Hi everyone!
Time for me to build my first Phono preamp. Im quite experienced with building kits, but less experienced with P2P, and thats why i preffer to stick with PCB's for now. Im not fixed on either tubes or SS.
I also like to play with a variaty of cartridges, mostly MM or high output (Nagaoka 110, Denon 110, London Deca, Shure M97 among other), which means having loading options (resistance AND capacitance) is also desirable.
I have done some reaserch as to which kits are out there and came across the RJM crystalFet, Tetra from Broskie, the CNC, some Parentless ebay offers and many other GB from DIYaudio (the Salas Folded Simplistic Phono, Paradise and Supa caught my attention).. And having too many options is never good!
So - help me take a decision here. Im not looking for something basic, im looking for something all out, something that will be my last phono stage (yea... right...)!
Just for reference, my system includes:
KT120 Monoblocks
DIY preamp (twin ECC82 with ATC A-20 output transformers)
DIY turntable (based on a Lenco)
DIY tone arm (3D printed project of mine)
PureAudioProject trio15 speakers (TangBand version)
Thank you all for your time and help
Tank out
Time for me to build my first Phono preamp. Im quite experienced with building kits, but less experienced with P2P, and thats why i preffer to stick with PCB's for now. Im not fixed on either tubes or SS.
I also like to play with a variaty of cartridges, mostly MM or high output (Nagaoka 110, Denon 110, London Deca, Shure M97 among other), which means having loading options (resistance AND capacitance) is also desirable.
I have done some reaserch as to which kits are out there and came across the RJM crystalFet, Tetra from Broskie, the CNC, some Parentless ebay offers and many other GB from DIYaudio (the Salas Folded Simplistic Phono, Paradise and Supa caught my attention).. And having too many options is never good!
So - help me take a decision here. Im not looking for something basic, im looking for something all out, something that will be my last phono stage (yea... right...)!
Just for reference, my system includes:
KT120 Monoblocks
DIY preamp (twin ECC82 with ATC A-20 output transformers)
DIY turntable (based on a Lenco)
DIY tone arm (3D printed project of mine)
PureAudioProject trio15 speakers (TangBand version)
Thank you all for your time and help
Tank out
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K&K has a nice kit called the Trio. K&K Audio | Trio phono stage
I have his Maxed-Out phono stage, which is not a kit, and can't speak highly enough of it. He has great customer support as well. Tubes for it are really inexpensive.
I have his Maxed-Out phono stage, which is not a kit, and can't speak highly enough of it. He has great customer support as well. Tubes for it are really inexpensive.
Thank you all for your comments!
I have looked at the Muffsy But felt its too basic. As i mentioned, im looking for something more advanced. The K&K does look great, but way outside the budget i have for this project.
The RJM offer indeed looks great! but the phonoclone is for LOMC and im looking for HOMM. However, RJM's CrystalFet kit looks more like it.
Right now im contemplating the following:
- RJM CrystalFet
- Salas Folded Simplistic Phono
- PassDIY Pearl 1 (i think there are still boards left from an old GB)
- Try my luck (again) with the latest little Bear version
- Try and find Paradise boards.
Thank you
Tank out
I have looked at the Muffsy But felt its too basic. As i mentioned, im looking for something more advanced. The K&K does look great, but way outside the budget i have for this project.
The RJM offer indeed looks great! but the phonoclone is for LOMC and im looking for HOMM. However, RJM's CrystalFet kit looks more like it.
Right now im contemplating the following:
- RJM CrystalFet
- Salas Folded Simplistic Phono
- PassDIY Pearl 1 (i think there are still boards left from an old GB)
- Try my luck (again) with the latest little Bear version
- Try and find Paradise boards.
Thank you
Tank out
I would also recommend RJM's VSPS RJM Audio- The Very Simple Phono Stage (VSPS) Designed for MM. I built one and it sounds very nice.
Also consider the Tubes4HiFi stuff. Vacuum Tube Audio PH16 phono preamp
His PH16 is reputed to be a real sweety. I have one of his preamps and like it very much!
Also consider the Tubes4HiFi stuff. Vacuum Tube Audio PH16 phono preamp
His PH16 is reputed to be a real sweety. I have one of his preamps and like it very much!
OK. after a LOT of reaserch, i think a Jfet based kit would be the best way to go for me. It seems that while there are some voices against the different kits I looked at, mainly on the issue of headroom between stages (if i got it right), most of the reviews are very possitive.
As for loading, i will build additional boards to handle that as an add-on the the PCB.
So right now, i am contemplaiting between two kits, the BHL deluxe and the RJM Crystalfet... what do you guys think?
As for loading, i will build additional boards to handle that as an add-on the the PCB.
So right now, i am contemplaiting between two kits, the BHL deluxe and the RJM Crystalfet... what do you guys think?
Graham Slee has the very nice Genera you can build from scratch like I did 3 times over. You can also buy it from him in kit form. Members of his forum get a discount. Graham Slee designs always have lower surface noise. That's why I love all his stuff. https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/phono-preamp-project_topic745.html
I built the Tavish Design classic preamp. It's available as just a board or as a kit. Sounds great.
https://tavishdesign.com/
https://tavishdesign.com/
Hi Tankpopper, I have built several phono preamps. I also have a preamplifier with phono stage mm / mc Aiwa C50, amplifier Marantz PM6006 also with step phono mm. I've heard Rotel RQ 970 and some other.
But I have built three kits, the RJM VSPS 300; Richard's MUFFSY and Rod Elliott's phono pre ..
Comparing them with those mentioned above, their sound is superior, better details, broader sound scene, greater depth.
If you want variation in load resistor the indicated is MUFFSY. If you want dual mono the indicated is VSPS 300, and if you want very good sound but with a little accentuation in bass, that of Rod Elliott.
I have not been encouraged to build with FET (they say they are sensitive to source noise) and with vacuum tubes.
regards
But I have built three kits, the RJM VSPS 300; Richard's MUFFSY and Rod Elliott's phono pre ..
Comparing them with those mentioned above, their sound is superior, better details, broader sound scene, greater depth.
If you want variation in load resistor the indicated is MUFFSY. If you want dual mono the indicated is VSPS 300, and if you want very good sound but with a little accentuation in bass, that of Rod Elliott.
I have not been encouraged to build with FET (they say they are sensitive to source noise) and with vacuum tubes.
regards
I'd suggest the -
Pass Labs Pearl 2 (or the Pearl 1 if you can get the PCB, it's a fantastic phonostage as well)
Salas Folded Simplistic.
I built both Pearls and am working on the Salas. I love phonostages! I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
Pearl 2 Build guide - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/204336-building-pearl-2-a.html
Pass Labs Pearl 2 (or the Pearl 1 if you can get the PCB, it's a fantastic phonostage as well)
Salas Folded Simplistic.
I built both Pearls and am working on the Salas. I love phonostages! I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
Pearl 2 Build guide - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/204336-building-pearl-2-a.html
Ah, the Pearl 2. Nice, if someone would do a run of PCB. The 797 is also a great build. A bid more advanced than toe Muffsy with complete user adjustability.
Hello,
I have built tube, op amp and discrete component RIAA preamps.
I like this one best.
A Simple, HIGH QUALITY Transistor Preamp
search my user name and you will find my builds.
I have built tube, op amp and discrete component RIAA preamps.
I like this one best.
A Simple, HIGH QUALITY Transistor Preamp
search my user name and you will find my builds.
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