The set-up
Contents
Reference system
- Pass Labs XP-12 pre-amp
- Pass Labs X150.8 power amplifier
- Sonnet Pasithea d/a converter
- AlphaPC (streaming bridge) with Jcat USB and Ethernet
- Pura Dodo power supply on Jcat cards
- Mutec MC3 USB / Mutec REF10-120
- Isotek Titan V5 filter for Pass X150.8
- YETI Reference 1000 for sources
- Yeti power-cables
- Van den Hul Nova speaker cable
- Van den Hul CNT XLR interconnect
- PSI AVAA active bass traps
Turntable setup
- STD 305D record player with SME 3009 series III tonearm
- Primare R35 phono preamplifier
- Hypex DIY preamplifier
We know the Primare R35 very well, both in comparison with other phono preamps and in comparison with other turntables and cartridges. It is our reference phono preamp because the R35 itself adds nothing to the sound. The low noise floor and the ample adjustment settings ensure that we can always achieve optimum tuning. After a few trials, the ‘default’ MM-cartridge values (impedance 47k𝞨 and capacitance load 100pF) worked best.
We auditioned with both the Passlabs preamp and the Hypex preamp in the chain. The Hypex sounds a bit sharper and clearer, but also more spacious. There is less push in the bass, but it is as if a veil is lifted off the albums. Less ‘meaty’, more information. We think that the synergy between the Primare and the Hypex is better with this cartridge and decided to continue listening with the Hypex.
Le Son International – Response
Hi Andrew, thanks for sharing your experience. For readers’ clarity, here are the facts:
Silver interconnects: The cable was delivered on Jan 8, 2025. On Jan 14, you wrote that the sound was “great” and later confirmed your Marantz 2230 had been mis-wired, after which things were “perfect all around.” We offer a 60-day money-back guarantee on all products. Instead of returning the cable, you filed a bank dispute citing “product not received.” The bank refunded you and charged us dispute fees, while you kept the cable.
Warranty going forward: Because of that dispute and the retained product, we ended the business relationship and declined further service. This was about trust and process, not avoiding support. We do honor valid returns and warranties for our customers.
SL1 MKII cartridge claim: Your cartridge claim arose months later and relied on a third-party inspection outside our chain of custody. We cannot verify how the cartridge was handled or tested after it left our care, and given the relationship had already been terminated, we did not proceed.
Build & materials: Our cartridges are hand-assembled with high-grade components (including genuine diamond styli) and are used by satisfied customers worldwide. They are not “cheap knock-offs.”
We care deeply about our community. We back this with a 60-day return policy and a minimum 12-month warranty for legitimate claims. Questions about our processes or quality checks? Reach us at in**@***on.org
I have tried both their silver interconnects and they were bad, open ground, bad construction. I have also had their new mk2 cartridge. The sound was like all the reviews, but they are made cheaply! My rt coil burned out in 6 months. I sent it in to a professional and they said that the coils was open and that there was a small burn mark. After some back and fourth with Gregory, he cut me off and pulled my warranty??? Gregory is real nice…until he is not. There goes $500.00 dollars, Thanks Le Son for your cheap knock-off china cartridges! I learned my lesson, Buyer beware, and move on, and go to an established, real company!