Audio Innovations Series 200 Phono Stage

[Thomo]

Hi. I may have the opportunity to buy an Audio Innovations Series 200 Pre with a valve MM Phono Stage. I currently have it in my system and it sounds pretty good. It is only the phono stage I am interested in.

I would like to know:

Is anyone familiar with this item?

Would it be good for tweaking/modding?

Does anyone have a schematic?

I really just want as much info as possible please folks, as I am a complete noob when it comes to tubes.

How would it compare to a PassLabs Pearl Phono?

Cheers,

Lee.

 

[euro21]

Hi Thomo,

I own AI200 MM, and Pass Pearl too. Both of work well with my rig (Roksan Xerxes, SME IV, Benz Micro ACE L+ Hiraga MC prere), but AI definitely the best.

AI200 tweaked:
- HEXFRED diodes in both power supply (high voltage, heater);
- CRC snubbers in both power supply;
- 5 H choke in HV supply (C-L-C);
- BlackGate supply capacitors;
- NOS Sylvania (3 mica) 5751 tubes in first positions;
- NOS Tungsram ECC82 tube;
- LED (green) bias in first and second tubes cathodes;
- AuriCap coupling capacitors (0.22, 0.47);
- direct phono input, Cardas RCA, silver coax;
- Vishay S102K phono input resistors;
- VhAudio Flavor 4 power supply cable.

Schematic same as above, except V2A also ECC83, and the last tube is single (only V3B).

http://www.audionote.co.uk/articles/tweak_ai_p2_phono_mod_01.shtml