[jrebman]

This one I really hate to let go for a couple reasons: First is this is the heart of a much more expensive, commercially available, and highly rated phono stage, and secondly because the completely populated circuit board with proprietary NFB op amps was the last one of the manufacturing run and thus I will never be able to replace this in the future.

I probably can't name the commercial phono stage here because of an agreement with the guy who sold it to me (the co-designer and producer) but can answer that in PM if interested.

This is a DIY project and only for those with decent mechanical construction skills and tools (though nothing more fancy than a drill press is needed) and consists of the fully assembled and populated circuit board with some minor modification to run on battery power (though I believe no traces were cut or parts removed or changed, only wiring added in the right places), a high-quality miniature DPDT switch for switching between MM and MC mode, a blue power on LED, a miniature 4PDT toggle switch for the SLA charging circuit (12 volt batteries that charge from a 12 volt charger and switch to +/- 12 volts to supply the board), 2 brand new 800 mAH SLA batteriess, and a Lansing Enclosures B-style "gray box" (actual color is anodized black), plus all the diagrams and instructions I got (minimal but sufficient.)

To complete the project you will need:

- mounting hardware, standoffs, etc. for the PC board

- 3 pairs female panel mount RCAs

- mounting for the SLA batteries

- some hookup wire

- DC power plug and jack for SLA charger.

- and possibly some filter/reservoir caps for the SLA supply if you think it is necessary (I would do it myself.)

Everything is in new condition and comes with a new, unopened SLA charger.  No holes have been drilled in the enclosure (which measures 8-3/8" W x 8" D x 3.5" H).

This phono stage works well with both standard MM carts and supposedly exceptionally well with MC carts and has completely customizeable loading via two female RCAs which you can use RCA plugs with resistors soldered to to choose the loading values.

The board cost me $550, the switches and LED another $30 or so, the batteries about $40, the charger another $40 (as best I can remember) and the enclosure $90.  That totals over $750 with shipping.  I will sell it for $500 shipped in the continental US, plus paypal.

PM with questions or to find out what phono stage this is in disguise.

Thanks,

Jim
 

[jrebman]

Additions/corrections:

1. It does appear that 2 circuit traces were cut to convert to battery power, but they should be easily enough restored, and since they don't carry any audio signal, are not critical to sound.

2.) The commercial version of this sells for $1700 with a cheap power supply -- the higher-end regulated supply is another $1000 or so.

3.) The "op amps" (8 pin DIP packages) are custom made, class A, zero feedback and are proprietary to this design as are the voltage regulators.

If I didn't say it before, this project when completed will give you one hell of a phono stage that will work with practically any cartridge.

Somebody who has the skills should really pick this up because it is the real deal.  I don't exaggerate -- ask around or check my feedback on agon under username "MindSET".

-- Jim

[jrebman]

Bumpsky.

Still going to be a great score for the right person.

[jrebman]

Ok, hint:

See latest edition of Tone mag.  That's all I'm going to say .

-- Jim

[jrebman]

Sold.

Thanks everybody.

-- Jim

[poseidonsvoice]

Some lucky fella has a very special design now 

Too many projects, too little time  ...to borrow from Gary Dahl!

Best,
Anand.

[jrebman]

Anand,

Thanks, and I certainly understand why you couldn't take the project on now.  I did very much enjoy our correspondence and the benefit of your experiences.

Thanks,

Jim