As someone who is actually looking for a decent RIAA preamp (any recommended kits out there?)
I recently found Michael Fidler, who offers a rather well reviewed preamp for £500. The construction in this is a whole world apart from what Tom Evans is making. To my mind, this is decent high end construction.
Currently using a Technics SL1700 & Audio Technica VM740ML
I recently found Michael Fidler, who offers a rather well reviewed preamp for £500. The construction in this is a whole world apart from what Tom Evans is making. To my mind, this is decent high end construction.
Currently using a Technics SL1700 & Audio Technica VM740ML
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Hello. I have built several phono preamp kits.
VSPS 400; Rod Elliott's P 06; Muffsy Phono PP3 (CNC Phono).
All very good and superior to for example Project Phono and the one that includes the Marantz PM6006.
But after having bought the IFI Zen Phono there is none that surpasses it. We are talking about US$ 200 and according to the reviews it could be compared to much more expensive phono preamps.
But the pleasure of building our own pre is priceless.
Greetings.
https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/i...reamplifier-measurements&catid=414&Itemid=547
VSPS 400; Rod Elliott's P 06; Muffsy Phono PP3 (CNC Phono).
All very good and superior to for example Project Phono and the one that includes the Marantz PM6006.
But after having bought the IFI Zen Phono there is none that surpasses it. We are talking about US$ 200 and according to the reviews it could be compared to much more expensive phono preamps.
But the pleasure of building our own pre is priceless.
Greetings.
https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/i...reamplifier-measurements&catid=414&Itemid=547
The website says the MC-PRO is sold out, and I can find no evidence that this was ever sold as a kit. So I'm guessing you don't actually mean "kit" , in the sense that you want to build a phono stage, but rather just want to buy a commercial one.
jeff
I am happy to build a kit if there is a decent one available. Otherwise, buying a good one is also an option.
Unfortunately, there really aren't many full kits for SS phono stages out there, unless you are ok with something from China. Most are just a PCB that you would populate and build a chassis for.
jeff
Isn't that what 'DIY' is all about?
And you don't need to "build a chassis" ... you simply order a suitably-sized case from Modushop. 🙂 (And they will CNC all the holes - always the trickiest job!)
ANDYLASER:
I'm besotted with my Salas UFSP. The parts alone would run you up to the top end of your budget but, if you can forego the fancy grillwork for the time being, it is a stellar phono amp. Tea-Bag sells pcbs and component parts kits (his group buy list is at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Jt8tNG_FR7pKX7lz2gM8-CpyEogUCm0X1I4yy-esfc8/edit?gid=0#gid=0 and his reverb site is at https://reverb.com/item/41931783-salas-ultra-folded-simplistic-phono-ufsp-big-parts-kit ). I've found him to be good at responding to inquiries and his kits are excellent.
That said, I used to own a Pearl / Ono combo that worked quite well. The Pearl is now in its third iteration and is very likely an exceptional option, especially if you don't need a moving coil gain stage.
Regards,
Scott
I'm besotted with my Salas UFSP. The parts alone would run you up to the top end of your budget but, if you can forego the fancy grillwork for the time being, it is a stellar phono amp. Tea-Bag sells pcbs and component parts kits (his group buy list is at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Jt8tNG_FR7pKX7lz2gM8-CpyEogUCm0X1I4yy-esfc8/edit?gid=0#gid=0 and his reverb site is at https://reverb.com/item/41931783-salas-ultra-folded-simplistic-phono-ufsp-big-parts-kit ). I've found him to be good at responding to inquiries and his kits are excellent.
That said, I used to own a Pearl / Ono combo that worked quite well. The Pearl is now in its third iteration and is very likely an exceptional option, especially if you don't need a moving coil gain stage.
Regards,
Scott
Board layout wise - I do not have any other personal preference than that shared signal path components (opamps etc) between channels I would avoid.
In kits or commercial phono amps - does not matter.
In kits or commercial phono amps - does not matter.
So I'm on this same journey. I have a Cambridge 540p with a Luxman A522/Stax UA-7/Supex SM-100 connected to an Anthem MRX300 and I'm not that excited about the phono performance.
I was looking at building the Elliot P06, but from all accounts I'll also need the high pass filter and power supply board, which all adds up.
There seems to be a lot of love for Fosi X2, the iFi and TCC preamps which would all be the same or cheaper.
Is there a clear cut difference with the Elliot or are we into the subjective personal opinions...would the Elliot be better than the 540p to start with?
I was looking at building the Elliot P06, but from all accounts I'll also need the high pass filter and power supply board, which all adds up.
There seems to be a lot of love for Fosi X2, the iFi and TCC preamps which would all be the same or cheaper.
Is there a clear cut difference with the Elliot or are we into the subjective personal opinions...would the Elliot be better than the 540p to start with?
I've built an Elliott P06.
Very good sound. Better than many phono preamps you can buy.
Easy to build.
But I notice an accentuation in the bass that makes it a bit "fat". Although it can be solved by replacing a resistor.
Again, I've built a few phono preamps from well-known kits, but I'm sticking with the IFI Zen Phono ($200), but it's impressively several times more expensive.
The IFI Zen Air is cheaper but with similar specifications.
Yes? The OP did say he was happy to buy a commercial product.
Yes, you can do that too.
jeff
Nick can you upload the schematics for this phono amplifier?
Where could I get those assembled boards and for what cost?
Where could I get those assembled boards and for what cost?
This is very, very nicely built 👍
I also do the X-Altra MC/MM phono pre for anyone that wants it pre-built - details here https://hifisonix.com/projects/x-altra-phono-eq-preamp/