Hello Toys4Boys,
here you can find some information about capacitive loading of MM-cartridges,...
and the effects on upper mid / high frequencies...
https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/load_the_magnets_e.html
Greets
Dirk
here you can find some information about capacitive loading of MM-cartridges,...
and the effects on upper mid / high frequencies...
https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/load_the_magnets_e.html
Greets
Dirk
If you can adjust VTA, a little down on tail helps with that quality as well.
@ClaudeG I have found OPA1656 to be very much to my liking . It's in my top three for sure : accurate yet easy to listen to. Now I'm waiting for mail delivery of the famous AD746.
I think I can hear small differences between these Op Amps when I concentrate while listening to the same track(s) over and over. However, hearing some small differences and knowing what sounds 'better' are two things. Perhaps my listening skills are not up to the task... A good friend will come and listen with me next week. Let's see what he hears.
Continuing the build.
I decided to implement the active rectification modules to see if there was any difference. I replaced the KBL diode bridges with the modules. It was a tight fit, but it was okay in the end.
Measurements showed a voltage increase of about 2v, which I hope is ok for the rectifiers. I also wonder if the snubbers are now redundant per the other thread.
Sonically, I have not had time for a serious listen with my full rig, but I did have a session with the Whammy through my preamp, and after about 20 minutes, everything sounded natural and relaxed. The detail was very present due to the Burson opamps, and I was more aware of surface noise with older albums, but I will have a better sense of whether the active rectification makes a difference when I use my speakers.
I decided to implement the active rectification modules to see if there was any difference. I replaced the KBL diode bridges with the modules. It was a tight fit, but it was okay in the end.
Measurements showed a voltage increase of about 2v, which I hope is ok for the rectifiers. I also wonder if the snubbers are now redundant per the other thread.
Sonically, I have not had time for a serious listen with my full rig, but I did have a session with the Whammy through my preamp, and after about 20 minutes, everything sounded natural and relaxed. The detail was very present due to the Burson opamps, and I was more aware of surface noise with older albums, but I will have a better sense of whether the active rectification makes a difference when I use my speakers.
Attachments
Hi All,
Does anyone have insight into when the next batch of PCBs will be run? I’ve been loving my Pearl 2 for more years than I can count and can’t wait to try the latest.
Thanks!
Does anyone have insight into when the next batch of PCBs will be run? I’ve been loving my Pearl 2 for more years than I can count and can’t wait to try the latest.
Thanks!
Hi guys, gathering parts for the build currently. I have some 0.47uf WIMA MKP4 left overs. Would they be suitable for interstage coupling ?. I noted the schematic specify 1uF. Just wonder what would be the absolute min/max for the caps?..
Quan
Quan
The .47 uF will work fine. The low frequency roll off will be a bit more but still under 20 Hz.
Hi all,
Whilst waiting for the kits to reappear in the store (possibly in around two weeks), I've been wondering whether there's any benefit to matching Q1-Q4, either between channels or across the 4?
I'd like to try the 2SK170S. Some are available with matched Idss, typically at higher Vds and unknown temperatures, so perhaps not that close in use? From 6L6's Pearl3 DCV.pdf, working Vds is around 6.16V; current around 2.5mA.
Is it worthwhile to looking for an octet with similar (low?) Idss, or just get a random selection (I think I saw 20 for a similar price)?
Is a lower or higher Idss preferable?
On the other hand, if accurate matching in working conditions matters, the 2SK209GR and 2SK209BLs are available in quantity.
Whilst waiting for the kits to reappear in the store (possibly in around two weeks), I've been wondering whether there's any benefit to matching Q1-Q4, either between channels or across the 4?
I'd like to try the 2SK170S. Some are available with matched Idss, typically at higher Vds and unknown temperatures, so perhaps not that close in use? From 6L6's Pearl3 DCV.pdf, working Vds is around 6.16V; current around 2.5mA.
Is it worthwhile to looking for an octet with similar (low?) Idss, or just get a random selection (I think I saw 20 for a similar price)?
