RJM Audio Emerald Phono Stage Help Desk

rjm

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Joined 2004
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Emerald Phono Stage

"A two stage op amp circuit, the Emerald has switchable voltage gain and loading options and features an active-passive hybrid RIAA with exceptionally accurate response. Single channel, dual-layer 10 cm x 8 cm board. The S-Reg voltage regulator circuit is built in to the boards, no additional regulation or filtering required."

Help desk and build thread. I've had a couple of people asking me to separate it from the (now 14 year old) VSPS and Phonoclone help desk. So here you go...
 

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Hello, I'm about to fire up my Emerald with switch-board input. I am planning on starting with a Hi-output Sumiko Blackbird. If I'm reading your instructions correctly, I should leave both jumpers out. Does that seem correct? All the switch-board switches are off for starters. I built it with the stock BOM parts.

Sumiko Blackbird
Output - 2.5mV
Internal Impedance - 135ohms
Load - 47K
 

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rjm

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Joined 2004
Paid Member
If I'm reading your instructions correctly, I should leave both jumpers out. Does that seem correct? All the switch-board switches are off for starters. I built it with the stock BOM parts.

Sumiko Blackbird
Output - 2.5mV
Internal Impedance - 135ohms
Load - 47K

Yes, High Output MC carts are treated as MM carts for this purpose. You want to have the Emerald set to 47 kohms input impedance, and the MM level gain (about 40 db).

The switchboard would be left disabled (all switches open) for this cart, you don't need it.

/R
 
Yes, High Output MC carts are treated as MM carts for this purpose. You want to have the Emerald set to 47 kohms input impedance, and the MM level gain (about 40 db).

The switchboard would be left disabled (all switches open) for this cart, you don't need it.

/R

Next cartridge will be the Sound Smith Paua. Should be here in a few weeks.
I'm assuming I'll need changes to the switchboard of the Emerald itself.

Output 0.4mv.
Load 470 ohms to 2,800(or so) ohms
Capacitance not specified

Suggestions as to changes to the Emerald or the switch board to accomplish the range of load resistance?
 

rjm

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Joined 2004
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Think of the Switchboard as an alternative to your on-board socketed resistor R1. Of course you can just swap out R1 or R2 for a different value, but when using switchboard you leave JP1_1 open to set the board input to 47kohms, then select the parallel resistance value on the switchboard to set the load. The gain setting is switched via JP1_2 as always, it is unaffected by the switchboard.
 
I have a few transformers in the spares box... conventional single-wound output, 24v centre tapped.(12v/side)

Presumably these will suffice using a single bridge. ?

Or is the double winding and twin bridges shown on the build page needed for some reason ? and if so why so ? :)
 
I have made a start assembling the boards. Still some parts left to solder...
I'm happy with the layout of the boards inside the aluminium case as well.

A question...
I am housing the transformer in a separate aluminium case connected by an umbilical. It was suggested in the VSPS thread to twist the power wires, so is this only for the mains wiring to transformer or does it also apply to the wiring from the plug shown to the phono boards?

Thanks
 

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rjm

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Both, or rather everything. I usually braid the power (V++,V--,COM) together, and twist the signal wiring (IN+,IN-) and (OUT+/OUT-) pairs. AC wiring (live, neutral) are twisted together, earth is separate. Individual secondary outputs twisted together.

See this post for examples. Comment about case size applies here too, but yours is just that little bit larger and more accessible, so you should be ok I think.
 
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