Real Life Impressions
Reviews and Customer Comments
A selection of on-line forums and reviews (other deep links moved to the bottom of our Audio Encyclopedia tab)
Steve Hoffman Music Forums:
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/darlington-labs-phono-preamps.1084671/page-50
The Sound Advocate
https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2023/08/darlington-labs-su-7-moving-coil-head-amp-reviewed/
https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2023/01/darlington-labs-mp-7-mm-phono-preamp-reviewed/
https://www.thesoundadvocate.com/2022/05/axpona-2022-full-show-report/
SoundStage!
Audiokarma:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/a-tale-of-two-phono-stages-and-more.1008393/
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/anyone-tried-darlington-labs-preamp.952712/
Needles and Grooves:
https://www.needlesandgrooves.com/threads/the-darlington-labs-thread-new-2024-models.2512/page-4
https://www.needlesandgrooves.com/threads/darlington-labs-mm-6-usa-tour.1653/page-16
https://www.needlesandgrooves.com/threads/darlington-labs-mm-6-phono-preamplifier-review.1534/
Audio Science Review:
Canuck Audio Mart Forums:
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=62918&p=1043803&hilit=darlington#p1043803
>>“Dead quiet, relaxed, with explosive dynamics and huge soundstage. If this was a power amp it'd be a Krell.”
Video from AXPONA 2023:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqq6SXD2EaM The good stuff starts at 32:52. (31:06 to 35:06).
(Emphasis added below to enhance readability. Communications are on file at Darlington Labs.)
MP8B:
“Oh my. I've got the MP8B up and running for a day now and words almost fail me.
Aside from the expected details and enhancements, your work transcends into the level of magic. I simply don't know how to express the effect of what's happening behind and inside my music. The soundstage has gone vertically 3D - I can see the kick and the snare and the hi-hat and the guitar strings. It's inspirational and therapeutic. And addictive. And full happiness. My only regret is that I now have to go through my entire collection and rediscover, which is the best problem to have ;). […]…the emotional enhancements are staggering.” It's like that scene in Pixar's 'Ratatouille' where the food critic Egon gets transported back to his childhood. This is what your work has done to me. It's like I'm hearing my favorite music for the first time again. - Travis in Japan, 2/23/24
—————
“I've received it for a week now and so far it sounds amazing. Very detailed and natural sounding. Quite impressed..” - Justin in Vancouver (2/27/24)
MP7B:
“I wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with your product, even though it is still early days. I am hearing more layers to the music than I did before (Fleetwood Mac Rumors and Paul Simon Graceland). The most noticeable changes were to drums and bass. There is more nuance to the drums and the bass is more pronounced. I think I am now hearing vinyl like I hoped it would sound. I am a very happy Darlington Labs customer!
Please thank all your folks for producing such a wonderful product".” - Paul, 1/29/24
MP-7:
“When I upgraded to a Darlington Labs MP-7 phono stage, it was like all my records were remixed/remastered. I started hearing things that for literally years, I never knew were there; couldn't believe what I had been missing.”
“All the hype is real.”
”Everything everybody said about this amp is not an exaggeration.”
(the same above poster, in April 2022, also on the Steve Hoffman forum.)
Using a Grado Reference Master 1 cartridge, another from England:
“MP-7 arrived this morning - incredibly fast international delivery and no import charges.
It's already up and running and without doubt is the best sounding phonostage I have heard/owned.
Straight from cold it sounds sublime. Listening to Leonard Cohen "I'm Your Man". Imaging and soundstage is incredibly precise - vocals have so much more expression/emotion than I've heard before. Frequency response sounds totally flat with no obvious lift/loss and noise is very low - as is surface noise. Lots of detail with deep controlled bass and clean top end with no hint of hardness.
Put simply it's the most musical presentation I've heard. An absolute snip at the price.”
Steve from England (November 2022)
Vs. the Threshold Fet One Series 2:
Source chain is currently Soundsmith Otello on a Technics SL1200 to the Darlington, to a Threshold Fet One Series 2, to an Aragon 4004 paired with modified Bozak Concert Grands. Compared to the phono preamp built into the Threshold, the stage you guys have designed is better in nearly every way. Better low end extension and grip, wider deeper stage, and a more natural treble presentation. Very impressive!
