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J!m, while scouring the net earlier for any potential references to vinyl devos hot-rodding their RS 42-2111 phono preamps I happened across this extended troubleshooting session trying to suss exactly where RF interference was entering into the sound system...but only when listening to records...

J!m, you aren't the first nut job -- actually, you are in good company, for Paul McGowan (of PS Audio & Genesis {Arnie Nudell} fame) tells the story of how his successful career started with a battery-powered phono amp in a Roi-Tan cigar box destined to fix a FCC-flagged hissy FM radio station...

So, does the top-shelf battery powered phono preamp provide the ultimate vinyl listening experience? Well, according to Michael Fremer, the $7800 ASR Basis Exclusive is really close to the ultimate listening experience...but, if you really deserve the very best, then you will have to go get...

Seriously, I actually *do* believe that a really highly resolving circuit could be (de)tuned by the interaction of a metal enclosure tightly surrounding it...but my understanding of electronic theory says that the inverse-squared law is involved, so if you take the same circuit and place it in a...

Given my own preoccupation with the big increase in background RFI levels in today's homes, I agree with your comment on handling the low-level phono signals in an acrylic box. Of course this isn't the first time I've encountered an equipment designer that eschewed a conventional metal box...

J!m, I understand your legitimate thermal concerns -- and the bigger the device, and more scattered your discrete components, the more that getting all the individual components, each to their ideal thermal operating point (so that they can give their best contribution to the circuit they are...

Here's an extreme blowup on one of these modules. Check out the 45 / 50 / 55/ 60 db markings in the corners: The following is quoted from the Stereophile article: "Instead of computer-grade DIP switches, the PhD has four unique plug-in circuit boards: two for gain, two for loading. How...

So I've found in the past that when I start out on an upgrade project, it helps to do a big-picture "min-max" review. In other words, before I attempt to improve something modest like the RS phono preamp, I should first acquaint myself with every offering in this space, from the most...

The next step up from the (early '80s vintage yet still respected) John Curl SOTA is the 2005 Sutherland PhD. A previously-enjoyed unit is currently on eBay, offered for sale for $1869. (free shipping) A peek under the hood reveals no less than 16 alkaline 'D' cells provide the power to...

BINGO! Although the shared goal is to somehow figure out a way to create the illusion that the 'musician is there' in the room with us...the sport is figuring out how to accomplish this without having to spend cubic dollars to do it...that (unfortunately) I didn't bring to the table. (ie: My...

J!m, we're definitely on the same page here. I think that you are going to like how the price/performance curve is going to populate itself. And yes, from everything I can gather the noise-eliminating benefits of battery power is (of course) ever more beneficial the lower the level of the...

It *is* a whole different experience. I distinctly remember buying a new album, loading it ever so carefully onto the TT, headphones on, and then listening to the new album while studying the cover art / liner notes / back of the album cover intently. I can *still* remember buying my own copy...

OK, our first step up, money-wise, is a used MC (moving coil) head amp** that has a lot of street cred & has held it's value over the years -- the SOTA, designed by John Curl. On eBay it's on offer for $869: Here's the end (connector) view: Battery side of the module: The other side...

There seems to be a lot of activity in the forum with people building/restoring/optimizing their vintage turntables. It's impressive just how far some have gone in order to bring these electro-mechanical marvels back to Day 1 (or better) operation. Myself, prior to joining this forum my plan...

J!m, As a young freshly-minted USAF tech school certified '3-level' airman reporting to his first Avionics shop back in the summer of '78, I learned pretty quick that 'the elders' with the calm demeanor & 100-yard stare had literally forgotten more than everything that I knew at that point in...

Gepetto, Nice, no drama finish to your pointer - this is what arrived via the USPS: Since you are a SPICE devo (and I wanted a copy for future reference) ...I found a legible copy (purportedly) of this battery-powered RIAA phono pre-amp. (Radio Shack model #42-2111) At the moment I've...

Closing this loop -- good news! Both books arrived, I'm a happy camper! Excellent additions! Looking through the sound reinforcement book, Section 6 is titled "Sound Indoors", and pretty much picks up where we left off. Great stuff -- again, thanks for the tips! 3D

Wow. Great projects! Great photos - every single one! And that's the first time I've ever seen a Phase Linear 8000 TT with sharp, 'you are there' action photos! Well played, NeverSatisfied! (insert golf clap here. :0)

Greetings dmccan13, Welcome to where a lot of long-time/hands-on PL enthusiasts compare notes & help each other troubleshoot their gear. If vintage Phase Linear was like old Indy cars, then you have just wandered into Gasoline Alley. If you haven't already pieced it together, "Gepetto" is the...

J!m & George S, The three of us are all in the same boat! FWIW from early on I was fascinated both by mechanics & electronics, and studied both in school. Worked my way through school as a mechanic, & rebuilding carburetors was a specialty of mine. But I switched to working on computers...