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Dedicated phono-pre for MM only?

Hi All,
the subject of phono-pres, specifically 'adapted' to MM came up in some related postings.

IF, and only if, MMs are much to ones liking --- why spend your buck on some 'halve backed' 60dB plus, MC gain requirement, stage? Why not consider put the $$$ into a TOP 40dB gain stage of either SS or tube?

Raul had more thoughs on the subject as he mentioned before, and might share, why he knows that a TOP MM compared to MC stage circuit requirement might NOT be -one suit fits all-.

There could even be a nice argument to fit a tube gain stage only into an otherwise SS only system!?

Again, the $buck saved on the 20dB plus circuitry could be translated into the BEST circuit for an MM.
I realise, that most such stages were simply fitted inside some older TOP pre-amps, (e.g. Jadis...).
I have not come across a **dedicated** , current 40dB stage neither in nor outside a pre-amp.

Thank you,
Axel
axelwahl
lewm
12,878 posts
 
Hi Pryso, This is the second time someone has recommended EA to me. Since you are a more credible source than the other person, I will look into it. I did also think about buying a basic JLTi, second hand, and upgrading the power supply myself. Did you build the custom supply for yours? If not, do you have a schematic?

Curses, I just lost out on an auction for an AKG P8ES cartridge on eBay. Why? Because I was so busy all day I forgot to increase my bid, which I knew would not withstand the assault of last-minute bidders. i do have my old Grado TLZ, and that is the first MM I will try in the new era. What about the AT150mlx? That seems to be liked by most.
clio09
3,353 posts
 
The two that come to mind for me are the K&K Audio kit and the original Hagerman Trumpet.
pryso
1,927 posts
 
Hi Lew. I can solder but have no ability to design circuits.

I previously used a Threshold FET-10 (a unit I still endorse and a great bargain at $7-800) and an audio buddy built a regulated power supply for that for me. I changed to the JLTi mainly because it offers external gain and loading selection, but when he converted the RPS to my JLTi (which started life with a wall-wart), it offered some audible benefits as well. So yes it is custom and no I don't have a schematic.

The same friend with the EA phono stage just picked up an AT 170(something), one high on Raul's list.

Good luck in finding a few of these "hidden gems".
tketcham
291 posts
 
Hi, Axel. Given the replies to the original post, I'll let my first question stand: To what level of "top" phono stage are you referring?

The discussion seems to be about phono stages in the range of $1000 to $2000 USD and thus, the Graham Slee Reflex is an example of what you were asking about. (It's clearly designed for MM cartridges.) The Jadis phono stage reference was a bit misleading. Or is the Jadis the "top" level you were originally asking about?

Tom
fap
32 posts
 
G'day all, this quite simple to build design is amazing! This is my preferred MM phono preamp. http://sound.westhost.com/project06.htm I have built several of these. Regards, Fap.
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