Im an electrical technician by trade and decided to take it apart and am very impressed by the internal build quality and intelligent engineering choices. You guys really managed to make full use of the PCB. The hand soldering is very nice and appreciate that you guys hand assemble something at this price point. Thank you for making a solid product!
magnepanman from Illinois on eBay (November 2022)
A Review from Oregon:
“Maybe the highest praise I can give is - it's defeated the analytical part of my brain. Music just sounds right, natural, the way it should be. Detail is there, but it doesn't scream out "Detail!" I guess I had a mental image of what "transparency" sounds like, but this is something better. I can enjoy vinyl playback in the background, or listening to it closely - in either case, it brightens my mood in a way it didn't quite before. Whatever you've done, I enjoy it".” - Ryan from Oregon, an MP-7 client, August 2022.
A Review from England:
I received the MP-7. I’ve been away but on my return I have had a good session & all I can say is WOWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
I am truly lost for words.
I took my TT (called an Inspire Force 10 (UK made high mass platter thingy) with its SME 3009 II (rewired with a single head shell to RCA mod…), the Shure M95ED / Jico SAS/B stylus & the MP-7, to my brother-in-law who is also an enthusiast. Just for a 2nd opinion & someone who appreciates the nuances of a music reproduction.
We both have never had such a revelation with music we know very well.
I love Radiohead & am extremely familiar with them on various platforms. Thom Yorke’s voice on vinyl through my modest setup was simply outstanding. Precise. Distinct. Had a tone I’d never heard before.
You can latch onto any instrument or aspect of the track & follow it with ease. With a renewed awareness & appreciation.
John Martyn – Solid Air. Caught things I’d never heard EVER!
Depeche Mode – 12” Personal Jesus. O my life!!!
We may need to order another Phono stage to suit different cartridges. I’m overwhelmed with your service, your product & your passion.
I’m not familiar with the “correct” terminology when trying to articulate my experience. Apologies.
A simple thank you doesn’t seem to cut it. But THANK YOU!”
Ian in England (October 2022)
Vs. the Musical Surroundings Phonomena:
“Sounds great, better than my Musical Surroundings Phonomena. The noiseless background is particularly impressive.” -
Phil in TX (October 2022)
Vs. the Cambridge Duo:
“Listening to the MP7 now; coming off a Cambridge Duo, which was no slouch.
First lemme just say I'm always skeptical of glowing reviews.
Everyone's system is different and so are our ears.
All the hype is real.
Everything everybody said about this amp is not an exaggeration.
It's like I'm hearing a different version of music I thought I knew by heart (when did they add that part in?).
Soundstage, detail, attack and decay (the cymbals and hi-hat!), piano notes ring! I didn't know what I was missing.
Background instruments are now upfront and vocals are presented a with a little more emphasis.
On certain songs it's like they've been remastered; almost like how some MFSL is a bit hot, without the fatigue.
Involving.
Like others have said, now I have to listen to all my vinyl again. It makes my digital sound dead.
Thank you Darlington Labs for making this and not making me spend beaucoup bucks.
Can't wait to see what they come up with next.” Theflattire on Steve Hoffman Music Forum - (April 2022)
Vs. the Tisbury Audio Domino, an extended review from Chicago:
" This thing is Stunning...
My first thoughts were:
So Real, so smooth...
These were my first impressions from first few days I've heard it...
Time passed, and I've heard more and more of my favorite albums..
I no longer have thoughts about the differences and flavors... I had to Accept it as the ultimate TRUTH about what my cartridges are sending, and what is in the groove...
Hearing Hi Hats, sizzling cymbals like this... with their distinctive character...
(Yes, I play on drums)..
Vocals, Trumpet, Vibraphone...
So real... So smooth... So Rich...
Very different than my lesser Phono, ($200 UK Phono based on Op Amps), that sound "smaller", brighter, and more monotonous...[English design in a small aluminum box with the thick wooden front which uses 2 x NJM4585 op amps - DLabs ed.]
MP-7 translate the character of each album so much better... never rob it out of character.
It also does some Magic with surface noise... It became smooth and dark, highs became separated, elevated instead of mixed with noise and pops..
Soundstage and depth are amazing...
