Darlington Labs MM-6 Phono Preamplifier Review

I currently have the Vincent Pho8 and was considering an Insight as my next step. I dont want to spend on the insight if the MM6 can get me 75% of the way there for substantially less $ for instance. I have no plans to further upgrade any of my other components. Thoughts welcomed.
 
Englishbob said:
I currently have the Vincent Pho8 and was considering an Insight as my next step. I dont want to spend on the insight if the MM6 can get me 75% of the way there for substantially less $ for instance. I have no plans to further upgrade any of my other components. Thoughts welcomed.
Click to expand...
There is a new model coming- the MP-7. Maxed out with all options it’s $650. Obviously, I’ve not heard it, but if you want a definite forever piece, I’d email them. It’s a safe bet.
 
HiFi Guy said:
There is a new model coming- the MP-7. Maxed out with all options it’s $650. Obviously, I’ve not heard it, but if you want a definite forever piece, I’d email them. It’s a safe bet.
Click to expand...
They just added this to their website.

www.darlingtonlabs.com

MP-7: Discrete High-Voltage J-FET RIAA Phono Preamp - High End Performance — Darlington Labs

MP-7: +40dB RIAA Fully-Discrete, Zero Negative Feedback, High-Voltage J-FET (Junction Field Effect Transistor) Phono Preamplifier Our goal in starting Darlington Labs was straightforward: we intended to offer “ great sound ” ( without the usual qualifier “ for the money ”) using our proprietary
www.darlingtonlabs.com www.darlingtonlabs.com
 
My MM-6 arrived today. Took about 4.5 weeks in production, Keith from Darlington was nice enough to offer some components from the upcoming MP-7 model (hence the wait time) and threw in some upgraded jacks because it ended up being even longer than the quote. First impressions are that it sounds amazing. I know im not doing it any justice with my digital sony receiver, but it still blows any previous preamp I've had out of the water. And this is with just a couple hours in it so far.
 
DJSJ said:
My MM-6 arrived today. Took about 4.5 weeks in production, Keith from Darlington was nice enough to offer some components from the upcoming MP-7 model (hence the wait time) and threw in some upgraded jacks because it ended up being even longer than the quote. First impressions are that it sounds amazing. I know im not doing it any justice with my digital sony receiver, but it still blows any previous preamp I've had out of the water. And this is with just a couple hours in it so far.
Click to expand...
I could've written this same glowing review nearly word for word! Right down to the Sony reciever and the slight delay in production. I'm absolutely loving the MM-6 nearly a week in.
 
Received my unit this morning and I'm not disappointed. The wonderful guitar work of Django Reinhardt has never felt more alive. Def get the mono switch if you're into anything pre-1950's. It's worth the extra 40 bucks. Thanks for the recommendation @HiFi Guy
 
gabd1234 said:
Received my unit this morning and I'm not disappointed. The wonderful guitar work of Django Reinhardt has never felt more alive. Def get the mono switch if you're into anything pre-1950's. It's worth the extra 40 bucks. Thanks for the recommendation @HiFi Guy
Click to expand...
Leave it powered up all the time. Give it 72 hours. It gets better. Enjoy!
 
Here is a new review of the MM-5 based on objective measurements, followed by an interesting discussion with Keith from Darlington Labs. I don't understand the technical aspects, but the jist appears to be that there are different schools of thought, some trade-offs are necessary at this price point, and subjective listening matters too.
www.audiosciencereview.com

Darlington Labs MM-5 Review (Phono Stage)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Darlington Labs MM-5 Moving Magnet phono pre-amplifier. It was kindly purchased new by a member and drop shipped to me. It has a few options but as purchased, it costs US $199 from the company. The front panel doesn't look half bad for a...
www.audiosciencereview.com www.audiosciencereview.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top