Wanted: Inexpensive Phono Pre

schmalex · 10th March 2011, 07:52 PM

Hi everyone. I need a phono pre to go with my turntable.

I just transitioned from an mid-90s kenwood receiver to an integrated tube amp (an amazing change in sound). But the integrated does not have a phono stage.

I would like to build my own tube phono preamp, but that's going to take me quite a while (time and money).

In the meantime, I'm looking for an inexpensive phono pre - ideally between 25 and $75. I can buy an Audio Technica for $43, but I figured I would ask here first. That appears to be chump change in the world of phono pres, but it's what I've got.

bob91343 · 10th March 2011, 09:35 PM

It's cheaper to build one. See application notes from companies like National Semiconductor. One chip and a few passive components and you are good to go. If you have a junk box you could end up spending maybe $5. You can steal power for it from the amplifier, as it will draw very little.

Another approach is to find an old stereo receiver/amplifier with phono input and just use that part of it.

Bas Horneman · 10th March 2011, 10:05 PM

How about the Very Simple Phono Stage (VSPS)

I thought it was quite good.

RJM Audio - The Very Simple Phono Stage

schmalex · 10th March 2011, 10:20 PM

Well, VSPS is a great idea. But I would like to listen to my records now. You know, this world of instant on-demand gotta have it yesterday.

But seriously, thanks for the suggestions. I do intend to build something nice for myself in the next year when I have the time. The VSPS might be a good option. I suspect it will outperform anything else for the $. That's what I've found building two chip amps, sub, and speakers from here.

If anyone is looking to upgrade their phono pre, let me know.

merlin el mago · 12th March 2011, 05:39 PM

:: Cetronic :: Detalle del producto ::

gaetan8888 · 12th March 2011, 06:00 PM

Hello

Here a link for very affordable good phono preamp.

Phonopreamps.com Home Page

Bye

Gaetan

john65b · 12th March 2011, 07:06 PM

I have a Jolida JD-9A 12AX7 Phono Pre...its a quite bit more than you max tho... It will be going up for sale soon...

10th March 2011, 07:52 PM	#1
schmalex diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle, WA, USa	Wanted: Inexpensive Phono Pre Hi everyone. I need a phono pre to go with my turntable. I just transitioned from an mid-90s kenwood receiver to an integrated tube amp (an amazing change in sound). But the integrated does not have a phono stage. I would like to build my own tube phono preamp, but that's going to take me quite a while (time and money). In the meantime, I'm looking for an inexpensive phono pre - ideally between 25 and $75. I can buy an Audio Technica for $43, but I figured I would ask here first. That appears to be chump change in the world of phono pres, but it's what I've got.

10th March 2011, 10:05 PM	#3
Bas Horneman diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Netherlands Blog Entries: 18	How about the Very Simple Phono Stage (VSPS) I thought it was quite good. RJM Audio - The Very Simple Phono Stage __________________ Boatanchor amps forum My "adventures" in audio

12th March 2011, 07:06 PM	#7
john65b diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago	I have a Jolida JD-9A 12AX7 Phono Pre...its a quite bit more than you max tho... It will be going up for sale soon... __________________ "I speak Spanish to God, Italian to Women, French to Men, and German to my Horse" - Charles V

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Better MC Pre-Pre solution for low internal coil resistance- not only for Pearl phono	tiefbassuebertr	Pass Labs	5	17th October 2009 10:34 AM
Which Phono Pre???	Freecrowder	Tubes / Valves	1	5th February 2009 09:45 PM
adding pre-outs to an inexpensive HT receiver.	montreal	Digital Source	39	3rd May 2007 12:15 PM
Pre-pre; phono; pre line ;device discrete (bjt/fet) o op. amplifier	GIPIONE	Solid State	8	18th December 2005 09:09 PM
Phono transformer VS Active phono pre	ckwong99	Analogue Source	0	2nd November 2005 04:35 AM


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

10th March 2011, 09:35 PM	#2
bob91343 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2010	It's cheaper to build one. See application notes from companies like National Semiconductor. One chip and a few passive components and you are good to go. If you have a junk box you could end up spending maybe $5. You can steal power for it from the amplifier, as it will draw very little. Another approach is to find an old stereo receiver/amplifier with phono input and just use that part of it.

10th March 2011, 10:20 PM	#4
schmalex diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle, WA, USa	Well, VSPS is a great idea. But I would like to listen to my records now. You know, this world of instant on-demand gotta have it yesterday. But seriously, thanks for the suggestions. I do intend to build something nice for myself in the next year when I have the time. The VSPS might be a good option. I suspect it will outperform anything else for the $. That's what I've found building two chip amps, sub, and speakers from here. If anyone is looking to upgrade their phono pre, let me know.

12th March 2011, 05:39 PM	#5
merlin el mago diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Blanes - Costa Brava	:: Cetronic :: Detalle del producto ::

12th March 2011, 06:00 PM	#6
gaetan8888 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2007	Hello Here a link for very affordable good phono preamp. Phonopreamps.com Home Page Bye Gaetan

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read