Simple good sounding and cheap phono stage

gamve

gamve

Journeyman
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
446
Location
Tasmania, Australia
I built this MM phono stage three or so years ago and besides the fact it cost peanuts to build, I still use it with both the Ortofon T2000 and my ZXY MC step up devices. Long and the short of it is that it sounds very good for what it is. I don't know why but I was told by theory it should roll off both the top and the bottom registers according to one manufacturer that contributes to TH that I sent the circuit to. Each to their own I reckon it works very well and compared to a $1000 + model its hard to justify the extra $950 IMHO. The circuit was originally posted in Silicon Chip magazine.

Circuit (one channel shown) Other visible behind.

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27V for the phono stages. The AA batteries simply run the LED (LED is not in the audio circuit) so you can see the unit is on. The phono stage draws bugger all milliamps and the batteries last for 6 months or more with regular use. This phono stage is dead quiet at all times.

I have instructions if anyone wants to build their own. Its easy once you have built one but there are a few traps. I had one cap go bang with an alternative layout....loud bang. I had trouble getting a couple going due to FET's in backwards......Doh
 
Hi Graham
I'll try it. Can you send me the plans and parts list. I was going to talk about phono amps. I have 2 tubed phono amps. What upsets me with them it seems I lose volume when I use them. I mean I have to crank my amp higher to get the same volume as my other components. Is this indicative of all phono amps? I get frustrated at times ; because of it. So is a solid state more efficient than a tube amp? I mean they both have gotten rave reviews or is it my system?

Larry
 
Here is the set up that is leaving. Soon I hope. He also bought 3 pairs of ICs. So I hope he comes this week. I don't know if this is a cheap phono stage.
Larry
 

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speakerman1 said:
Hi Graham
I'll try it. Can you send me the plans and parts list. I was going to talk about phono amps. I have 2 tubed phono amps. What upsets me with them it seems I lose volume when I use them. I mean I have to crank my amp higher to get the same volume as my other components. Is this indicative of all phono amps? I get frustrated at times ; because of it. So is a solid state more efficient than a tube amp? I mean they both have gotten rave reviews or is it my system?

Larry
Click to expand...

No Worries Larry. Will set you up a download link
Phono output usually is a bit lower than say a CD's output so really cranking the amp for the phono is no issue unless the phono stage is noisy.
Cheers
Graham
 
speakerman1 said:
Here is the set up that is leaving. Soon I hope. He also bought 3 pairs of ICs. So I hope he comes this week. I don't know if this is a cheap phono stage.
Larry
Click to expand...

The Yaoqin is a cheapie but I though for the money it sounded pretty good. The Chinese tubes need replacing though.
 
I may be getting a MC cart on a TT. Need a good MC amp. I can get a Creek OBH-15. Or is there a kit that would do better. I looked at one kit. It cost as much as I would pay for the Creek.

Larry
 
Hi Graham,
I would like the instruction too just to be on the safe side.
You can send the link or schematics to the skywavebe address
and I can figure out the rest.
Thanks for such nice pictures.
 
Hi Guys,
Will put some files in my dropbox for you all to download on the weekend. Will post up the links for all interested
Cheers
Graham
 
Hi Graham and thanks. Do you have a parts list and where to locate them to buy? Where did you get the enclosure. How long do the batteries last?

Larry
 
speakerman1 said:
Hi Graham and thanks. Do you have a parts list and where to locate them to buy? Where did you get the enclosure. How long do the batteries last?

Larry
Click to expand...

Will get a parts list together for you. FET's and transistors I got from Ebay. Resistors caps and polys are available from any electronics supply store. The box was from Jaycar but any enclosure big enough is suitable. Battery life is at least 5 months with everyday usage.
 
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