I had a good audiophile system (Linn Sondek/Ittok/Denon DL-103R - older Linn Phonostage - Ayon Orion II - NOLA Contenders). Still, I have listened to better systems at less than I've shelled out, and I have listened to many better systems. In short, everyday I was always a little unhappy during playback.

Not now!

Replacing an older Linn with the LKV allowed a calm purity to enter my home. I started listening at lower volumes and was fully drawn in. The reality level is so high that I'm really happy with my entire system now and have been for many months.

I'm using RCA connectors and the 2-SB +6db version for the 0.25 mV Denon. My volume control setting on the Orion 2 in triode mode is the same (9-10 o'clock) as when I'm using my DAC and my 30 Watt Orion isn't pushed. I think I could use a 15-20 Watt amp with my 90 db NOLAs easily. In short, I think LKV is somewhat conservative on the gain numbers.

Thankfully, I met Bill Hutchins at THE Newport 2013. Since it's practically pointless auditioning a phonostage in someone else's equipment; he also went over his design and JFET choices with me during a lull in traffic. I was impressed enough to buy. My lucky day. Furthermore, you'll enjoy knowing Bill.

Comment: Before installing the LKV, I considered the inexpensive Denon (about $300) as the most obvious place to upgrade. It wasn't. It was the phonostage, which surprised me. Spending the money on a phonostage is more paramount than upgrading a cartridge. The LKV 2-SB has an exceptional performance/price ratio.

Which Linn phonostage did you have?  Kairn? Magic? LK1? Just curious.  

Nick 

One of these day, Mejias or someone should try the SP-FS52-LR. 

$260/pr and clean, musical mid-bass adds to the rest of what's so good about the smaller Pioneers. The '51's from the previous line were also probably pretty good but I never got a chance to hear them.

As Michael described, the Phono 2-SB has a number of user adjustable settings for gain and cartridge load.  This flexibility makes the 2-SB suitable for use with a wide variety of cartridges (from high output MM to quite low output MC) and other gear.  If a customer is willing to give us a few details about his or her system (cartridge, balanced or single ended connections, etc.), we set the appropriate gain and cartridge load in that customer’s unit before we ship.  This way the 2-SB is virtually “plug and play” right out of the box.  Those who want to experiment with other settings (that can be part of the fun, after all) will find in the user’s manual clear instructions with diagrams and pictures on how to make adjustments.  And, anyone is invited to call or email us with any questions or concerns they may have.

Michael described the cartridge load options set out in the user’s manual.  There are actually some  more possible settings the user can select.  To avoid getting absurdly complicated, we left them out of the manual.  But they are available on the stock unit.  Anyone who is interested should give me a call. 

Michael makes a good suggestion about putting a few extra shunts (we have taken to calling them “hats”) in the box with each unit.  I think we’ll start doing that. Also, Radio shack sells “surgical pliers” that work very nicely for moving the hats around.

The name seemed like a good idea at the time, but it has proven to be a nuisance.  It’s hard to type, and cumbersome to say.  Our next two products, which should come out this spring, will have simpler, easier names.

Bill Hutchins

Chief Designer

LKV Research, LLC

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