Is a lower or higher Idss preferable?
On the other hand, if accurate matching in working conditions matters, the 2SK209GR and 2SK209BLs are available in quantity.
The advantage of using matched devices -- you can dispense with the individual source degeneration resistors which would yield a minimal improvement in noise performance. (So minimal as to be trivial.)
Hey everyone,
I've finally put my thoughts on the BURSON V7 Dual Vivids opamps in the Pearl III. Big thanks to Carlos for sending these my way.
Spoiler: I love these opamps, not because they were free, but because they really impressed me, just like the V6 Vivids and Classics did in my Whammy headphone amp.
I started with the Pearl III using the stock OPA 2604s and also tried the LME 49720 opamps. Right off the bat, the Pearl III was a huge step up from the Pearl II, which was already pretty great with its smooth and soft sound. With the OPA 2604s, the Pearl III became much more detailed and revealing. It felt like I had a whole new record collection.
Now, after giving the V7 Dual Vivids some time to burn in, I've had a chance to listen to them extensively with a bunch of different tracks. Here's what I think:
David Sylvian: "Mother and Child"
Sylvian's voice is outstanding with the Vivids, but Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano is the highlight of this track and comes through with amazing naturalness and detail. The piano sequence at 0:55 and again at 2:18 is especially harmonically complete.
Talk Talk: "Happiness is Easy"
This track’s dynamic range and layers shine with the Vivids. The percussion and synths are more detailed, making the song feel more alive. The acoustic guitar passage at 4:30 has always been one of my favorite moments in music, and the Vivids' harmonic completeness makes it even better.
Sun Kil Moon: "Glen Tipton"
The lyrics and guitar strums are enhanced by warmth and detail. You can hear every little nuance, drawing you deeper into the song.
This is the Kit: "Bullet Proof"
The interplay of instruments and vocals is much more precise and better integrated. The bass is tighter and more controlled, giving the track a better groove.
Ali Farka Toure: "Dofana"
Toure's guitar sounds fantastic, as usual, but more detailed. The natural feel of the instruments is kept intact while adding more depth and realism.
Smashing Pumpkins: "Hummer"
The intensity of the song is captured perfectly. The electric guitars are more realistic and strident, and the bass solos have more punch.
Norah Jones: "Come Away With Me"
Norah's voice is smooth and intimate, drawing you in. The piano and instruments sound richer and more dynamic.
In a nutshell, the Burson V7 Dual Vivids bring out much more detail, especially in the lower treble and upper bass, but this is too simple a statement. As I mentioned in my initial thoughts, the primary impression is that the music feels more complete, making the listening experience much more relaxed. This is a clear improvement over the OPA 2604s and the LME 49720 opamps. They bring a level of detail and richness, making the music more immersive and enjoyable. It’s not just about more detail; it’s about making the music feel more live and real. I do not get any sense of a diminished midrange, so I wonder how the v7Classics would differ.
The Pearl III has evolved since my V7 evaluations, with a Dual PSU and active rectifiers replacing the KBLs. The Dual PSUs seemed to add more air to the soundstage with depth and width, but this was subtle. The addition of the active rectifiers, however, moved the Pearl III to another level. The absolute darkness of the background allows for fantastic clarity and detail in the sound. My guess is that the LT4320 active rectifiers worked synergistically with the Bursons and the dual PSUs to elevate the presentation to an altogether different level.
I know this is a gushing, unscientific and probably biased review, but I am extremely pleased with the setup. I'd love to hear from anyone else who's tried the Bursons, the Dual PSU, and the LT4320s to compare notes.
Big thanks to Wayne, 6L6, and Prasi along the way.
Cheers!
I've finally put my thoughts on the BURSON V7 Dual Vivids opamps in the Pearl III. Big thanks to Carlos for sending these my way.
Spoiler: I love these opamps, not because they were free, but because they really impressed me, just like the V6 Vivids and Classics did in my Whammy headphone amp.
