Pearl vs. Aleph Ono (?)

[mirlo]

Has anyone compared the sonics of these two phono stages? I'm curious to know people's impressions of the sound, how they sound different.

I realize they have different gains ... so I suppose a fair comparison would have to include a variety of cartridges ... both low and high output mc, and mm cartridges ... but any opinions about the differences would be interesting.

Thanks,

mirlo

[Nickolas K.]

I am using them both but only with low output mc cartridges (v.d.H. Grasshopper WBSPX - 0.3mV, Ortofon Jubilee - 0.34mV, Ortofon MC7k5 - 0.13mV and Monster ÓG 2k - 0.25mV).

Extra gain for the pearl is provided either by an Ortofon T-3k or by a diy battery-powered Threshold M1 mc prepre (total gain of the combinations 70db and 60db) and the Ono has the gain set at -10db.

The pearl sounds more tube like, very easy and relaxed.
The Ono is a different kind of beast, more analytical in mid-highs, less noisy and with perfect pitch at the bottom end. And that image!!!!! You feel as if the whole orchestra is there, between and beyond the speakers.

Nick

[Nelson Pass]

I would say you've pegged it, Nick.

[transducer]

I'm using a Benz Glider Lo output, 0.9mV. Based on Nick's observations, confirmed by Nelson, I think I'd prefer the Ono. However, it has a lot of gain to it, would using the jumpers to reduce gain also reduce the performance of the unit? That is, I don't need such a high gain unit, what would be my better choice? Or maybe go passive after the phono stage!

Nick, did you make a PCB for the Ono, and would you be willing to share it?

Cheers,
Rons

[analog_sa]

I can't help but wonder if the phono won't sound better with a simpler MC stage. As designed it offers the convenience of variable gain but at the expense of a lot more parts, not necessarily a good thing at very low levels. If i were building it i'd be tempted to junk the cascode and the buffer and just use a simple resistor (2-3k) or current source loading for the input fet. And maybe a separate NiCd supply.

peter

[Nelson Pass]

I can say that Wayne pretty much tried those things, and
their greater simplicity weighs in their favor. Nevertheless,
design is a craft dealing in choices.

There is every reason for you to try it both ways and see
what you think.

[Nickolas K.]

I built my Ono using the pcb designed by my friend Costas Vazakas.
I am in the process of building a second one, this time on a pcb I just finished designing myself.
Here it is, but be careful!!! It hasn't been tested yet.

[Nickolas K.]

Sorry, could not attach the file.
It's 390KB.
Anyway, you can try to build it using the pcb's of Costas Vazakas.
You can take a look at the Gallery.

Nick

[transducer]

Nick,

Could you email me the file? Or otherwise, how can I get a copy of your friends board? Does he make the artwork available?

Regards,
RonS

[Nickolas K.]

I think you should take a close look at Q14. Look at the grounded base. Isn't that brilliant? First time I saw something like that was with the M1, but there they had used 7 transistors in parallel all with grounded base.

Variable gain is not at the expense of a lot more parts, on the contrary, bypass R66 and you have -4db, insert R81 to ground and you have -10db.

Why junk the cascode and the buffer? To make it sound like the Pearl???
I'm not an electronics engineer, I couldn't tell how brilliant the design is; but I suspect that the cascode and the buffer are to blame for the extra details, the speed and the LF control.

Anyway, I've been living with it for the last 3 months and it seems it's going to be a long lasting relation.

Nick

P.S. And I think it isn't Class A!!!!! Now, isn't that a miracle???