The Ultimate 834 Phono Stage

[ZZMoko]

Thanks it's definitely been a struggle to get here....but I've got the sort of performance that I could never afford to buy at retail prices so it's all been worth it....and along the way I've gained a lot more knowledge and learnt some more skills.

Hopefully this and all the other threads will help others not to make the same mistakes I've made and simplify the process so everyone can end up with great sounding phono stages.

[ZZMoko]

Whilst tidying up today found these Russian oil filled caps



Close enough to use in the phono stage? Would they be any improvement on the Ansars currently fitted?

[ropie]

I'm going to say they are just a little too far apart in value, given how sensitive your ears are to balance now  

When I saw your photo I was thinking, 'I wish my multimeter had a capacitance measurement too' - and it does I never noticed it before!

[niclaspa]

I assume that you intend to use the Russian capacitors as output capacitors.  In that case, it does not matter if their values differ a bit.  They just need to be large enough to maintain a good low frequency response.  The only capacitors which value is critical are the ones in the RIAA correction circuit.

You can try to change them.  Most likely, you will hear a difference.  Whether it is better or not is probably down to personal preference.

[spaceistheplace]

Close enough to use in the phono stage? Would they be any improvement on the Ansars currently fitted?

The value is not the issue as was said. I ran into some issues with feedback induced by the metal casing touching the unmasked top of the board.

My suggestion would be no caps with metal casing.

Also the ansars are very good I wouldn't think about replacing them.

Plus just got your stage working great don't touch it lol!!!

Enjoy it.

[ZZMoko]

I think I agree with you guys...leave it alone for a while