It is really hard to exactly say how far the tweeters are, sounds, vocals are layered, coming from different sound planes... ("CSN").
As I said before sound is Big, RELAXED and Smooth...
You got timbre and precision without highs ever sounding sharp...
MP-7 is super transparent, in a friendly way, really disappearing, just letting you enjoy the Music...
Switching from other Phono to MP-7 is a wonderful moment...
..And going back to the lesser preamp.... Not a pleasant moment...
MP-7 is my End Game Phono... Love it...
Cartridges Used in Review: Shelter 201, Grado Gold3 (also with 8MZ stylus), Shure M97xe, Nagaoka MP-500.
RCA Cables used in Review: Mogami 2497. Music: Burt Bacharach "Lost Horizon", Esther Phillips "Burnin' ", Buddy Guy "Blues Singer", Herbie Hancock "Empyrean Isles", McCoy Tyner "Asante", Steve Kuhn "Last Year's Waltz", Bill Evans "Sunday Night...", Gil Evans "Plays Music of Jimi Hendrix", "Slaves" Soundtrack (Grady Tate).”,
(Maciek S. from Chicago, who has auditioned all of our units and owns an MP-7, March 2022).
After many other preamps, the MP-7 is his last, after one month:
“You guided me to the MP-7 and I cannot believe what occurred after a month spent with this little gem. Music. Simply exquisite music that led me back to my vinyl collection. Damn you, I now feel motivated to listen to every record I own and that’s going to take some time.
Obviously, the MP-7 is not my first phono preamp but it will be my last. I cannot adequately express my thanks for creating a path back to pure vinyl pleasure. Is every album somehow better? Obviously not ,but for the first time in quite a while I am just sitting back and chilling to the vibe. For those of us that are not locked in on listening for a cymbals decay, you have created a peaceful avenue to the essence of musical reproduction.”
I pray for your continued success, Respectfully, Dennis Caruana - Long Island, NY - (March 2022)
A professional musician weighs in:
“The MP-7 is mighty nice. As a fellow musician said comparing Walter Light timpani to mass-produced instruments, "the sound is less confused." The sound stage, long heard of and now heard, is deep and wide. Complex, dense textures that used to be a bit mushy (like simultaneous piano, B3 organ, D6 clavinet, and ARP string ensemble) are more cleanly and clearly presented. The sound is as if a few veils have been pulled back, and is free and effortless. The music flows, the electronics are so inobtrusive. The clone jacks are a delight. The preamp is exquisitely well-built. Customer service is cheerful and among the very best anywhere.”
“I am amazed that I spent such an amount of money on something untried. The other phono stages under consideration fell by the wayside after reading the reviews from actual paying customers and reading the technology […] employed in design […]. Am glad to support an American business […] and am grateful to have this gear helping me enjoy reproduced music so much more. Thank you.” - Ray M. from Georgia (January 2022).
Vs. the Jolida JD9:
Wow, the MP7 sounds fantastic! I have a Jolida JD9, and MP7 is superior in every way. The amount of detail is amazing, I'm impressed by the amount [of] clarity, tone, and texture it provides. It has brought new life to my vinyl collection. If I ever want to give MC cartridges a try I know where to go for a SUT. I'll be keeping an eye out for other products from Darlington Labs as well. - Rick R. from Florida (January 2022).
A classical music perspective:
“I've been listening to my new MP-7 for the last week after leaving it on for a few days burn in. Importantly-I won't be returning it! My overall impression is of dense, rich musicality, with increased clarity . I listen almost exclusively to classical music, mostly orchestral. My wife prefers solo piano and smaller ensemble pieces, so the MP-7 has had a good workout. Solo piano was conveyed as rich and solid, with excellent piano tone. Strings sounded good from massed violins to string bass. A good LP to demonstrate this is the Academy of St Martin in the Fields recording of Rossini string sonatas on the Argo label. I first heard this as a demo disc used by Mr Raymond Cooke to demonstrate his KEF speakers in 1969! It has the advantages of excellent playing and recording, and a prominent role for solo double bass.
Large symphonic works display good sound stage presentation[…]
I have had no noise problems (Rega RP6) and the mono switch produces a noticeable improvement on mono recordings.
