natural and realistic. Voices are expressive and textured. Bass is very deep and powerful. As detailed as any preamp I have owned regardless of price.
Andy's high-end setup
Thanks again for the great service and producing such an exceptional product. It is one of the best values I have encountered in 50 years with this hobby (obsession).
Andy, USA
