Opinions on a DIY phono stage?

gary · « **on:** 12 Jan 2004, 02:31 am »

I'm thinking of building either the bottlehead seduction or the Hagerman Trumpet phono stage. I'm leaning toward the bottlehead because it should be much easier for me to put together, but I'd be curious to know if anyone has opions about how they stack up against each other. Going by the reviews, I don't think I could go wrong with either though.

-Gary

penance · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 01:30 pm »

The Trumpet is pre built, not a kit
maybe your thinking of the Cornet?

gary · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 02:46 pm »

oops... yeah, i meant the Cornet

-gary

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 02:50 pm »

Well Gary, I haven't built or heard either, but being a relatively newby at DIY kits, I did build the Hagerman Frykleaner and found Chris' instructions pretty clear. He also gives you a part list so little is left to guessing.

penance · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 02:50 pm »

I love my Cornet, but not heard a seduction so cant comment on that
Cornet has very very low noise, and easy to assemble, very easy for components swapping aswell.

JohnR · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 02:52 pm »

Quote from: gary

I'm leaning toward the bottlehead because it should be much easier for me to put together

I haven't built either, but I would have thought the opposite, since the Cornet has a circuit board.

elektratig · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 10:08 pm »

Gary,

I haven't heard the Seduction or the Hagerman, although both get consistently fine reviews from users. Between the two, it sounds to me like the Hagerman would be easier to build -- I think I've seen some posts indicating that the Seduction involves cramming a number of parts into a fairly small, confined space.

Just to make your life more complicated, however, let me add two others to the list for your consideration:

Audio Electronic Supply (kit/diy arm of Cary) PH-1
Welborne Labs Reveille Phonostage

I have both and keeping switching back and forth because I can't decide between them (and don't have to)!

The good news is, I think you're right: whichever one you pick, you probably can't go wrong. Good luck!

Tempest Construction Pix: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=130

Brad · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 10:14 pm »

DIYHIFISUPPLY also has a built it yourself phono stage now, the "Cole"

http://www.diyhifisupply.com/diy_kits/cole.htm