Authorized dealers for Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC

Wes Bender Studio — United States (website)

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Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC variant 1

Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC variant 2

Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC variant 3

Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC variant 4

Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC

Name: Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC
Brand: Hagerman Audio Labs
SKU: trumpetmcvacuumtubephonostage
Rating: 4.6 (6 reviews)

View at Hagerman Audio Labs

Gain Switching

MC/MM Switching

The Trumpet MC is a world-class phonostage suitable for the most demanding of audiophiles. This 3rd generation model maintains the superb sonic performance of the original, while cleverly cutting costs via technological advancements. The circuit remains fully balanced from input to output, including power supply. Equalization is split-passive with no feedback employed anywhere, resulting in a neutral non-fatiguing sonic presentation. Heaters are DC and a highly specialized internal low-noise boost converter generates B+ and B- rails (after a 40-second delay). A novel differential JFET front-end provides variable gain and loading capabilities needed for MC operation. With this flexibility any cartridge can be used, even MM. Premium components are used throughout, such as polypropylene capacitors and metal film resistors. The aluminum chassis has a rugged powdercoat and is designed to match the Tuba. This will be the last phonostage you ever buy!

Due to popular demand, I've added an MM version that is everything above but with the MC headamp section removed, leaving nothing but pure tube phono. This version is fixed at 44dB gain and 47k & 50pF loading. It uses the same enclosure (but with no loading or gain controls), so a future upgrade to MC status is possible.

Wood Panel Upgrade Kit is now available for older units.

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Professional Reviews 92/100

Deliciously Crispy

Sound Quality

92/100

Cartridge Compatibility

94/100

Build Quality

86/100

Value for Money

96/100

The Trumpet MC pairs tube warmth with an exceptionally silent background, delivering tight, deep bass, rich midrange color and spacious imaging without sacrificing cartridge flexibility. Part Time Audiophile admired its honest balance and black silences, while Positive Feedback highlighted its vivid definition, huge soundstage and remarkable value. With up to 74dB gain, it is a serious vinyl front end for MC and MM systems.

What Reviewers Are Saying

"At $1289 including shipping the Trumpet is mind-blowing and pure phono joy."

— Positive Feedback

"If you want a completely kick-ass, super high performance phono stage at not crazy money, the Hagermanerman Trumpet MC, it's 1,500 bucks."

— Tone Audio

"This is an honest, reliable circuit design that has stood the test of time."

— Part Time Audiophile

Pros

Exceptionally low noise floor preserves deep, black silences and lets images emerge cleanly.

Delivers tight, deep, well-defined bass alongside a musical, detailed and tube-rich presentation.

Wide gain and loading adjustment accommodates low-output MC and MM cartridges effectively.

Performance and versatility substantially outperform its price category, according to multiple reviewers.

Cons

Stock setup may sound slightly soft or rolled off in the highs, though one reviewer improved treble integration by removing two tube dampers.

Minimal dot-only gain and loading markings, plus potential tube balancing, can make initial setup less intuitive for newcomers.

SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100

Reviewers found an unusually quiet, spacious and musically involving tube phono stage with strong definition and a notably natural sense of presence. Its presentation is generally truthful and direct rather than syrupy, although one reviewer heard a slightly softened top end with the supplied tube dampers and a small reduction in the finest performer-to-performer cues.

Transparency Noise Floor

94/100

Low noise is a major strength. Positive Feedback called it dead quiet at every MC loading setting and heard totally silent backgrounds, while Part Time Audiophile likewise found the Trumpet astonishingly quiet and capable of preserving deep, black silences.

Tonal Balance Musicality

91/100

The sound is described as classically tube-like in character but still truthful, direct and honest, with a powerful, detailed midrange and rich bass bloom. One review initially heard a slightly rolled-off high band and another noted a modest loss of the most subtle performer interactions, though removing the tube dampers reportedly restored better treble-to-midrange integration.

Dynamics

90/100

Reviewers describe deep bass with convincing decay and bloom, and the balanced circuit is said to reduce compression associated with transient overload. Positive Feedback also found the presentation forceful and fully engaging on reference records, though direct comments on microdynamic nuance are limited.

Soundstage Imaging

93/100

Positive Feedback heard a huge, deep soundstage, with tight and beautifully defined images set apart by jet-black space. The reviewer found instruments and voices popping naturally into the room, prioritizing musical involvement over mechanical hi-fi effects.

Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.

Cartridge Compatibility

94/100

The Trumpet offers five gain positions reaching 74dB and loading choices from 47 ohms to 47k ohms, giving it useful scope for low-output MC cartridges as well as MM designs. Reviewers specifically note that its adjustable JFET input accommodates virtually any cartridge and report successful use with a Grado moving-magnet cartridge at high gain and 47k loading.

Build Quality

86/100

The compact aluminum enclosure uses a straightforward layout with gold-plated RCA connections, a grounding post, and a separate power supply. Part Time Audiophile praises the established, reliable circuit and premium passive parts, although the minimalist control markings and advice to swap 12AX7 positions if initial sound is off are practical caveats.

Value for Money

96/100

Value praise is emphatic across the reviews: Positive Feedback calls it mind-blowing at its then-current price and says it overachieves its price point, setting a new benchmark below $3,000. Part Time Audiophile calls it a unicorn at the lower price, while Tone Audio regards its current roughly $1,500 cost as not crazy money for its performance; the five-year warranty, trial period and shipping support the appeal.