Comparison of Aleph Ono and Pearl phono preamps?

[Justinasia]

I want to build a phono preamp. I am not sure if I want MM or MC so maybe best if the preamp can handle various cartridges. I want good quality, and possible to build with high intelligence but low experience!

It seems the best two for this may be the Aleph Ono, and the Pearl. Promitheus has very kindly communicated to me about Pearl PCBs and parts, and says there is also an MC Pre for the Pearl. I would like to know what you all think of these two setups in comparison. Also a comparison of cost would be very useful. Promitheus has given me an idea of what the pearl might cost to make. How about the Aleph Ono?

Also, I have seen pictures on this forum of amps mounted on spikes! I am totally new to audio really. What's with the spikes? And, what are the important characteristics of them? Also, what are the important characteristics of the casing? I have a metal turning lathe so I can make brass spikes perhaps. But need to know what is significant in their design and operation.

Thanks a lot!
Justin

 

[Dennis Hui]

Hello Justin,

Have you seen this?

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1023631#post1023631

The archive contains lots of info on the Ono as a project,
including a parts list with costs.

Cheers,
Dennis

 

[Justinasia]

Hello Justin,

Have you seen this?

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1023631#post1023631

The archive contains lots of info on the Ono as a project,
including a parts list with costs.

Cheers,
Dennis

Hi Dennis
Yes I read that thread before posting. But I could not find any reference to cost, except for an attached file which was said to contain the costs. When I opened the file, I saw only the circuit diagram, but no costs. Perhaps my computer did not open it properly? Anyway I tried but could not find costs anywhere. So, if any of you know the costs, roughly, I would love to know!

Also of course that thread makes the Ono sound great, buut, I am wishing to know how these two preamps compare to each other. Does anyone know? Compare, in terms of performance (for MM and MC), and also for time it would take to biuld and likely troubles!

Thank you very much
Justin

 

[vinylkid58]

Yes I read that thread before posting. But I could not find any reference to cost, except for an attached file which was said to contain the costs. When I opened the file, I saw only the circuit diagram, but no costs. Perhaps my computer did not open it properly? Anyway I tried but could not find costs anywhere. So, if any of you know the costs, roughly, I would love to know!

Hi Justin,

In that file download there is a parts PDF list which has a cost breakdown for the Ono. At $968 US, this is not a cheap project for the beginner, and much more complex than the Pearl, which should cost about 1/3 of that. Promitheus may be able to provide all of the Pearl electronics, leaving the cases and misc. parts for you to assemble.

If you decide to build the Pearl, the easiest configuration is for MC. The standard loading on the board is 47k, if your MC requires a lower value you can add the appropriate resister at R1. For MM you have to calculate capacitance for correct loading as well.
I have built my Pearl for MC, as that is what I prefer. There are some excellent and inexpensive MC carts. available to you in that part of the world.

Regards,
Jeff

 

[cviller]

I just calculated the price for my pearl build. The price is approximately US$200 and I still need to buy a case for the main boards. If you can make the cases yourself, you can save a few bucks. I bought most of the parts at digikey.

I think the spikes for pearl or ono are mostly for the looks. You should make a metal house for it to shield it from electric fields, but the pearl I build runs without casing and no sign of hum or interference.