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Phono Preamp Kit Recommendation

P

Ptlud

New Member
I am looking for recommendations on a significantly improved diy phono preamp for my analog system. The sonic performance is currently really quite good: full bass, good separation and sound stage, and very realistic. Would I be better with a solid state or tube preamp.

(1) Lenco L-75 turntable modified with a custom plinth and Silver Note 512S tone arm. Stanton 681 cartridge with a Pickering 625DJ stylus. I would like the option of upgrade to a moving coil cartridge in the future.
(2) Hagerman, Bugle 2 phono pre-amp
(3) Bottlehead Stereomour 2A3 SE tube amp
(4) Klipsch KLF-20 horn speakers (100dB/m)

Below is a list of the phono pre-amp kits I have found.

(1) RJM, Emerald (http://phonoclone.com/pcb.html)
(2) Elliot, P06 HiFi Phono Preamp (https://sound-au.com/project06.htm)
(3) Tindie, Muffsy Phono Preamp PP-4 Kit (https://www.muffsy.com/muffsy-pp4)
(4) Pass Labs, Pearl 2 (https://www.passdiy.com/pdf/PEARL 2.pdf)
(5) Signal Transfer, Phono Preamplifier (http://www.signaltransfer.freeuk.com/RIAAunbal.htm)
(6) Boozhound, Deluxe Phono Preamp (https://boozhoundlabs.com/collections/all/products/deluxe-phono-peramplifier)
(7) Tavish, Vintage 6SL7 Phono Stage (https://tavishdesign.com/products/vintage-6sl7-phono-stage?variant=13907030662)
(8) GlassWare, Aikido Tetra (https://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/tetrasansps.html)
(9) Bottlehead Reduction 1.1 (https://bottlehead.com/product/reduction-1-1-phono-preamplifier-kit/#)
(10) Bottlehead Eros 2 (https://bottlehead.com/product/eros-2-phono-preamplifier-kit/)

Thanks!
 
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There's the one from DIY HiFi Supply, all tube, no feedback, gain adjustable from 40 to 56dB by tube complement (similar to the Herron phono stage), $695 ... think I would've preferred to mount the transformer in the front of the chassis away from the signal lines, and run the AC to it in shields, but most have simple external wallwarts at this price, and don't use real high voltage supplies. Haven't seen a schematic or much talk on it so not too sure on the design particulars, and so not a true recommendation, but maybe one to add to the list to explore more thoroughly ...
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Never heard any of them. If I was spending my own money I'd get the Signal Transfer. Reason being it was designed by Doug Self, who pretty much wrote the book on this sort of thing. I'd get it fully assembled because I haven't soldered in over 20 years.
 
Ptlud said:
I am looking for recommendations on a significantly improved diy phono preamp for my analog system. The sonic performance is currently really quite good: full bass, good separation and sound stage, and very realistic. Would I be better with a solid state or tube preamp.

Thanks!
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Why kit? When you account for chassis and other components, you may not get much cost advantage over ready to use unit. Tavish Design sells their phono preamps for a reasonable price. And they are really good.

But if you still want to play with DIY - I suggest PassLab one.
 
for_p1 said:
Why kit? When you account for chassis and other components, you may not get much cost advantage over ready to use unit. Tavish Design sells their phono preamps for a reasonable price. And they are really good.

But if you still want to play with DIY - I suggest PassLab one.
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Isn’t the least costly phono pre from Tavish, about $650? To some folks, that’s not exactly reasonable.

I built the dual mono JFET kit from AM Audio, for about $115 not including chassis (wooden box) or SLA batteries. It includes PCB’s and all components; transistors, Russian PIO caps and resistors. It’s smooth & rich and the background is quieter than my Musical Surroundings Phonomena or Phonomena II. Of course, it is a MM/MI stage without any optional settings.
 
MisterDK said:
Isn’t the least costly phono pre from Tavish, about $650? To some folks, that’s not exactly reasonable.

I built the dual mono JFET kit from AM Audio, for about $115 not including chassis (wooden box) or SLA batteries. It includes PCB’s and all components; transistors, Russian PIO caps and resistors. It’s smooth & rich and the background is quieter than my Musical Surroundings Phonomena or Phonomena II. Of course, it is a MM/MI stage without any optional settings.
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To verify that your unit operates within specs, you will need measurement equipment that is worth more than $650. Thus kit is only useful for DIY kind of person, who already has extensive experience, required measurement and mechanical tools to make a finished product. But that person will unlikely ask question about what design to choose, because he will understands limitations and advantages of each of them.
 