I do not have 'Golden Ears' and so it's not appropriate to pontificate on subtleties. Overall I am very happy with the preamp and it has significantly increased my enjoyment of my LP collection.”: - Mike from Ohio (November 2021)
A succinct verdict arrives from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin:
“The verdict: MP-7 is making analog playback so enjoyable that I consider it an end-game phono preamp regardless of price.” - Roger, Fort Atkinson, WI (August 2021).
Comparison to the Mytek Brooklyn:
The MP-7 sounds extremely clear - it just gets out of the way. Not harsh, not boomy, not forward - I'm very pleased.
A week later:
“Can't think of anything bad to say about it, it continues to shine on everything I play through it from Billie Holiday to My Bloody Valentine.” (Nick K, San Jose, CA, June 2021, on Steve Hoffman forum)
Versus op-amp based preamps:
“I’ve gone through a handful of phono stages in the last decade most of them op amp based…but the MP-7 is killer..there’s so much more presence and layering to the music it took me by surprise.” - Jon M, North Carolina (June 2021)
After thirty years of searching, the MP-7 “delivers”:
“For 30 years I've listened to my system carefully to decipher separate instruments (like a flute and clarinet played in unison). Today for the first time ever, things just presented themselves clearly, independently, and together. So easy to identify separate instruments! ...I didn't have to listen super carefully, they were just apparent...
Here is one that threw me. I kinda attempt to play drums, so I'm into picking apart rhythms. I played one record several times the other day not quite able to figure out how they were syncopating & timing the playing. This afternoon, within one measure, the timing & syncopation was crystal clear. I was able to immediately figure out what was going on! It just happened, so naturally and effortlessly!
From what I can tell in the first hour, the MP-7 has brought my system up to the next level. I'm at the point of diminishing returns. I didn't think it would be feasible for me to get it to this level. Thank you for creating this outrageously affordable ultra high quality preamp!”
At 1:30AM EST we continue to hear more of the story:
“well I can't sleep. Your work is beyond words superb.
hidden vocals that used to be interesting sounds are now clearly spoken words I can make out.
That click of the front end of a ride cymbal or hihat attack is crisper cleaner and smoother than ever.
favorite records i've heard hundreds of times are revealing new nuances that could never be heard before.
I've listened to Supertramp Crime of the Century for decades - every time I play it I look for & usually find something I hadn't noticed before. Today there was so much new stuff I had to quit looking for details, sit back, and just take in the whole thing as a massive tidal wave of music. Every moment revealed something I hadn't noticed before.
Resolution. I'm a resolution nut. The MP-7 has it!” - Gary S, Indiana (June 2021)
Vs. the Parasound JC3 Jr:
“Bass dynamics, midrange dynamics, dynamic dynamics! […] The midrange and treble dynamics give the listener the feeling that the resolution of musical detail is dramatically improved. I also note that the soundstage is larger than the [JC3] Jr. and the MM-6. Instruments are widely placed with pinpoint special resolution. The MP-7 paints a musical image that is quite beautiful.”
A day later:
“I’m still blown away by the MP-7. “ - Jim N, a client from Virginia (June 2021).
SU-7 and MP-7 LOMC Combo:
“Writing this today [4/21/2022] I am aware that your 'normal' busy must be in overdrive about now as AXPONA 2022 is only hours away...should be a great success showcasing your designs. I hope that you do great business and receive some acknowledgement due from your peers for blazing a trail based on sound observations with critical and original thought.
Listening to my SU-7+MP-7 combination proved immediately to be in a another league with such precise definition of voices, they are revealed by a new level of clarity that my valve phono stage could never match.
From the bedrock of a super quiet background the power of dynamics and speed of transients are presented with such convincing authority.
The 'Darlington sound' is the best vinyl playback that I have experienced so far.
Already for me Darlington Labs is a trusted brand achieving the stated aims of quality and value.
Best of all in this age of 'digital dead ends' is your ability to give thoughtful email replies to all who enquire. More power to you! “
Michael B, England (UK), owner of an MM-6 from Spring 2021 and recent buyer of an MP-7+SU-7 (receiving a generous trade-in allowance on the MM-6). (April 2022)
“…the SU-7 -> MP-7 combo delivers an outstanding low end performance. It’s really not even a subtle difference compared to the other phonos I’ve heard. It digs deeper down to that bottom of the low frequency range and is never bloated or sloppy. A friend had me convinced that I needed a sub to fill out the sound of my system…that’s no longer the case.
