DIY Phono Preamp

[JustinJ]

Has anyone built a good quality phono preamp for under $300.00? Ideally, I would like to spend about 200.00 dollars on it. I have been buying records lately since getting a turntable and would like to use more funds for records.

I am interested in building a phono preamp and have someone who will help me and guide me. I need plans or ideas.

I know there are other forums but since this is a MartinLogan forum, I know that the listeners here are more critical about their equipment. I am using critical in the good sense.


I have seen this kit http://www.hagtech.com/cornet2.html but it seems really expensive for just the circuit board.


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jeff Zaret]

I believe there are DIY plans out on the internet for the Pass Pearl phono preamp. I have a friend who built one and did sound good. I do not remember how it cost and he since sold it and move on to a better phono preamp.

If you want an inexpensive phono preamp have you looked at the NAD Ph2. I believe it is about $125.00. I still have mine and I use it for a back up when needed.

Jeff

 

[Satch]

Check out Bottlehead.com. They might sell a phono preamp kit in your ball park. Not sure, but I think it's worth a look.

 

[JustinJ]

Thanks for the links. I am going to try the Bugle from Haggerman http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html and try the power supply kit with it.

I think this will be a good first DIY phono amp. I would like to attempt a tube phono amp but thought this is a good one to try first since the outlay of money is not as expensive. I am going to upgrade some of the parts. At least if I mess up, I am not out of a lot of money and it should be a good learning experience.

 

[tonepub]

Both the hagerman and the bottlehead are great products and fairly easy to build...

I'd go for the bottlehead myself, as it will warm up the sound of your HK reciever a bit.

 

[JustinJ]

I think that I am going to try the Aikidio Phono Amp. It is a tube amp and seems to be a reasonable price for a kit. Jeff, I think you are right about a tube phono amp. I would not mind in the future trying out a nice tube amp.

I am trying to learn as much about electronics as I can right now and have some practice solder kits coming before I attempt the build.

If anyone is interested in learning more about electronics this is a great site http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/study.htm . I am working through his book right now
All New Electronics Self-Teaching Guide http://www.amazon.com/Electronics-S...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270250733&sr=8-1 .

 

[Tosh]

You could build the one on the datasheet for the National LM4562 op amp for quite cheap.