Iso/Hera or Trichord Dino?

I've the opportunity to purchase the Hera power supply for my Iso but have been considering the newer Trichord Dino (which I'd get the psu for in the relatively near future anyway) as an alternative.

Has anyone made the change to the newer phono stage (or have any experience of it)? The Iso, although incredibly detailed, can sound a bit too analytical, whereas reviews* on the Dino reckon it's far more of a get-up-and-boogie product.

Any thoughts?

*Which I always take with a pinch of salt

 

I have a Dino and like it. I doubt it's significantly better than what you already have, however.

-- Ian

 

I have had both at the same time.

They are not really from the same stable.

the iso is tom evans from a linear technology application note.

the dino is graham fowler, similar topology.IC;s and passive RIAA.

here are my impressions

the dino has far more bass and drums coming through, it makes the iso sound bass light. The hera does not change this.

The iso is analytical, but musical, and it has great midrange, clean and clear, more so than the dino.

The dinos mid to treble is slightly dulled and less clear, however I found I could easily live with it and preferred the extra bass emphasis it gave.

I kept the dino. I could have been happy with both but for me, dino.

 

How do the EAR 834 and Gram Slee Era Gold compare with these two?

 

got an 834p mc transformers turn an excellent mm into a good mc, not brill.
Clear in mid, not quite the same as iso, less bass despite reports than dino

I would have any. Overall all about the same.

 

I used to have an 834P. If you use a low-output MC, IMO the stock Dino (without upgrade PSU) is better. Never tried the 834P with an MM, however.

-- Ian

 

Do try the Dino with the uprated power supply it makes a nice difference plus I believe Trichord do an uprated power i/c to go between the two. Wm

 

Thanks for the very useful comments folks.

Well...not one to hang around, I've been and bought a Dino. Hooked it up about 4 hours ago so first impressions:

The Dino sounds a little bit more congested than the Iso but apart from that, I'd say it was a move in the right direction. Bass lines now appear to actually interact with the rest of the rhythm section as opposed to just being a detached sound, bereft of direction and drive - the ensemble sounds like they've had a decent rehearsal.

On The The 'This is the Day' the bass synth starts and stops more clearly for example and makes the song 'bounce' better. The vocals are probably a mite more 'chesty' than the Iso, but conversely, lyrics seem to be easier to understand - it's as though the colour of vowel sounds is more pronunced with the Dino - less need to look at the hymn sheet!

As to tonal qualities (something which to me is only really relevant in a-b comparisons) the Dino is slightly brighter but on the whole I'd definitely say it's an improvement on the Iso.

One happy bunny

Oh...also got a Techno-weight for the RB300. Did the Dino first and listened, then the Techno. To say that Techno was worth every penny and more would be an understatement. I never realised my little Proacs could have such good bass! A definite 2-thumbs-up.

 

Bit late now, but Midland Audio Exchange have a Lehmann Black Cube SE with extra power supply for £449, and also a McCormack MM/MC stage for £399...
Both very nice indeed, though the MCCormack is a touch American sounding (which isn't necessarily a bad thing!)
http://www.midlandaudiox-change.co.uk/main/contents_db.asp?subCat=Analogue&mainCat=SpecialOffer

 

Works very well indeed with a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S.
Still beats my CDP in the all round stakes!