Phono preamp from the LT1115 datasheet

OPA2210 is bipolar and beats NE5534A on both voltage and current noise. Yes the typical 1kHz spot current noise is the same but its 1/f corner is considerably lower so integrated out its quieter. Its rather a lot more expensive though.
Ah, interesting device, esp for 1/f. However I note the dreaded input bias cancellation circuitry (the input bias current sign is undefined), so the current noise figure probably assumes identical input impedances - its not clear. And the current noise is the same as the NE5534A anyway, and its more expensive - so not clear its any better for MM.



Also the NE5534A has _guaranteed_ noise performance, which the 2210 apparently lacks - another reason not to be too hasty.
 
I don't think the high rails in a phono stage would get you anything. Keep in mind that the output of the phono pre is going to a line stage and then out to a power amplifier. So if the phono pre were putting out 2Vrms, that could drive most power amps to clipping without an intervening line stage. That's 2.8V peak swing above & below 0V. A pair of 6V Vregs would get you enough rail voltage. Going higher won't hurt; it's just that you won't be able to use it all. My phono pre uses +/-5V regulators, and it sounds fine on the loudest passages.
 
I finally finished building and testing the LT1115 preamp. Indeed a pleasant surprise!
"No" noise, no hum, sounds nice with my old Rega and Ortofon MC30.
Now this ugly duckling PCB will live in a suitable case, formerly occupied by a Hiraga MC preamp.

Finished board:

LT_02.jpg



Testing:

LT_01.jpg


RIP - soon:

LT1115_Box.jpg


(Hiraga MC at the bottom)

If I were to make this amp again, I would probably drop the FET and use a resistor. Using the original FETs seemed like a cool thing to do, but they have to be fine tuned to give the desired 2mA. With components according to the app note, the difference between the two channels was BIG. 2.1mA vs 1.2mA. No difference in sound was detected, though. And I would make a new, 2-layer PCB with a more compact layout.

Will it happen? Guess not...
 
  • Like
Reactions: alugner
No problems at all with the Hiraga MC...
But this little card was housed it the shown box together with 2 big accumulators and a charger.
Thought it was a good thing. But it was too much hassle.

Now I want to put the Hiraga in an ordinary preamp box togehter with a suitable PSU, some RIAA amp + AUX inputs + volume + output buffer.
At least, that is the plan.
Now I must first get used to this new toy!

🙂 morten
 
  • Like
Reactions: alugner and Nohabla
Ah, interesting device, esp for 1/f. However I note the dreaded input bias cancellation circuitry (the input bias current sign is undefined), so the current noise figure probably assumes identical input impedances - its not clear. And the current noise is the same as the NE5534A anyway, and its more expensive - so not clear its any better for MM.

For that reason, I measured the noise current of an OPA2210 with unequal impedances some time ago and the result was quite close to 0.4 pA/√Hz.
 
I finally finished building and testing the LT1115 preamp. Indeed a pleasant surprise!
"No" noise, no hum, sounds nice with my old Rega and Ortofon MC30.
Now this ugly duckling PCB will live in a suitable case, formerly occupied by a Hiraga MC preamp.

Finished board:

View attachment 1374037


Testing:

View attachment 1374038

RIP - soon:

View attachment 1374039

(Hiraga MC at the bottom)

If I were to make this amp again, I would probably drop the FET and use a resistor. Using the original FETs seemed like a cool thing to do, but they have to be fine tuned to give the desired 2mA. With components according to the app note, the difference between the two channels was BIG. 2.1mA vs 1.2mA. No difference in sound was detected, though. And I would make a new, 2-layer PCB with a more compact layout.

Will it happen? Guess not...
Hello morten,
Would it be possible to share the design (typon) of your pcb?
I made a provisional assembly of the circuit and the jfet as mounted on the diagram in the datasheet sending -15V to the output of the lt1115 and therefore to the input of the lt1010!
Is this normal?