I started with the Pearl III using the stock OPA 2604s and also tried the LME 49720 opamps. Right off the bat, the Pearl III was a huge step up from the Pearl II, which was already pretty great with its smooth and soft sound. With the OPA 2604s, the Pearl III became much more detailed and revealing. It felt like I had a whole new record collection.
Now, after giving the V7 Dual Vivids some time to burn in, I've had a chance to listen to them extensively with a bunch of different tracks. Here's what I think:
David Sylvian: "Mother and Child"
Sylvian's voice is outstanding with the Vivids, but Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano is the highlight of this track and comes through with amazing naturalness and detail. The piano sequence at 0:55 and again at 2:18 is especially harmonically complete.
Talk Talk: "Happiness is Easy"
This track’s dynamic range and layers shine with the Vivids. The percussion and synths are more detailed, making the song feel more alive. The acoustic guitar passage at 4:30 has always been one of my favorite moments in music, and the Vivids' harmonic completeness makes it even better.
Sun Kil Moon: "Glen Tipton"
The lyrics and guitar strums are enhanced by warmth and detail. You can hear every little nuance, drawing you deeper into the song.
This is the Kit: "Bullet Proof"
The interplay of instruments and vocals is much more precise and better integrated. The bass is tighter and more controlled, giving the track a better groove.
Ali Farka Toure: "Dofana"
Toure's guitar sounds fantastic, as usual, but more detailed. The natural feel of the instruments is kept intact while adding more depth and realism.
Smashing Pumpkins: "Hummer"
The intensity of the song is captured perfectly. The electric guitars are more realistic and strident, and the bass solos have more punch.
Norah Jones: "Come Away With Me"
Norah's voice is smooth and intimate, drawing you in. The piano and instruments sound richer and more dynamic.
In a nutshell, the Burson V7 Dual Vivids bring out much more detail, especially in the lower treble and upper bass, but this is too simple a statement. As I mentioned in my initial thoughts, the primary impression is that the music feels more complete, making the listening experience much more relaxed. This is a clear improvement over the OPA 2604s and the LME 49720 opamps. They bring a level of detail and richness, making the music more immersive and enjoyable. It’s not just about more detail; it’s about making the music feel more live and real. I do not get any sense of a diminished midrange, so I wonder how the v7Classics would differ.
The Pearl III has evolved since my V7 evaluations, with a Dual PSU and active rectifiers replacing the KBLs. The Dual PSUs seemed to add more air to the soundstage with depth and width, but this was subtle. The addition of the active rectifiers, however, moved the Pearl III to another level. The absolute darkness of the background allows for fantastic clarity and detail in the sound. My guess is that the LT4320 active rectifiers worked synergistically with the Bursons and the dual PSUs to elevate the presentation to an altogether different level.
I know this is a gushing, unscientific and probably biased review, but I am extremely pleased with the setup. I'd love to hear from anyone else who's tried the Bursons, the Dual PSU, and the LT4320s to compare notes.
Big thanks to Wayne, 6L6, and Prasi along the way.
Cheers!
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Hi Everyone,
I have not been on these forums for a long time and only recentley decided to build a new preamp phono stage. To my suprise the Pearl 3 has been released. Do we know if and when the complete kit will be back in stock in the DIY store? I have registered my interest on the store website. I would alo buy the cases as it makes life for me much simpler. Thanks.
I have not been on these forums for a long time and only recentley decided to build a new preamp phono stage. To my suprise the Pearl 3 has been released. Do we know if and when the complete kit will be back in stock in the DIY store? I have registered my interest on the store website. I would alo buy the cases as it makes life for me much simpler. Thanks.
A batch of Pearl 3 kits was shipped to the fulfillment company yesterday. I’d expect them available for sale late next week.
Thanks 6L6, great news. Russellc thanks also, will get them ordered once I have recived the electronics. Something for me to build after my knee replacment surgery during recovery.
Messaged Gianluca of Modushop as they were out of stock, good news, there was one left and it is now on the way, great service!