Phonon Preamplifier Circuits Diagram

In recent years, following CDs introduction, vinyl recordings are almost disappeared. Nevertheless, a phonon preamplifier is still useful for listening old vinyl discs from a well preserved collection. This simple but efficient circuit devised for cheap moving-magnet cartridges, can be used in connection with the audio power amplifiers shown in these webpages, featuring low noise, good RIAA frequency response curve, low distortion and good high frequency transients behavior due to passive equalization in the 1 to 20KHz range. Transistors and associated components provide ±18V supply to the op-amp, improving headroom and maximum output voltage.

Phono Preamplifier Circuits Diagram

 Notes:

• R2, R3, R4, R7, R8, C4 & C5 should be low tolerance types.
• Schematic shows left channel and power supply.
• For stereo operation R1, R2, R3, R4, R7, R8; J1; C1, C4 & C5 must be doubled.
• Numbers in parentheses show IC1 right channel pin connections.

Technical data:

Sensitivity @ 1KHz: 2.5mV RMS input for 200mV RMS output
Max. input voltage @ 1KHz:120mV RMS
Max. input voltage @ 10KHz:141mV RMS
Max. input voltage @ 20KHz:127mV RMS
Frequency response @ 1V RMS output: 100Hz to 20KHz ±0.5dB; -0.75dB @ 30Hz
Total harmonic distortion @ 1KHz and 6V RMS output: 0.006%
Total harmonic distortion @10KHz and 1V RMS output: 0.02%

Parts:

R1_________47K   1/4W Resistor

R2________100R   1/4W Resistor

R3__________6K8  1/4W Resistor

R4_________68K   1/4W Resistor

R5,R6_______2K7  1/4W Resistor

R7__________2K2  1/4W Resistor

R8_________39K   1/4W Resistor

C1-C3_____100µF  25V Electrolytic Capacitors

C4,C5______47nF  63V Polyester Capacitors 5% tolerance

D1,D2__BZX79C18  18V 500mW Zener Diodes

IC1_______LM833  Low noise Dual Op-amp

Q1________BC337  45V 800mA NPN Transistor

Q2________BC327  45V 800mA PNP Transistor

J1__________RCA  audio input socket