preamp recommendations

[DrDave]

I've decided the next step for my setup is to improve the qality of my preamp stage. The DJ mixer I uese now seems to distort at high levels.

Would love to get something capable of non-RIAA equalization but what I have found is either VERY expensive or not available (OWL-1). OWL-2 sounds good but never seem to arrive. And what price range will it be?

Guess I'll have to go the RIAA route, record at 24 bits and correct equalization in software. Anybody have recommendations for a reasonably priced phono preamp? Doesn't have to be the cheapest but I certainly can't afford high end gear.

Dave

[DougMac]

Re: preamp recommendations

You might want to look at a pre-amp from NAD. Even though they were relatively inexpensive, they were renowned for their phono stage, with reviewers comparing them to the esoteric high end stuff. When I was setting up, I bought a mid 80's NAD integrated amp on ebay for ~$150.00. It sounds really good. You can get a pre-amp from ~$75-$100, according to the age. I've owned NAD equipment since the early 80's and have always been pleased. I'm still using it, so they are certainly reliable.

When the OWL 2 comes out, I'm going to seriously consider it, but if I remember correctly from earlier discussions, the unit will be $600 - $800. I'm still trying to figure out how to sell that to the other marital unit .

[DrDave]

Re: preamp recommendations

Know the problem with "other marital units"

I'm seriously looking at Graham Slee's Jazz Club http://www.audiocontrol.co.uk/vinyl-sound.htm#Where can you buy my products?

It's capabilities are more extensive than the web page indicates. E-mail if you want more detail. But it's also at that price level (375 pounds).

About NAD, I too have an old NAD receiver that has served me well but it's a long way from my computer.

Dave

[Paul Willmott]

Re: preamp recommendations

I use a Black Cube preamp, ... its incredible value for money.

a review can be found here:
http://www.hyendaudio.com/press/press7.htm

[Craig Maier]

Re: preamp recommendations

Looks like a lot of money for something that just does standard Stereo RIAA. You will still have to go through the RIAA reversal steps in the DC Art Paragraphic EQ in order to obtain the correct turnovers for olde 78's and 80's. Also, it will be required to use the file conversion L-R feature in order to play Hill and Dale recordings such as Edison Diamond Disc, Pathe', and Cylinder recordings.

[DougMac]

Re: preamp recommendations

Craig,
You're right. That's why we're awaiting news on the Owl2 .

[wysiwyg]

Re: preamp recommendations

Has anyone heard of the "Esoteric Sound" re-equalizer? It sells for $290.00.
http://www.78rpm.com/pages/rescat/audio/components.htm

[DrDave]

Re: preamp recommendations

I looked at that one. A smart idea. Would have bought it if I had a good phono preamp already. Since I also wanted to upgrade the preamp, I did buy the Jazz Club mentioned above. Very pleased with it so far.

[DougMac]

Re: preamp recommendations

I read about the Esoteric Sound re-equalizer. My only concern is that you have to go through one more equalization process. From my feeble knowledge, you have at least the potential to add more distortion (phase problems, etc.). I would prefer a pre-amp where there would be only one stage of equalization.

[praxel]

Re: preamp recommendations

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DrDave:
I've decided the next step for my setup is to improve the qality of my preamp stage. The DJ mixer I uese now seems to distort at high levels.

Dave<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Dave!

Speaking of prices, I built a preamp some years ago, using two mini fets, you know the type of transistors you find if you take a electret microphone capsule apart.. From the beginning it was ment to drive a stereo piezto pickup on my double bass, but later I used the channels in series, giving enough amplification to drive a phono cartridge.

The turover for 78:s was made with an adjustable capacitor from signal to earth after the first transistor. The power source was a nine volt battery. It cost me about $15 to get a nice transparent phono preamp.
I didn't make the rolloff circuit, but that can be applied in ten seconds after the second transistor in the form of another adjustable capacitor to earth, or a little feedback circuit to the input.

Also, with the op-amp technology, it should be possible to publish a simple home brewd preamp for this purpose.

Best
Peter

[Craig Maier]

Check out the Diamond Cut Productions DCP-47K-F flat phono preamplifier located in our online store at https://www.diamondcut.com/st3/produ...-phono-preamp/