DJSpinner on Steve Hoffman Music Forum - (April 2022)
“I have received my SU-7 which I have paired with an MP-7. Very, very happy. It's very quiet, great detail, soundstage, space around instruments, wonderful imaging. I am very much enjoying it so far. These are just my initial impressions from only listening to a couple of albums. These are an absolute bargain.”
TSWisla on Steve Hoffman Music Forum - (April 2022).
“I can't believe how quiet this combo is [SU-7+MP-7]. […] I've never heard imaging like this before. Even though I'm experiencing a huge wall of sound, I can distinctly pick out instrument location and distance. I can't imagine it getting better after burn-in. My expectations have already been exceeded.”
Budley on Steve Hoffman Music Forum - (April 2022)
MM-6:
Vs. the I-Fi Zen:
“The MM-6 is leaps and bounds a better phono preamp than the [I-Fi] Zen. The MM-6 has amazing clarity, timing, instrument separation, enormous sound stage, and 3D that you can reach out and touch. And it's made right here in Massachusetts USA. I've bought (and sold) almost a dozen phono preamps. The Darlington MM-6 is absolutely the best I've ever heard. Keeping this one, no question. Highly recommended. - MongoLike, username on Needles and Grooves website (April 2022).
“I want to thank you very much your mm6 has changed my audio life.” - bruce1home (907) eBay purchase (April 2022).
A two-month summary:
“This unit was very musical no matter what music I listen to.
On classical music, you could hear the separation of instruments very clearly all the way to the back of the soundstage.
The soundstage was very wide and deep. I never heard any distortion when the music reached very loud levels.
The MM-6 never overloaded or sounded congested due to a loud passage.
The MM-6 has great bass and strong dynamics. The tone and transients of all the instruments in the orchestra sounded natural.
On rock albums, the male and female voices sounded smooth without sibilance.
The midrange and highs in all my listening was excellent.
A great unit at a great price!
After listening to many other phono preamps, this one is a winner.
I enjoyed listening to preamp so much that I found myself tapping my feet to the music.
Thanks […] for some wonderful engineering".” Lee G., Long Island, NY (September 2021)
Comparison to the Audio Research SP-8:
“I have been comparing your phono stage to the phono stage in my ARC sp-8. The sp-8 uses a classical negative feedback stage with 12AX7 and I thought it had a nice warm sound. With the MM-6 there's much more detail with a little loss in warmth. The gain in detail makes up for the loss of warmth. I like to listen to Irish music, fiddle, tin whistle and pipes all playing together. With the MM-6 you hear the separate instrument as played together in the group. I think you have a very good phono stage, highly recommended.” - John S, a client from Wisconsin (May 2021).
“Phono amp is extraordinary. All vinyl aficionados should seriously look at this.”
“Good communication, great price/value ratio, and overall a great vendor. Kudos!” natales (141) (#193941620658) - eBay purchase (June 2021)
"Darlington MM-6's sound is as different as their technology...
“[The] Sound is unusually Big, Smooth, Musical... ...projected right in front of you reaching you almost like with open headphones, while staying warm and smooth... That closeness is very special... "
Weeks pass and the MM-6 continues to settle in…
“This thing sound[s] absolutely Stunning...I think it took some 3 weeks of being on most of the time and see music every night, for it to really bloom...
It's Spectacular...All my previous observations are still the same, just better...Played early Mayall recordings…Never heard them like that... Dynamics, these piercing notes... Texture of horn section... Not crushed by a lesser electronics... It really shine[s] with Nagaoka MP-500 which gave similar qualities among my cartridges..
You can be very proud of this Phono stage... :)” Maciek S, client from Chicago, IL (May 2021).
An extended review with a Nagoaka MM, SL1200 Mk7 TT, and Focal speakers:
“As I listened to an old Capitol Records album of Dolores Gray (which I know the orchestral nuances quite well), bringing the volume up only lay emphasis on the subtle textures created by the strings, guitar, glockenspiel, drums and bass, without straining, and without being obnoxiously loud, in your face. I hear more separation between instruments, specially vocals. The sound overall is round, light yet bold, easier to listen to than the Schiit Mani (which I still like BTW!!!). The Mani is going to my second set up, in the bedroom.”
