High Value Phono Stages

A bit of info recently passed to me by a group of which a few have moved on from Millet Design Phon's.

I am using a case  and other bits   plus valves I already had so total cost to me was £166 fully populated boards. The full kit (£479 kit or £849 assembled) has volume control selector switch ( line level non amplified plus phono) and a nice case with protruding valves.

https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/zinamp-phono-stage-vinyl-and-valves/

_______________________________________________________________-

I really enjoyed your phono stage Peter - a real giant killer. My preference was for the middle variant with your M1837's David. I thought that the final selection of valves with the Brimar was just a bit over the top dynamically for me.

_________________________________________________________________

Peter’s phono was very impressive and one wonders why commercial phone stages cost so much. Maybe it’s to do with the bling factor, with the physical visual impression being an over riding factor against the modest “hidden away” look of the DIY box.  Certainly, the sound was extremely good.
David’s skill and judgment as an exert Tube-Roller came into the fore and the change in Tubes certainly displayed a change in sound - not necessarily better, but certainly different.  

______________________________________________________________-
 

I thought that Peter's very modestly priced D.I.Y. phono stage served up an excellent performance on the day. In fact, I'm confident that any listener would be hard pressed to find fault with the presentation which was both detailed and organic. The bass in particular was a standout for me being surprisingly 'meaty' and articulate

______________________________________________________________

The MoFi MasterPhono is worth checking out. I also have an OL Agile which is a great tonearm.

Pindac, in the quoted comments above, does “Peter” refer to Pete Millet, the designer and builder of the LR phono circuit (uses inductors and resistors to create the RIAA filter, no capacitors)? Thanks.

Peter in the Post is not Pete Millet, but a indidual very adept at electronics where Pre's - Phon's - DACs are concerned. 

Peter and two others at this group assessment have produced Pete Millet design Phon's. 

I have no issues with reports from this Group, and the most trusted person I know where Valves are concerned was present, with immaculate condition Valve to loan for the occasion, such Valve types really do create something very special.

The only downside is I missed this meet up.

Yes, I do believe Pete Millet's circuit has been published and is in the public domain.  Some guys on this side of the pond have also built it.  I have never heard an LR RiAA filter, but I do have experience with LCR RIAA filters, and I find them to be a bit superior to the conventional CR filter, for MM or high output cartridges. But that is a dangerous generalization unless one has heard a very wide variety of examples of each, and I have not.