Linn phono stages and surface noise

[Jerome W]

This afternoon I had a blast listening to my best friend LP12 SE fully loaded.
It is now equipped with the Urika inboard phonostage.
My friend told me that since he got the Urika, the surface noises almost disappeared. I had some trouble to believe it.
This afternoon I made this incredible experience.
We spinned about 10 records, both mine and his.
The surface noise was 0 on many records, and extremely low on others ; you had to make efforts to hear them.
This was not the case with the same set up and the Linto phono stage.
The Urika seems to be exceptionnal in its ability to reduce to 0 or almost nothing the surface noise.
The Uphorik is the Urika but for non LP12 users.
This listening gave me the will to try the Uphorik.
I was truly shocked by the incredible quality.
I wonder how a phonostage can reduce the surface noise this way.....

[jdandy]

Jérôme.......Perhaps the Urika/Uphorik phono stages are using very narrow band filters at a specific frequency range. Do these phono amps use any type of digital conversion and digital sound processing?

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jérôme.......Perhaps the Urika/Uphorik phono stages are using very narrow band filters at a specific frequency range. Do these phoo amps useany type of digital conversion and digital sound processing?

Dan, this would surprise me coming from Linn but I will check on their website...

[Jerome W]

Dan, here is the product info sheet of the Uphorik : http://www.linn.co.uk/files/03c020e5...nformation.pdf
They say nothing about a DSP. But it does not mean there is no one inside.
I would be very surprised though cause Linn is not Lyngdorf or Theta....

[two dot]

Jerome,

It could also very well be the cartridge?

What was on his TT?

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by two dot

Jerome,

It could also very well be the cartridge?

What was on his TT?

No Stephen.
Cartridge has not been changed.
Surface noise was much higher with the Linto.
Cart is the Linn Akiva MC.
Good try though !

[jdandy]

Jérôme.......Thanks for the data sheet. Since no reference was made to any digital sound processing I feel positive there is none. One thing I did notice is the amazing 105 dB signal to noise ratio. The improved noise floor may be what you are noticing, and misinterpreting as reduced surface noise from the vinyl. There may not have been as much surface noise as you thought, but did not notice this until the phono stage noise floor became so quiet.

[Jerome W]

Dan and Bob,
thanks for your sharings.
I sent an Email to my Linn Elite dealer to get an Uphorik to try at home.
I hope Linn's claim of getting the same performance than with my friend's inboard Urika ( in the Lp12 plinth) is right.
Cheers,

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jérôme.......Thanks for the data sheet. Since no reference was made to any digital sound processing I feel positive there is none. One thing I did notice is the amazing 105 dB signal to noise ratio. The improved noise floor may be what you are noticing, and misinterpreting as reduced surface noise from the vinyl. There may not have been as much surface noise as you thought, but did not notice this until the phono stage noise floor became so quiet.

Dan,
yep, I did not notice but you're right 105 dB is just incredible.
This is probably the reason why my friend and I were saying the same thing : " it looks like we're hearing a cd, but much better" because of the absence of noise...
I really have to try this beast....

[Jerome W]

Here is a nice review if the Uphorik :
Linn Uphorik review from TechRadar UK's expert reviews of Amplifiers
At 1850 British pounds, it seems to be a true giants killer !