A day later the review continued:
“A few more observations regarding the sound of the MM6. It's simply astonishing how George Shearing's piano sparkles in ways I haven't heard prior to the MM6. Dynamics are also remarkably realistic (since I play the piano myself, can really tell). And lastly, for now, I'm finally enjoying increasing the volume and not feeling disturbed by how loud it sounds. It just sounds BIGGER, not louder. And I guess, overall, it also has to do with my Nagaoka cartridge, now having a chance to show a little more of it's capabilities. Consequently, my entry level Focals are better than I thought. The MM6 is serving my entire system really well!!!” -
Four more days pass:
“I'm amazed...Today I listened to an amazing album, arranged by the great Claus Ogerman, with Jan Akkerman on guitar. Was blown away by how much "air" and space there is around the orchestral textures, as well as the ease of Akkerman's guitar sound. I know this album really well and that's the first time I get to experience it this way.”
“After 4 days playing records, the MM6 is blooming. I'm ReDiscovering my record collection. I've been telling a few friends who love audio how great the MM6, working with my Technics [SL-1200] mk7 TT. I'm done upgrading my analog set up for possibly a very long time, if ever.”
- Gus C, from a Boston, MA suburb (May 2021)
“I can’t recommend the Darlington Labs MM-6 more highly.”
“Outstanding phono preamp. ”
eBay listing #193815954999 from eBay user guava23 (2870) - March 2021
“MM6 is richly musical, made listening to favorite LPs a new joy! Real audio value!”
eBay listing #193767347260 from eBay user ‘diamondbackdave’ - January 2021
“This thing is amazing. So open and natural, and that bass! Wonderful sound!”
Jack G’s assessment of the MM-6 from an eBay purchase - February 2021; 193815954999
MM-5:
“I'm really enjoying the MM-5. Absurdly quiet and three dimensional. I was concerned that returning to a solid-state phono pre would be lacking, but this is extremely well implemented. The mono switch works very well and I'm glad I added it.” - Anthony in WA (Jan. 2022).
The above client had purchased a competitor’s T-11 Vaccum tube unit via the biggest online seller, and had two of them fail in rapid succession.
“Just a short note to say thank you for creating an affordable (high quality) preamp (mm-5). It has enabled me to enjoy my vinyl.” - Paul in WV (Jan. 2022).
“Awesome phono preamp; wipes the floor with my vintage Yamaha Naturalsound integrated phono preamp - now I have extended freq. response, optimized gain staging for my power amp, lower noise floor, and above all: a very pleasant sounding preamp that I enjoy listening through!” classicvintageproaudio (560) in October 2021
“Just wanted to send a note to say thank you for your communication with my purchase. The sound quality of this preamp is ridiculous compared to the price. Nice wide soundstage, great dynamics, and the midrange are just unbelievable. There is almost no sound [noise] floor whatsoever.”
Feedback from Michael S, a client in northern MN (May 2021).
“The MM-5 is an excellent product beyond brand names and conditional reviews. It delivers great musicality and amazing detail retrieval and tight bass.”
ma_51me_foaihnale (26), a purchase from our eBay store (#193759333606) (April 2021)
“A very coherent and rich texture accentuated by an elevated level of detail not expected at this price point.”
Greg M. (March 2021) a satisfied client (and high end industry veteran) regarding his MM-5. (March 2021)
“Wow! What an upgrade. Really brings my old vinyl to life. This is really a fabulous sounding preamp.”
eBay listing (#193759333606) from eBay user ‘markedat2222’ (January 2021)
“High quality build. Great value. Heavy constuction. Very satisfied with my MM-5!”
eBay listing (#193759333606) from eBay user ‘deertracebill’ (January 2021)
“One of the best sounding phono stages you can find. Very clear and dynamic.”
eBay listing (#193759333606) from eBay user ‘tonehaus’ (December 2020)
“Non-congested and effortless…Very clean sound, like I was listening right from a console feed…”
“It just begged you to turn up the volume it sounded so good.” - Ryan A, a client from WI (December 2020)