Recommendations for phono preamp build

[mike_mcf]

I am looking to build a phono preamp to use with the Salas DCB1 buffer. The Pass DIY Pearl 2 is an obvious candidate. I am thinking of something that would compete with a commercial model in the $2-3K range.

What do you suggest?

 

[zacster]

Spend a lot less money and look at Boozhound. For the price it is worth a shot even if ultimately you go for something more expensive (I didn't say better.)

 

[brucetassin]

Try this.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/270469-phono-jfet-popular-electronics-may-1969-a.html

I am building this now. I should have it up and running in about a week.
I will post results when I get it done.

 

[vinylkid58]

The Pass DIY Pearl 2 is an obvious candidate.

Most definitely, based on many years with a Pearl 1.

jeff

 

[brucetassin]

I forgot to add pictures.

 

[mike_mcf]

Spend a lot less money and look at Boozhound. For the price it is worth a shot even if ultimately you go for something more expensive (I didn't say better.)

I was looking at the boozehound and it looks like a pretty good candidate. Minimal parts, simple design and high quality. I wonder how good it sounds? I would have liked to see some specs published.

 

[mike_mcf]

Try this.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/270469-phono-jfet-popular-electronics-may-1969-a.html

I am building this now. I should have it up and running in about a week.
I will post results when I get it done.

That's interesting, but it is a full blown preamp and I am only looking for a phono preamp. It must have been pretty good though in its day (1971).

 

[SY]

Maybe start by deciding which cartridge you're going to use? That's the single most important factor in selection.

 

[brucetassin]

Mike

Here is another to look at

http://chemelec.com/Projects/Preamp-1/Preamp-1.png


I built that one also and it was the best sounding pre I have so far.

 

[mike_mcf]

Most definitely, based on many years with a Pearl 1.

jeff

The Pearl 2 has a lot more parts than the boozehound, but the specs are published and the design is discussed in detail. It wasn't designed by the legendary Nelson Pass, but it has the Pass DIY endorsement. There are instructions to tweak the circuit for MM or MC, so only one board required per channel.

The standard circuit has 55dB of gain with another 10dB available with some component substitution. Since I will be using it with the B1 buffer and a low output MC, gain is a factor.

The MM boozehound only provides 40db of gain, but you can pick up an additional 30dB with the MC kit. Also, the boozehound wants a 12-24V power supply, so I can run it off the same supply as the B1. The Pearl requires it's own transformer and PS.

 

[mike_mcf]

Maybe start by deciding which cartridge you're going to use? That's the single most important factor in selection.

Right now I have a Shelter 901. It is pretty amazing, so I will likely just get it retipped as required. It is a low output MC, spec'ed at .5mV, but reported to be louder than .9-1.0mV cartridges.

 

[SY]

Wow, actual specs for that are difficult to find! Know the DCR by any chance?

 

[Hikari1]

I highly recommend the Salas folded phono stage with shunt regs.

Boozehound is OK, doesn't do MC without a step-up. I've had both, the Salas is superb.

 

[mike_mcf]

I highly recommend the Salas folded phono stage with shunt regs.

Boozehound is OK, doesn't do MC without a step-up. I've had both, the Salas is superb.

I didn't know Salas had a phono stage. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[nezbleu]

I highly recommend the Salas folded phono stage with shunt regs.

Boozehound is OK, doesn't do MC without a step-up. I've had both, the Salas is superb.

+1

It is also a good match with the DCB1, that is what i use. SY is right, so read the build guide carefully to select components that suit your cartridge.

To answer SYs question, the Zhelter 901 is supposed to have an output impedance of 20R, but i don't know the DCR.

 

[vinylkid58]

Know the DCR by any chance?

These guys say 9 ohms: Shelter 901 MkII, 9000, & Harmony MC Moving Coil Phono Cartridges | Hi-Fi+

Same here: http://audiorevelation.com/products/shelter-901-mk-ii/

I'm going to assume internal resistance and DCR are one and the same?

I didn't know Salas had a phono stage. Thanks for the heads up!

There's also the Valve Itch.

jeff

 

[Hikari1]

And the phonoclone if you are not allergic to IC's.

 

[Hikari1]

Also, the Paradise phono stage seems to be getting a lot of attention here. If I had to make a choice...I would probably go with the Salas or the Paradise if cost is not a concern.

For what it's worth, the boozehound is happiest at 24V and likes a very clean supply (i.e. batteries). And you will need a step up. The Salas can be built for MM or MC w/no step up. The Phonoclone and Paradise are MC only I think.

What amp/speakers you using? I didn't have alot of luck with a passive pre and vinyl. Even a buffered passive. Just didn't have enough drive for my Pass F5 and 90db-ish speakers.

 

[6L6]

For a low output MC like your Shelter, you can't go wrong with the His Master's Noise or the Pearl 2. (Or the Salas folded...)

I've built the Pearl 2. Love it.


The HMN and Salas are both in process on my bench.

 

[SY]

The DCR is important here for looking at what sort of input device/topology would be best (for most MCs, the impedance = DCR). If it's well less than 10R, you have a good dynamic range at 0.5mV@5cm/s, so you'd want something with a bipolar input using devices with low rbb. Over 20R or so and paralleled FETs might work without too much noise degradation.

I'm partial to balanced cartridge operation and good quality SUTs, but reading between the lines of the OP's question, that doesn't seem to be among his initial choices.