"Trumpet" Vacuum Tube MM Phonostage

$2699

The Trumpet is a state-of-the-art MM phonostage that uses balanced feedback-free differential triode gain stages and passive equalization. This topology offers incredible linearity and low distortion combined with unrestricted dynamics and clarity, delivering a hugely open and clear sound. The massive power supply is fully choke regulated for clean, impulse-free current draw from the ac line. The Trumpet has earned a Stereophile class "A" recommendation and industry acclaim. For MC capability, just add either a Piccolo headamp or a StepUp transformer.

Features

Specifications

Downloads

Reviews

"The Trumpet proved competitive in direct comparisons with the Lamm Deluxe, with an open, airy, detailed, and thoroughly intoxicating sound ... bass was very well-controlled, texturally coherent, and exceptionally nimble ... pacing and rhythmic flow were stellar ... In short, the Trumpet sounded stunning, and was a total pleasure to listen to - which is what I did for hours." - Michael Fremer (Stereophile class A recommendation!)

"I was particularly impressed with the overall lack of noise. Given that it is a pure tube unit, I expected more hiss and hum. But Hagerman's balanced circuit design and his meticulous attention to all details of noise isolation and tube heating have paid off in a superbly low noise floor and ravishing low-level detail retrieval ... best dynamic authority I have heard on anything short of my Plinius M-14 ... a really beautiful liquidity and utter lack of grain in the midband ... just correct harmonic integrity, excellent background silence, realistic dynamic contrasts, and a remarkable freedom from coloration ... the Trumpet is exceptionally quiet, and an outright bargain of the finest kind at the asking price." - Scot Markwell

"The Trumpet ... was big and dynamic, with a well controlled and powerful bottom end, along with a speed and clarity across the midband that was truly captivating ... The Trumpet had that 'solid state' sound with respect to soundstaging, dynamics, slam, etc., but none of the tradeoffs. It was a smooth and palpable performer that offered an extended and airy treble without a hint of grain, grit, or transistor hardness." - Dave Clark

Testimonials

"The bass I hear is powerful, deep and well defined ... I'm getting really great sound all around and dismissing any thoughts of NOS tubes ... Jim, your Trumpet produces STATE OF THE ART SOUND ... I'm sure it would compare favorably with the best of the best."

"I received the Trumpet last night. Naturally, I had to hook it up right away and listen. It needs more breaking in, but I can already hear it open up. My initial impressions are that it is clean, fast, and incredibly detailed. I was listening through headphones late last night and heard background voices and sounds I didn't know existed on some of my favorite recordings. My overall impression is one of completely effortless performance, with no grain in the highs or any feeling of strain or distortion, and clean musical bass. Kind of amazing to think that as it breaks in, it will just get better. Also, it is pretty ruthless at revealing flaws in recordings."

"That is one fine phono amp. I was listening this morning to a Columbia half speed mastered record of Rampal and Stern playing Vivaldi. All of the instruments were vividly portrayed, especially the solo violin and flute, which were perfectly placed in the soundstage. There was no grain or hint of distortion anywhere. Then I played the Classic 45rpm release of Harry Belafonte singing the blues. He may have been singing the blues, but I was amazed at the clarity of his voice emerging from thin air in front of me."

"After two weeks with my Trumpet, I must say that it's so enjoyable to play record after record and discover detail, shading and nuances that were previously buried in background noise. Also, the explosive dynamics and smoothness of this unit continue to impress."

"Well, the thirty days are up and I just wanted you to know - YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BACK! ... It replaces a Conrad Johnson solid state unit that retailed for $2400 in 1993. The Trumpet is now broken in and invites me into the listening chair, whereas the CJ unit drove me to the other room. The imaging is first rate and I don't know how anyone could describe the sound as not being detailed. Anyhow, I'm very happy. What's not to like? Balanced outputs, tons of iron and great sound from tubes that won't break the bank."

"I am enjoying the preamp more than you can imagine. The unit sounds fabulous even with the Sovtek and EH tubes. With NOS Amperex BB and Telefunkens the preamp is divine."

Copyright 2008, Hagerman Audio Labs is a subsidiary of Hagerman Technology LLC.