We have two Pass P2s in our group and they are the phono pre of choice. On, built in shielded wooden chassis multiple with separate PS is very good. The second one, built to higher standards, boutique caps as needed and a good solid metal cabinet is sonically superior. Owner of the first built the second for another member of the group and was able to enjoy it for some time.
 
for_p1 said:
To verify that your unit operates within specs, you will need measurement equipment that is worth more than $650. Thus kit is only useful for DIY kind of person, who already has extensive experience, required measurement and mechanical tools to make a finished product. But that person will unlikely ask question about what design to choose, because he will understands limitations and advantages of each of them.
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If you say so..;)

I didn’t design the kit, nor am I selling it. I built one because I wanted to build a phono pre with JFETs rather than op-amps, and was impressed with the sound when completed. It sounded very good to me and I liked the quality, so I started a thread on it. It’s based on a proven circuit that’s been around for a while (called the Le Pacific) - and it sounds very good for its cost, regardless of how you want to measure. My opinion, of course.

BTW - the KIT I suggested is easier to build than many other kits - and the OP was specifically asking about phono preamp -kits- so I’d assume he is looking for DIY.
 
I laugh when I read this. I bought this to test turntables by plugging them into an extra AUX input. $15 including shipping on the auction site. It certainly doesn't sound bad to me.
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jlovda said:
$15 including shipping on the auction site. It certainly doesn't sound bad to me.
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Basic entry level is all that some need to be thrilled with the sound. I wonder if you used it for a few months and then replaced it with a 200 buck unit how much difference you would hear. I know there are akers buying units up to a couple grand because of improvements in sound quality they appreciate. But just having real hi-fi is all that really matters sometimes and it doesn't need to be spendy.
 
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I have built VSPS by RJM.
It is an opamp desing with passive RIAA.

I used a separate power supply.
Nothing fancy.
Just a classic LM317/337 affair and a big transformer.

I really enjoy its performance with an LME49720HA, PIO//MKT1813 caps etc.
It's a 'less is more' approach and you can evaluate parts since they are so few in the build.
It was rather useful to evaluate resistors and capacitors (output position and supply bypass).

My other DIY projects have been tube designs but this little kit fairs very well against them.
His "Emerald Dual-Mono MM/MC Phono Stage with S-Reg" offering looks very enticing.
I recommend it.

Other than that, Pass Labs, Boozehound and tube options from Bottlehead and Tetra are all very interesting as well.
They definitely are worth a try as well.

But then you only have limited funds and time to spare.
That is the main problem folks!
 
for_p1 said:
Why kit? When you account for chassis and other components, you may not get much cost advantage over ready to use unit. Tavish Design sells their phono preamps for a reasonable price. And they are really good.

But if you still want to play with DIY - I suggest PassLab one.
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DIY is a totally different arena than buying stuff made.
The cost is not the main issue here.

It's the gratification of building it and fine tuning it to your own standards.
And to be honest you can fit quality parts in your build that you will rarely see in mass produced items, save for some stratospheric-priced stuff.
 
Ptlud said:
I am looking for recommendations on a significantly improved diy phono preamp for my analog system. The sonic performance is currently really quite good: full bass, good separation and sound stage, and very realistic.

Would I be better with a solid state or tube preamp.
Click to expand...
I think it is not so much a matter of technology as a matter of implementation and design.
My VSPS for example sounds close to my EAR834P clone.
Only in a head to head A/B comparison you will notice minor differences and these are very small indeed.
You could start with a nice and simple opamp design like the Emerald or VSPS for example and then can go from there.

Ptlud said:
Stanton 681 cartridge with a Pickering 625DJ stylus. I would like the option of upgrade to a moving coil cartridge in the future.
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Nice.
I have a couple of NOS original D625 stylus (almost identical to yours) and they sound sweet.
If I were to move towards an MC from there (i'm not), of interest would be the classic Ortofon SPU or the classic Denon DL103.
 
Evonimos said:
DIY is a totally different arena than buying stuff made.
The cost is not the main issue here.

It's the gratification of building it and fine tuning it to your own standards.
And to be honest you can fit quality parts in your build that you will rarely see in mass produced items, save for some stratospheric-priced stuff.
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There is another option - get relatively inexpensive device and try to upgrade. One example can be Cambridge Audio CP2 (for through hole assembly) or Alva Duo (SMT assembly) models. One can try to change capacitors, opamps and even front end ultra low noise transistors to his liking. Cost of entry is low - less than $300.
 
I love the CNC phono stage I built using boards from a member on Audiokarma. I used a transformer and a regulated +/- DC power supply, but it can be built to run on batteries or a wall wart. I also put some Burson V6 opamps in it, and that was a nice improvement. I built the case, but there are lots of options there if you feel really DIY ready.

IMG_20200702_064428.jpg IMG_20200701_154046.jpg
 
The Oatley in my signature was a fun little project. Uses Raytheon subminiature tubes which only need 30 volts. I had never built anything before but I did have a meter and a basic soldering iron. Success at first try. It sounds great to me but I haven’t heard many phono stages. Clearly better than my various vintage integrated amps, though. The tubes do ring for a few seconds at power-up but it’s not really noticeable afterwards, through speakers.

I think it came to about $60 shipped to the US (from Australia) last year. Postage seems to have gone up and it’s actually out of stock at this moment. http://oatleyelectronics.com//product_info.php?products_id=936
 
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