Hagerman Tech. 'bugle' phono preamp

[lgreen]

Completed the 'bugle' phono preamp. Gotta say it was easy to make, sounds good (just finished tonight) and was very cheap. I think the board was $39 and the parts were about $25, though I already had some of the more expensive parts (switches and caps).

Links and pics on the link below.

Link to Web Page

 

[Agent327]

Yes!

I agree, a very nice phono amp.
I have made one 'dead bug' style and put it inside a Dual turntable with a DL110 cartridge for a niece.
Even with this modest setup it is a pleasure to play records.

Kees

 

[JWFokker]

I just got my Bugle PCB today. Anyone have any ideas to "enhance" it? I'm not familiar with opamps to know which are better (and drop in replacements) than the OPA2134. Any other modding ideas are welcome too. Because my understanding of circuits is limited, I don't know if replacing the capacitors with better quality caps or higher values would improve the sound quality.

 

[JWFokker]

I emailed Jim Hagerman about potential "performance enhancements" for the Bugle and I'll post whatever I find out here.

 

[JWFokker]

I got a response back, but no dice. The word from Jim is to use teflon caps and experiment with opamps for any noticable improvement.

 

[Agent327]

Well, maybe selecting the equalization caps and R's to a very close tolerance could improve stereo focus, but I have no idea what tolerance is required. 0.01%? or 5%?
Does anyone have an informed opinion on that matter?

Cheers.

 

[JWFokker]

I had given that some thought. Wellborne labs does match caps if you don't have a capacitance meter. It's useful to me because I don't.