Yes. The SME runs RCA to the Lampizator which runs balanced XLR to the balanced analog inputs on the Cascade. No pre-amp. Sounds awesome.
the Lampizator has 74db of Gain so I think I’m getting about 4v of max output which is more than sufficient. The whole thing is dead quiet, no hiss or hum.
I love how you isolated the electronics from the speakers. Beautiful listening room. I’m thinking of an upgrade on my TT the VPI HW-40 An.. How do you like the SME? I’m still amazed how good vinyl sounds on a well recorded LP! Hard to beat.
I love the SME. The setup is dead simple. It’s quiet, it’s rock solid, the clamp is great, it’s just totally point and shoot. It’s been the longest lived component in my system and I have zero desire to upgrade it. I also really like the Lampizator phono stage as well, but my awesome dealer @almaaudio has me convinced to try the Nagra Classic phono stage. So maybe I will make a change there, but the SME is staying put.
Lovely system and lay out. Have you considered to put the Cascade Converter and power supply closer to the S500? No need for a expensive long XLR cable and maybe an upgrade to a short XLR… just an idea
I’d love to do that, unfortunately I’d need the same long XLR cable from my phonostage to the analog section of the Cascade. That 5M XLR will be in the mix one way or another.
That’s an amazing setup. I’m sure the sound is incredible already, and it will only get better once everything is fully run in. A treated room would be the perfect finishing touch.