Recommendations for phono preamp build

[jpak]

Generally speaking is the impedance of low output moving iron cartridges higher than low output moving coil?

I ordered two pairs of SUTs and plan to have another go with them.

Any other ways to measure if the loading is optimal without a scope? This link has some good info on resistance plus capacitance loading. I believe Sowter includes this info on their transformer specs as well.

For well made transformers with dual secondaries, would the lower inductance of the higher step up ratio be so compromised as to reduce bass output? I ended up getting dual secondaries (1:10/20), and plan to try both.

In the past I just tried various resistance loadings with the transformers I had and never found them to be as transparent as a high gain solid state phono preamp.

edit: sorry mike_mcf if this is too far off topic!

 

[SY]

I just look at the specs on a case by case basis. When optimizing load, you have to account for preamp input capacitance as well as resistance. You also have to account for the cartridge DCR. It take a bit of fuss which is why so many people just plug and play and get sub-optimal results.

 

[buzzforb]

Sy, do you have an opinion on using That corp balanced line receivers as input on a phono stage? I was considering this as an option.

 

[SY]

For MC, the 1512 (or the equivalent SSM2019) might work, albeit not the very quietest devices out there. I used them for mike preamps and they worked great. An interesting possibility is to use the gain setting terminals with RL to achieve RIAA.

 

[buzzforb]

As you started earlier, a truly matching SUT is impossible to find or ungodly expensive.

 

[vinylkid58]

As you started earlier, a truly matching SUT is impossible to find or ungodly expensive.

Well I've come pretty close, $100 for a used pair of Sowter's.

jeff

 

[buzzforb]

Yes. $100-$200 will get you a nice pair, but i was eluding to Sy's comment about matching the cart and RIAA used. Perhaps you are right in that it is just more DIY overkill. I am a sucker for balanced system. I h ave never found anything but potential benefits when it comes to audio.

 

[SY]

I got my Sowters pretty cheap (I think I paid about $100 for them as well, Morgan just wanted them out of his way). Setting them up properly took an hour or so, but admittedly I have good equipment and lots of little resistors and caps handy.

They work outstandingly well.

 

[buzzforb]

thanks to you both. I will have to get the article on your latest MM stage, Sy. Looks interesting. Would loading a SUT with that stage make for a nice combo or would you defer to "his Masters Noise" as the standard?

 

[Hikari1]

The Paradise, is too overwhelming for me as I am just new to DIY electronics. It also looks pretty far from minimalist.

The Salas doesn't look quite as complicated and has excellent support here on DIYA. I am also building the DCB1, so I am familiar with Sala's attention to details.

Perhaps a Salas or Pearl 2 with a well matched SUT would be a good solution?

The Salas and the Pearl 2 have enough built-in gain if you build them for low MC....they don't need a SUT.

 

[SY]

Would loading a SUT with that stage make for a nice combo or would you defer to "his Masters Noise" as the standard?

I think it would work very well- the Equal Opportunity has very low input capacitance and the loading is easy to change to suit the transformer. Downside is that it's much more complex.

 

[ymi5150]

I have seen some of the product and support from that site.

I strongly suggest sticking with some of the other designs already mentioned.
.

Can you elaborate, either publicly or via PM? I've been looking at this kit as well and it's one of a few in the final decision tree.

 

[ymi5150]

I'm on a similar hunt for a kit. i'm running an Ortofon 2M Blue into a Musical Fidelity A5 stage/preamp/amp, to B&W 804s. I want to add some tube vibe to the rig so i'm narrowing the search to a tube stage. Here's what I've narrowed down to:


Hagerman Cornet 3 $399
Tubes4Hifi PH-16 $599
Aural Thrills $799 New Page 2
Aikido ? Phono Preamps
Parks Audio Budgie SE $399 Budgie Phono Preamp
Salas?