TX103 - RJM 6DJ8 - TX102 preamp

[Paul Ebert]

I am interested in building a preamp with mc phono capability. I like the idea of using the Stevens & Billings transformers (or something equivalent) for step-up and TVC functionality.

Would the RJM 6DJ8 phono stage (see http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/rjmaudio/diy_pho3.html) be a good choice for providing the RIAA eq and gain to go between the two transformers?

I'm certainly open to other suggestions. I'm not that knowledgable about tube design, so something simple would be nice. Nor am I wedded to going the transformer route. It is a rather expensive way to go.

Thanks.

Paul Ebert

 

[ThorstenL]

Konnichiwa,

I am interested in building a preamp with mc phono capability. I like the idea of using the Stevens & Billings transformers (or something equivalent) for step-up and TVC functionality.

You may find reviewing this thread useful:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=335624#post335624

I kinda hi-jacked it with a design I made to work with exactly the transformers you mention, prior to the S&B LCR RIAA unit becomming available. If cost is an object, I recommend this design (others have commented on sonic performance).

Sayonara

 

[Paul Ebert]

I will review that thread. Thanks!

Can I assume that, if cost is less of an object, you would recommend going with the S&B LCR RIAA unit? If so, is there a design that uses it? I've done a bit of looking around, but, I admit, not too much.

However, if I added the RIAA unit, I think I'd be somewhere around $2K. I suspect I could build a Toccata for that price (true?). How would those two compare?

Thanks, again.

Paul

 

[ThorstenL]

kONNICHIWA,

Can I assume that, if cost is less of an object, you would recommend going with the S&B LCR RIAA unit?

Yes.

If so, is there a design that uses it? I've done a bit of looking around, but, I admit, not too much.

One of mine is around. I posted an extensive writeup in german, never got around to the english equivalent....

http://www.jogis-roehrenbude.de/Leserbriefe/TH-Loesch-Line/TOCCATA_RIAA.htm

The pictures and schematics should be a good illustration though.

However, if I added the RIAA unit, I think I'd be somewhere around $2K. I suspect I could build a Toccata for that price (true?). How would those two compare?

My LCR equalised design is the "formal" MK IV Toccata. There where in fact minor revisions up to MK 6 including TVC's and all sorts of experiments, but non quite quite "got it".

Several who have build the LCR RIAA of my design to suitable high levels of implementation swear it is at the very least very good, certainly in the top with other high $ commercial designs, if not the very best they have heard. It is the best I have had, not that that says much.

Sayonara