MC pre pre amp for shelter 501 MK11

[cjcc67]

Hi I'm looking for an existing design DIY friendly for a shelter 501 0.4 mV output. My current tube phono stage has 44 dB gain with 78 dB SN. There three main designs in this forum collectively have over 6000 posts. With so many circuit diagrams produced, in the end i didn't know what i was looking at and whether it was a functioning circuit. Ideally id like some switchable gain steps as well as adjustable loading. I prefer discrete components unless there are going to be a number of transistors, then an op amp makes some sense as i prescribe to the kiss concept..
Hoping some one can point me to the right option.

[wjlamp]

The K.I.S.S concept in your case,could be a moving coil cartridge transformer from a reputable maker( Sowter,Jensen). I pressume that your phono stage has mm only sensitivity,compatibility.A suitable choice , between 1:10 or 1:37 ratios,based on the output resistance of the Shelter and the input resistance of your current phono will do it.

B.L

[cjcc67]

Thanks for your input. The transformers are an expensive option way beyond my budget presently. The cartridge is a stretch by itself.
I had in mind the Hiraga pre pre or leach. Some one claimed better versions exist but i cant find the schematics.
Jaochim has posted so many circuits i'm not sure what the latest\best\working MC head amp is.

[merlin el mago]

Why don't enter in this thread Simplistic NJFET RIAA & ask to Salas:

Simplistic NJFET RIAA

Also for regulators thread Simplistic Salas low voltage regulator & ask Salas too:

The simplistic Salas low voltage shunt regulator

You can do the same like mine Phono MC for Denon DL103R with 60dBs & I will assure very good success only must follow Salas advices.

If you want to use your tube MM other solution is to buy Hagerman Piccolo MC without RIAA, has selectable gain & load impedance as desired.

[cjcc67]

Thanks Merlin,
There seem be be a lot of questions and answers at the same time it is confusing to understand coming in.
which post number has the schematic for the head amp and the PSU?

[merlin el mago]

Regulator thread Simplistic Salas low voltage regulator Page 190 post 1893 schematic:



Simplistic Salas NJFET RIAA phono Page 366 post 3655 schematic:



You can use this RIAA for low MC 0,2mV till 0,4mV.

[cjcc67]

Thanks merlin. It gives me somewhere to start although i wasn't looking for riaa, just a head amp to go in front of my existing tube mm pre amp.

[merlin el mago]

Just a head amp to go in front of your existing tube mm pre amp, I only know 2 solutions:

-Commercial I know only Piccolo from Jim Hagerman (I built a couple with BG & some exotic resistors, one with PSU another with batteries & both sounds very good).

-DIY Hiraga, It's an old design I do it with batteries, sounds very neutral & it's easy to do, do you have the schematics? if not I will search to post.

[cjcc67]

Thanks merlin have the schematics of both. When you built the hiraga, what transistors did you use?

[wjlamp]

Originally Posted by cjcc67

Thanks for your input. The transformers are an expensive option way beyond my budget presently. The cartridge is a stretch by itself.
I had in mind the Hiraga pre pre or leach. Some one claimed better versions exist but i cant find the schematics.
Jaochim has posted so many circuits i'm not sure what the latest\best\working MC head amp is.

Here is the Sowter page.Think that, before going into the strange ways of buying or diy-ing something,that ultimately will not solve your "kiss" requirements.Start saving some money

http://www.sowter.co.uk/acatalog/SOW...S_30.html#a136