jrobbins wrote:

I am confused by Michael Fremer's review of the Liberty Audio B2B-1 phono preamp.  He enthuses that it is like a mini Boulder 1008 and a tremendous value.  Side by side against the Soundsmith MCP2, he says it can't compare.  Yet, in the Recommended Components, the Soundsmith is given a B class rating, while the supposedly far superior Liberty Audio unit gets a C class rating.  Perhaps there is an error in Stereophile's listing or did I miss something in the review?

There was indeed an error in the listing. Michael's recommended ratings were Class B for the Liberty and Soundsmith MCP2 and C for the Soundsmith MMP3. I must therefore have made a mistake when compiling the listing. We will adjust the Liberty's rating in the April 2012 issue. Aplogies for my confusion.

John Atkinson

Editor, Stereophile

there are so many variables that it is difficult to say which one.  one clue for a starting point would be if you find yourself turning up the volume to get more bass (at the same time getting more treble) if so, i would start by checking the things you already have such as the cartridge adjustment.  the vta can affect the perception of bass.  does your current unit allow for any impedence loading?  that can make a great difference.  for example, if the unit is running open at 47K and the loading recommendation from the mfr. is 100 ohms, then the treble will seem over emphasised.  by adding the loading, it will put more emphasis on the bass.  if you have a great digital front end, it might make your analog sound bass shy if any of the above factors are not correct.  will you get perfect bass from the setup you described, probably not the very deepest, not because you don't have good gear, but that table may not be able to produce the very bottom.  you may have to upgrade eventually.

good luck

i have heard only good comments about the gear you are using, except I don't know anything about the phono pre.  yes, they can make an important difference.  i like your idea about having the dealer check out your setup if you don't feel up to it.  once that is right, then you can be pretty sure that an upgraded phonopre will give you some benefits, whether they are what you are looking for is up to you.  do they have a return policy?  also keep in mind that it takes a while for electrical componants to break in and the sound might not be all it can be for the first 100 hours or so.

let me know how it goes.

tom