92%

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

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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Overall Score 92/100

Deliciously Crispy

Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC — compact, tube-hybrid phono stage

The Trumpet MC delivers a warm yet highly transparent tube signature with tight, deep bass, articulate midrange and an open, layered soundstage. Reviewers from Marc Phillips and Robert H. Levi praised its astonishingly quiet background, dynamic drive and very good imaging. Its balanced JFET–tube hybrid front end, split-passive EQ and five gain/loading settings make it flexible with both MC and MM cartridges. The minimalist three-pound aluminum chassis houses user-adjustable loading and gain (front-panel dots) and ships with power supply and tubes. Ideal for listeners wanting a tubey, musical upgrade to a solid-state rig or a budget-conscious audiophile seeking reference-level transparency. Given its sound and features, the Trumpet MC represents exceptional value in its price band.

Positive Feedback

"The Trumpet MC/MM Phono Stage from Hagerman Audio Labs over-achieves its price point and sets a new standard for phono stages under $3000."

Part Time Audiophile

"The Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC was also astonishingly quiet for an allegedly stripped-down, old-fashioned tube phono pre."

Pros

Exceptionally low noise floor and transparency — preserves deep silence and fine detail even at high MC gain.
Strong dynamics and controlled, deep bass with good decay and bloom for expressive transient drive.
Highly flexible cartridge compatibility and tweakability — five loading/gain positions, JFET front end and tube-rolling potential suit MC and MM users.
Outstanding value — reviewers note reference-like performance and features that outperform typical expectations at this price point.

Cons

Slight high-band roll-off in stock configuration that some listeners may find mildly attenuates top-end air.
Minimalist front-panel markings (dot system) and lightweight, utilitarian case may be confusing to novices during setup.
No muting when changing loading/gain — adjustments can produce loud clicks if made with system volume up.

Transparency

92/100

Multiple reviewers explicitly praise the Trumpet's background silence—"dead quiet" and "proverbial blackness"—even under MC gain, which directly supports an excellent transparency rating. Despite tube topology (which can be noisier), the reports of a "totally silent" background and "vanishingly low noise floor" justify a top-tier score; measured SNR spec (70 dBA @0.5mV) is modest but reviewers' real-world listening impressions take precedence here.

Sound Quality

90/100

Listeners report strong transient drive and punch—"took no prisoners," "fabulous performance at 68dB," and less compression from the differential front-end—indicating excellent micro- and macro-dynamics. Tight, deep bass with good decay and bloom also supports lively, engaging dynamics.

Cartridge Compatibility

92/100

Very flexible: multiple input loadings (47, 100, 220, 470, 1k, 47k ohm) and five gain settings cover wide MM and MC use; reviewers state "any cartridge can be used, even MM." Fixed input capacitance (150pF) and minimalist markings are minor limitations, but the adjustable MC loading and multi-gain architecture justify an excellent compatibility score.

Build Quality

88/100

Internals use quality parts (polypropylene caps, metal film resistors), DC heater scheme and a specialized low-noise boost converter were noted, and it ships with PSU and tubes—points in favor of solid engineering. The external chassis is simple and lightweight (three-pound aluminum case) with modest cosmetics and few frills, so build is very good but not ultra-luxury.

Value for Money

95/100

Both reviewers use strong positive language about value—"mind-blowing," "over-achieves its price point," "a unicorn at the lower price"—and one explicitly calls it exceptional at roughly $1,100–$1,289. Multiple reviewers argue it sets a new standard for its segment and includes five-year warranty/free shipping, supporting a top-tier value rating.