Hi All,
Does anyone have recommendations for a diy phono stage kit? I think I want to prioritize a really low noise floor. Other attributes are important, but after experiencing a Klyne phono stage and it's noise floor (or lack thereof) I think that falls in line first.
I've checked out the glassware kits, but I don't know the differences and advantages of the tetra vs. the aikido?
As well, the Pass Pearl 2 DIY looks really interesting but I just discovered that it can be used as an MC stage by adjusting the gain. In that you can use it for moving coils, I'm wondering if the noise floor is affected by increasing the gain?
Thanks for any future suggestions.
Does anyone have recommendations for a diy phono stage kit? I think I want to prioritize a really low noise floor. Other attributes are important, but after experiencing a Klyne phono stage and it's noise floor (or lack thereof) I think that falls in line first.
I've checked out the glassware kits, but I don't know the differences and advantages of the tetra vs. the aikido?
As well, the Pass Pearl 2 DIY looks really interesting but I just discovered that it can be used as an MC stage by adjusting the gain. In that you can use it for moving coils, I'm wondering if the noise floor is affected by increasing the gain?
Thanks for any future suggestions.
Pearl 2?
Board and guarantied original and matched jfets available from Nelson.
Will not disappoint!
Board and guarantied original and matched jfets available from Nelson.
Will not disappoint!
I built the Vacuum Tube Audio PH16 phono preamp which is MM only, but is dead quiet.
Sounds more musical than the Ayre P-5xe that I used to own. Lots of positive reviews.
Sounds more musical than the Ayre P-5xe that I used to own. Lots of positive reviews.
I have built RJM's PhonoClone 3, his VSPS and the Hypnotoad AD797 phono stage which I built as a true dual mono phono stage.
The AD797 uses a chip (not the 797) that I believe is hard to source at the moment. I think you'd be happy with RJM's stuff and there is awesome support here on DIY Audio!
The Phonoclone and VSPS PCB Help Desk
RJM offers a kit and delivery is fast from Japan. You'll have to construct a power supply which is easy and directions are on his website. RJM Audio
AD797 Phono Stage Build and Help Desk Thread | Page 72 | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
Sachu88 often has boards for this and a power supply at good prices and surprisingly fast delivery from India.
I'd probably use the RJM stuff as is is more fully supported by Richard and he has new stuff such as the Emerald coming out all the time.
The AD797 uses a chip (not the 797) that I believe is hard to source at the moment. I think you'd be happy with RJM's stuff and there is awesome support here on DIY Audio!
The Phonoclone and VSPS PCB Help Desk
RJM offers a kit and delivery is fast from Japan. You'll have to construct a power supply which is easy and directions are on his website. RJM Audio
AD797 Phono Stage Build and Help Desk Thread | Page 72 | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
Sachu88 often has boards for this and a power supply at good prices and surprisingly fast delivery from India.
I'd probably use the RJM stuff as is is more fully supported by Richard and he has new stuff such as the Emerald coming out all the time.
You can check this if you are interested for a MC pre-amplifier:
The MC100 - A High-Quality Moving Coil RIAA Preamplifier | audioXpress
The MC100 - A High-Quality Moving Coil RIAA Preamplifier | audioXpress
These are all great!! Wow. I think I will try the RJM and see what it does. I like that there are boards for it and the help if I need any. This is based on the 47 Labs design? This seems to have low noise in mind. Could this be run off batteries?
The Pearl looks interesting. I'll have to spec how much it will be to make, since the boards alone are $200. Why don't they offer this through the DiyAudio store?
I could also if time and money allows try the tube MM stage mentioned because I do have an MM cartridge. Although, tubes might take a little more patience and concentration 😱
I really want to start making things. I'm going to try the Whammy also, and may start that first for the learning curve.
Thanks for all this info and if there is any more info and suggestions I am all ears/eyes!
The Pearl looks interesting. I'll have to spec how much it will be to make, since the boards alone are $200. Why don't they offer this through the DiyAudio store?
I could also if time and money allows try the tube MM stage mentioned because I do have an MM cartridge. Although, tubes might take a little more patience and concentration 😱
I really want to start making things. I'm going to try the Whammy also, and may start that first for the learning curve.
Thanks for all this info and if there is any more info and suggestions I am all ears/eyes!
I have the Pearl II and it beat out a top-of-the-line Audio Research by a mile. Low, very low, noise floor, wide bandwidth, and superb in every other aspect. A true high end design and execution, IMO. I have the Bottlehead Seduction and my own versions of opamp-based flat gain preamps, but they are yet to come close to the Pearl II. Will not disappoint.
Agreed. For MC Phono stage, I have built RJM's phono, AD797, and Pearl 2 and a few other kits Boozhound lab, etc. To my ears, Pearl 2 is the best in term of sonic quality! I heard Salas Folded Cascode phono stage is comparable to Pearl 2 but I have not built it myself. I got the board and parts for Salas Phono but did not have the time to build it yet. It's one of my future pending DIY project.
Cheers,
Tom
Oh man! Ok. Let me think. Is there a BOM for the Pearl? If I buy the boards do they send the BOM with it? What about a power supply? Any recommendations?
If I could get 60db out of it with a low noise floor, I would be a happy camper.
If I could get 60db out of it with a low noise floor, I would be a happy camper.
I've built the original Pearl and now recently the Salas Folded Phono. The Salas, for me, is the winner and very adjustable to your cartridge/system.
The Pearl 2 is incredible sounding and it’s creepy quiet if you build it right.
It’s not in the store because the last time I talked to Wayne there are only like 10-15 boards sets remaining.
Out of curiosity, what cartridges do you have?
Here’s my build - Building a Pearl 2
It’s not in the store because the last time I talked to Wayne there are only like 10-15 boards sets remaining.
Out of curiosity, what cartridges do you have?
Here’s my build - Building a Pearl 2
Oh, and I will check your build guide and the thread about the other questions. I should do a little research myself before asking so many questions.