Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp.

Posted by Opus 33 1/3 (A) on March 30, 2014 at 07:39:10

I purchased a factory wired version ($189 plus shipping) set up for MM/HOMC cartridges (40 dB gain, 47K load, 100 pF capacitance). Cartridges used included a Denon DL-110 HO MC and an Ortofon 2M Blue MM. Direct comparisons were made to a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE (2X the Bugles price) and my reference EAR 834P MM preamp (Many X the Bugle's cost). The Bugle 2 can be set up for 40, 50 or 60 dB gain and 47K or 100 Ohms loading.

I was familiar with the first generation Bugle having heard the battery powered version on several occasions. The Bugle 2 dispenses with batteries and has a wall wart PS.

First off, everything comes in a neat semi opaque plastic case, inputs on one end and outputs on the other which I find only slightly inconvenient.

With both carts, the Bugle is neutral with reasonably good extension top and bottom. Background noise is very low with just a faint hisss with the volume cranked up in quiet passages. Bass is full and meaty with very good control. On top, there is no glare or harshness. Dynamics are quite good, too.

In fact, the Bugle 2 joins the Yaqin MS-22 as my top recommendations for under $200 phono preamps. And either stand up to units costing 2-3 times the price. The Bugle 2 and Gram amp 2 SE are a toss up. The Bugle is more neutral and has a slight edge on top. The Gram is tilted slightly to the warm side of neutral and has fuller bass. Take your choice.

Neither, however, approach the 834P's midrange magic, so the EAR remains my reference.

Opus 33 1/3

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Topic - Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp. - Opus 33 1/3 07:39:10 03/30/14 (25)

Nice post - Awe-d-o-file 16:36:59 03/31/14 (0)

How does it compare to the Cornet2 you (we) had/have? /nt - Biff 15:04:36 03/30/14 (1)

Not in the same league, but a good value nonetheless. /nt\ - Opus 33 1/3 16:15:32 03/30/14 (0)

Thanks for your insights and impressions... - musetap 12:26:59 03/30/14 (0)

inputs - ringwear 10:38:12 03/30/14 (4)

RE: inputs - John Elison 19:01:47 03/30/14 (2)

RE: inputs - ringwear 19:11:41 03/30/14 (1)

RE: inputs - John Elison 19:39:50 03/30/14 (0)

what i mean - ringwear 17:19:20 03/30/14 (0)

I know it keeps the cost down, but I'm not a fan of the plastic case - peteSF 10:13:06 03/30/14 (2)

Personally I think it's a marvelous way to go as it keeps the price way down while... - musetap 12:08:42 03/30/14 (0)

RE: I know it keeps the cost down, but I'm not a fan of the plastic case - xaudiomanx 11:49:59 03/30/14 (0)

RE: Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp. - xaudiomanx 07:55:33 03/30/14 (12)

Hagerman PSU(s) Kickstarter? - jusbe 14:29:15 03/30/14 (0)

cornet 3? - valvesonly 11:54:43 03/30/14 (0)

RE: Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp. - John Elison 10:04:20 03/30/14 (2)

RE: Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp. - xaudiomanx 11:59:52 03/30/14 (0)

RE: Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp. - bjh 10:41:56 03/30/14 (0)

RE: "a good power supply can be built for about $250-$300" - 1973shovel 09:27:16 03/30/14 (4)

RE: "a good power supply can be built for about $250-$300" - xaudiomanx 12:11:59 03/30/14 (1)

RE: "a good power supply can be built for about $250-$300" - 1973shovel 14:59:48 03/30/14 (0)

suggested designs? - valvesonly 11:48:12 03/30/14 (1)

RE: "This is electricity after all" - 1973shovel 14:35:34 03/30/14 (0)

Want to keep this a budget phono pre. I have the Graham PSU upgrade supply - Opus 33 1/3 08:18:10 03/30/14 (1)

RE: Want to keep this a budget phono pre. I have the Graham PSU upgrade supply - xaudiomanx 09:21:19 03/30/14 (0)

Initial impressions Hagerman Bugle 2 phono preamp.

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