Mr_Zenith diyAudio Member



Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: KC Metro

build. I've constructed a small boatload of' power amps plus one preamp in the past, but I've never tackled a phono stage before. You guys have given me the "stones" (aka "testicular fortitude") to try.



What's also goaded me into action is the fact that the only phono stages I own are (1) an unrestored RIAA section in an old Harman Kardon "Ballad" integrated, ca. 1959, and (2) another unrestored jewel in the form of a Dynaco PAS3, which screams for mercy at every switch-on. The HK unit is basically sound, but the electronics are just noisy - mainly too many 50-plus-year-old slider switches in the signal path. As for the old Dynaco? Well, it is what it is. I think I can do better.



Eli's modified RCA circuit is appealing for several reasons. First, it seems relatively simple for a not-so-newbie to build and troubleshoot. It's also proven; I've read many kind words regarding this design here and on other forums. The combination of tubes and solid state (Tubelab's "sand-based life forms") is intriguing to me. And finally, it's relatively economical for a DIY build (boy, do the parts add up!).



So while waiting impatiently for the parts to arrive, I decided to get cutting on the chassis. The first pic shows cherry stock for the front and sides being clamped during bookmatching. The second pic shows the basic chassis parts. The curly maple strips are trim for the cherry front, back and sides. The three curly maple blocks are for the feet; they'll be cut to the same dimensions as the part to the right that looks like "home plate". I've gotta say thanks to everyone here for a most inspiring thread. The wealth o' knowledge on this forum as a whole is incredible enough, but seeing the builds from Jeff Yourison and ClefChef has pushed me further into the depths of my disease and given me the itch to, well.... I've constructed a small boatload of' power amps plus one preamp in the past, but I've never tackled a phono stage before. You guys have given me the "stones" (aka "testicular fortitude") to try.What's also goaded me into action is the fact that the only phono stages I own are (1) an unrestored RIAA section in an old Harman Kardon "Ballad" integrated, ca. 1959, and (2) another unrestored jewel in the form of a Dynaco PAS3, which screams for mercy at every switch-on.The HK unit is basically sound, but the electronics are just noisy - mainly too many 50-plus-year-old slider switches in the signal path. As for the old Dynaco? Well, it is what it is. I think I can do better.Eli's modified RCA circuit is appealing for several reasons. First, it seems relatively simple for a not-so-newbie to build and troubleshoot. It's also proven; I've read many kind words regarding this design here and on other forums. The combination of tubes and solid state (Tubelab's "sand-based life forms") is intriguing to me. And finally, it's relatively economical for a DIY build (boy, do the parts add up!).So while waiting impatiently for the parts to arrive, I decided to get cutting on the chassis. The first pic shows cherry stock for the front and sides being clamped during bookmatching. The second pic shows the basic chassis parts. The curly maple strips are trim for the cherry front, back and sides. The three curly maple blocks are for the feet; they'll be cut to the same dimensions as the part to the right that looks like "home plate". Attached Images 20160416_183355.jpg (545.0 KB, 1459 views) 20160417_114451.jpg (651.5 KB, 1394 views)