Bonsai’s X-Altra MC/MM Phono Preamp

[ZackPlonk]

I didn't bother to do any matching of the ZTX devices and ended up with VCs of 1.540, 1.500, 1.512 and 1.538 (Q1-Q4)
Not a great deal of spread there... maybe I just got lucky.

 

[Joel Wesseling]

What is the total cost for this project? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bonsai]

I estimate about $300-350 but it might be an idea for one of the other guys from the US who’ve built it to comment.
PCB set is $39.99 + $16 for tracked shipping
Housing $55
Components c. $120-$150

 

[Joel Wesseling]

Thanks Bonsai. You say in the video price includes etched back panel.. Great video, watched it twice with enthusiasm.

So I can get it straight - Housing is 55 or back panel is 55.. I guess I'm missing something. Galaxy 1U is $54 starting

Also, Paypal price that comes up is $56

Looking at 2-3 units!

 

[Bonsai]

Thanks Bonsai. You say in the video price includes etched back panel.. Great video, watched it twice with enthusiasm.

So I can get it straight - Housing is 55 or back panel is 55.. I guess I'm missing something. Galaxy 1U is $54 starting

Also, Paypal price that comes up is $56

Looking at 2-3 units!

The PCB set includes the back panel. So you throw out the Galaxy pack panel and replace it with the PCB back panel. The housing is the 2 U version 230 mm wide and 179 mm deep

😊

 

[Bonsai]

That should read 170 mm deep not 179

 

[Joel Wesseling]

That 2U version is a lower price than I was thinking it was!

So $120 for 3 sets. That is very attractive pricing on here. What is the shipping cost be for the 3?

 

[Bonsai]

Ror the housing, you'll have to ask Modushop, for the PCB's PM me.

 

[Joel Wesseling]

👌

 

[Joel Wesseling]

Hi Friends, any sources in US for the transformer?

 

[Joel Wesseling]

Can I use 2 x LSK170 in place of LSK389? A Couple years ago I purchased 100 of the 170's direct from LS.

 

[Chris Jones KS]

Hi Friends, any sources in US for the transformer?

I have one extra but, no, I ordered from RS in the UK. Send me a PM if you'd like this transformer and possibly any other extras I have (IEC inlet, switches, 8 x LSK389B, and 8 x Wurth 100uF caps).

 

[Bonsai]

Joel, unfortunately I cannot comment on the LSK170 as I have never used them. You could try just one of the channels and then check that it works. The LSK389 devices I used are superb I have to say. For the transformer, just type in the manufacturer part number which is 70013K and you should find a source in North America - looks like Chris can help you out in any event!

(Thanks for your offer of help to a fellow builder Chris!)

 

[sonidos]

IIRC, RS Components on the US side had that it was discontinued but Digi-Key has it as requiring a very large buy. I had to go with an Amgis transformer but it wasn't quite apples to apples swap, but seems to work okay. Just my experience - things change day to day on parts supply.

 

[Joel Wesseling]

Yeah, I did my search already for the Tranny from main suppliers. Long wait times or bulk purchase only is what I see..
My main method for buying parts has been to thoroughly search through all brands and find available matches that fit, but finding size and pin configuration for PCB tranny is not working out..

 

[Joel Wesseling]

RS Components shows stock for 70013K - I ordered 3
Planning to try LSK170B

Thanks for all the help!

 

[sonidos]

Thanks for the find, Joel! I've ordered one as I'm a little neurotic on the differences between the Talema that Andrew selected for his design, vs. the Amgis I purchased with some differences.

 

[Joel Wesseling]

 

[sonidos]

What shipping delay? My Talema xformer shipped on Friday from the UK and arrives today in Texas. Incredible.

 

[Joel Wesseling]

My Boards arrived. Very nice, thank you, bonsai!

Obtaining the opamps is not looking promising for the near future ☹️