Going to vinyl need opinions.

SGregory · 21st June 2010, 01:27 AM

I really didn't want to start a thread like this but my head is spinning with all of the possibilities.
I am in the process of going back to vinyl and will need to construct a head amp and RIAA equilization. I will be using a MC cartridge, however, I am not sure if it will be high or low output. I had a low output Talisman S back in the day and would like to be at that quality level or better today.

What I need is some guidance on what headamp with RIAA equilization to build. I currently have a 12b4 preamp with my OPUS amplifiers into diy 90db sensitive speakers. I can build SS and Valve equipment but would like to minimize SMT as I have a hard time seeing enough to solder them. I can however if need be. I am considering the Ono, Pearl 2 as they are tried and tested. I am very open to other designs, particularly DIY ones as well as long as they have been built and tested. I do have sufficient equipment to test and trouble shoot both SS and Valves.

I do understand that this is a very subjective area but appreciate your opinions.

FYI, my old head amp was a CJ with nuvistors. It worked but could not be tuned very well.

Rodeodave · 21st June 2010, 10:00 PM

Check out Simplistic NJFET RIAA. It sounds so lovely and is really clever. There's at least three different design for high/low output MM/MC stages. Massive thread.

As for tubes...never having built or heard one, so simply from a theory standpoint, I like Morgan Jones' designs, lots of ECC88. Don't know where to find his designs online, but his book Valve Amplifiers (I have the 2nd edition) is always a good read.

SY · 21st June 2010, 10:01 PM

I understand that there was a tube design published on this site a month or two ago...

SGregory · 22nd June 2010, 01:13 AM

I have MJ's books and will review his circuits. I did a search on possible designs and there is MANY... Just trying to narrow the field down. Before I dig deep and start reading.

Not sold on tube or SS yet.

SY · 22nd June 2010, 01:21 AM

MJ's circuits are excellent, and a good place to learn how to design one yourself.

a.wayne · 22nd June 2010, 01:54 AM

MJ.........Michael Jordon ? ...................

SY · 22nd June 2010, 02:08 AM

Morgan Jones.

BudP · 22nd June 2010, 04:47 AM

Look here

His Master's Noise: A Thoroughly Modern Tube Phono Preamp

You will be shocked at how sensible and comprehensive this guy's approach is. Even Morgan would be proud.

Bud

kevinkr · 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BudP

Look here

His Master's Noise: A Thoroughly Modern Tube Phono Preamp

You will be shocked at how sensible and comprehensive this guy's approach is. Even Morgan would be proud.

Bud

I second that

- just make sure you invest in a good input transformer if you plan to use a LOMC (low output MC). I'm learning all about that and what it means to finally have a top of the line TT.. (SME 20/2) I'm currently using vintage Partridge MC transformers, and find them rather nice in comparison to the UTC A-11, A-12, and Newcomb TR-91 none of which are bad with some tweaking.

Getting back into vinyl you might want to consider a good vintage belt drive TT and an SME 3009 Series I or II arm.. These will be quite happy with low compliance and fairly high mass MC cartridges. I recently acquired a Zu/Denon DL-103 which as SY will tell you does not have the lowest equivalent noise resistance, but subjectively is the quietest and most detailed cartridge I have owned in at least the last 10yrs.

vinylkid58 · 22nd June 2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinkr

Getting back into vinyl you might want to consider a good vintage belt drive TT and an SME 3009 Series I or II arm.

You mean something like this:

21st June 2010, 01:27 AM	#1
SGregory diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southern Tier NY	Going to vinyl need opinions. I really didn't want to start a thread like this but my head is spinning with all of the possibilities. I am in the process of going back to vinyl and will need to construct a head amp and RIAA equilization. I will be using a MC cartridge, however, I am not sure if it will be high or low output. I had a low output Talisman S back in the day and would like to be at that quality level or better today. What I need is some guidance on what headamp with RIAA equilization to build. I currently have a 12b4 preamp with my OPUS amplifiers into diy 90db sensitive speakers. I can build SS and Valve equipment but would like to minimize SMT as I have a hard time seeing enough to solder them. I can however if need be. I am considering the Ono, Pearl 2 as they are tried and tested. I am very open to other designs, particularly DIY ones as well as long as they have been built and tested. I do have sufficient equipment to test and trouble shoot both SS and Valves. I do understand that this is a very subjective area but appreciate your opinions. FYI, my old head amp was a CJ with nuvistors. It worked but could not be tuned very well. __________________ Living Life Doing the Waltz in 4/4 meter.

21st June 2010, 10:00 PM	#2
Rodeodave diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: in the alps Blog Entries: 1	Check out Simplistic NJFET RIAA. It sounds so lovely and is really clever. There's at least three different design for high/low output MM/MC stages. Massive thread. As for tubes...never having built or heard one, so simply from a theory standpoint, I like Morgan Jones' designs, lots of ECC88. Don't know where to find his designs online, but his book Valve Amplifiers (I have the 2nd edition) is always a good read. __________________ Gravity - Making the G since 13.7 billion B.C.

21st June 2010, 10:01 PM	#3
SY diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chicagoland Blog Entries: 1	I understand that there was a tube design published on this site a month or two ago... __________________ If there's a sucker born every minute, where do the rest of them come from?

22nd June 2010, 01:13 AM	#4
SGregory diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southern Tier NY	I have MJ's books and will review his circuits. I did a search on possible designs and there is MANY... Just trying to narrow the field down. Before I dig deep and start reading. Not sold on tube or SS yet. __________________ Living Life Doing the Waltz in 4/4 meter.

22nd June 2010, 01:21 AM	#5
SY diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chicagoland Blog Entries: 1	MJ's circuits are excellent, and a good place to learn how to design one yourself. __________________ If there's a sucker born every minute, where do the rest of them come from?


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22nd June 2010, 01:54 AM	#6
a.wayne diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Front Row Center	MJ.........Michael Jordon ? ...................

22nd June 2010, 02:08 AM	#7
SY diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chicagoland Blog Entries: 1	Morgan Jones. __________________ If there's a sucker born every minute, where do the rest of them come from?

22nd June 2010, 04:47 AM	#8
BudP diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: upper left crust, united snakes	Look here His Master's Noise: A Thoroughly Modern Tube Phono Preamp You will be shocked at how sensible and comprehensive this guy's approach is. Even Morgan would be proud. Bud __________________ "You and I and every other thing are a dependent arising, empty of any inherent reality" Tsong Ko Pa

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