The tape output can be made variable so that the level can be fixed at the best for a given tape machine. Simply use a 10k pot (preferably linear) to set the levels. There's also a change on the PCB, which requires that R5 (L+R) is replaced by a link, and the 1.5k resistor is moved 'off-board'. This prevents the balance control from affecting the tape out level, and also eliminates any small level change when you switch between the 'normal' and 'tape monitor' positions (see Fig. 3A). Whether it is a phono stage or an external preamp, it boosts the signal from the turntable to the correct level, so that it can be received by your stereo system or speakers. Knopfler’s Fender seemed to have this percussive bite every time he dug into the strings, yet his tone was so sweet and lush. The expansive reverb started to produce an image I could almost see with my mind’s eye. The image specificity produced as big an improvement as the portrayal of the reverb’s decay. This gave the guitar as well as Knopfler’s voice much better spatial placement and solidity on the soundstage, which made for very involving listening. The 'alternate' connection for R5 is useful if you include the tape monitor switch. By making R5 external, the 'AL' (and 'AR') positions are a direct connection to the opamp's outputs, ensuring that operating the 'tape monitor' switch doesn't cause any level change. It's no imposition as it's just two resistors that are relocated. The R5 position on the PCB is replaced by a link or a 10Ω resistor.

Vertere already had a great phono stage on its hands, but this updated version manages to deliver significant performance gains, thanks to some careful housekeeping and honing of the circuit board and power supply. The tidy little box remains the same; an orange power LED is the only addition to the design. Even some seasoned audiophiles don’t know much about preamps, or the important role they can play in an audio setup. Turning to something more tender, I loved the way the Pre Box RS2 Digital reproduced Batiste’s voice in “What a Wonderful World.” His breathing, sibilants, consonants, and vowels were all clearly presented -- and all perfectly integrated. Batiste’s pedaled ostinato notes had luxurious harmonic richness, and decayed magically into the reverberant acoustic of that New Orleans church. There is much to recommend using pots on the inputs for CD and Tuner in particular, so their levels can be matched to the other signal sources you have. Although this option is not shown here, it is described in Project 02, and the pots would be used in exactly the same way as shown in the original hi-fi preamp schematics.The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a DAC and preamplifier that uses a dual-mono configuration of the highest-class D/A converters from ESS Sabre. ESS9038Q2M chips provide the highest sound quality in price-affordable, high-end circuits. Unlike most of DAC´s in this price range, the Pre Box RS2 Digital includes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. Also thanks to these converters, the Pro Box RS2 Digital supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz files in PCM and DSD formats (up to DSD512) via USB, covering any digital file you can buy or stream. We love the scale of performance and the way the Vertere delivers the seismic dynamic shifts of the recording with so much enthusiasm. As with the previous generation (also an Award-winner), our main takeaway after hearing this phono stage is that it makes listening to music interesting and, where appropriate, fun. There’s not much we can ask of any piece of hi-fi beyond that.

Although shown with 10k resistors for gain, you can reduce these for lower noise if you prefer. With the suggested OPA2134 (or NE5532) opamps, these resistors can be as low as 1k. The opamp input resistor (R2 L+R) can also be reduced in value, but at the possible expense of lower RF interference immunity. I wouldn't recommend less than 220Ω. The nominal options are for a gain of 0dB or 6dB, but you can get an intermediate gain of ~3dB by making R4 27k. This gives a gain of a bit under 3dB (2.74dB or ×1.37), which may be useful. You can change the gain easily by changing the value of R4... Following the motto "balanced vinyl for everyone!", the turntable and electronics manufacturer Pro-Ject wants to push balanced signal transmission forward and thus introduces the new turntable Pro-Ject X8 and the two phono preamps Pro-Ject S3 B and DS3 B. The points marked AL and BL are the same as in Figures 1 and 3, and refer to the Left channel only. The Right channel is identical, and uses the second half of the opamp (the Right channel uses connection points AR and BR - not shown in the drawings). Figure 3 shows the balance and volume controls. I strongly suggest that the balance control be retained, as I know from personal experience that it is a pain not to have the ability to centre the acoustic image properly. Moving speakers and furniture about is not always practical, and has an extremely low SAF (spousal acceptance factor). If you don't want to use the balance pot, it may be left out of the circuit entirely, and R5 (L+R) replaced with links or 10Ω resistors. Measurements on this preamp were difficult - mainly because noise and distortion are too low to measure accurately. I haven't even tried to measure the distortion, but the figures I do have are as follows... Parameter

Pro-Ject's Tube Box S2 MM/MC Phono Preamp Beats the Built In

So, my experience with this phono stage has been a pretty good one. Albeit subtle, it sounds fantastic and was a step up (no pun intended) from the solid state phono preamp built into my Denon receiver. I asked Pro-Ject whether keeping the filaments warmed up shortens tube life. Their reply: “When the tubes are not being used, the current is dropped down to standby mode idle. Great tube life!” A growing number of turntables, including many of the best budget turntables like the versatile Sony PS-HX500, come with built-in phono stages but others, like the similarly excellent Rega Planar 1, do not. The smooth, full-bodied performance, coupled with the inclusion of a headphone amp, makes this stylish box certainly worthy of consideration.

A standalone model comes equipped with its own chassis and power supply. They usually run quieter than a built-in preamp. With the "A1" turntable from the new "AUTOMAT" series, Pro-Ject promises to deliver a fully automatic turntable with high-quality sound at an affordable price.Many new record players, such as the Audio Technica AT-LP120, come with a built-in preamp. But not all self-contained turntables do.

Another oldie but still a goodie, the Gram Amp 2 holds its own nearly a decade after first coming on the scene. And you can see why - simplicity is the name of the game here, an approach that ages remarkably well. It's a moving-magnet phono stage with one set of inputs, one output, no bells or whistles. Well this is certainly a looker. With an offset volume dial, minimalist styling and mirrored rear labelling that's easy to read even if you're peering over the top of the unit, it's clear a lot of thought has gone into the Cambridge Audio Duo phono stage. And no less attention has been paid to the audio quality. The preamp is a vital component that deserves just as much care and consideration when you’re shopping for a turntable, as the record player itself. Whether the preamp is internal or a standalone unit, you want to make sure it is capable of delivering the audio quality you are looking for. Radar Love«: Vinyl passion over radio waves – is that even possible? Yes it is! The Cambridge Audio Alva TT can also send its signals via Bluetooth as an alternative to the phono cable. At best an emergency solution? Quite the contrary! The moving magnet preamp delivers a high-end output of around five millivolts. As such, it requires far less gain and it also costs a lot less. The sound quality is inferior, however.Most preamp manufacturers work hard on designing models that are extremely low noise, which is a huge plus for any serious audiophile. That said, it really doesn’t matter if you have a phono stage that’s only a few decibels quieter than the vinyl itself. The vinyl surface noise will still dominate.