Handmade Roller's Delight 834p 2023

I'm pleased to offer this excellent preamp based on the EAR834p Phono Preamp. This device serves as the connection between the turntable and amplifier, and it performs two vital functions: the audio signal coming from the turntable is amplified about 70x and it's put through an RIAA EQ. This de-emphasis is very important as the original audio signal was subjected to a pre-emphasis which lowers the Bass and boosts the Treble, which results in a narrower groove and more capacity on the disc, hence Long Playing. Since most home stereo amps available these days don't have a built-in phono stage, if you want to listen to records, you'll need a phono preamp.

While Solid State Phono Preamps are very common and affordable these days, the transistors used to amplify the audio signal just aren't as good as good ol Vacuum Tubes. Tubes are more sensitive, they pick up and relay more of the audio signal, so you'll hear more detail, clarity, depth, more of the sound on that record. I could craft sentences with words like mellifluous and wax poetic about the quality of the sound, the hidden guitar parts and voices that emerge but the truth is you have to hear it for yourself. I've built several of these devices now and this is the best sounding preamp I've made.

This Preamp is based on a 834p circuit board from ZeroZone, Xuling PSU, and a R-core 35VA transformer. The circuit design is a classic Cathode Follower, with resistors and capacitors from a curated list at the LencoHeaven website.

Ruby Tubes HG+ and HG 12AX7 in V1 and V2 and a HG 12AT7 in V3. Individual tube shields protect the sensitive structures from outside Radio Frequency interference, reducing noise while also allowing the user to easily change tubes.

Attenuator is included as a standard option, the gain from this preamp was enough to cause clipping on a solid state amp, but for my tube power amp I leave it all the way open.

Please note, this preamp is for Moving Magnet cartridges only. I can make a unit with the Step-Up Transformers to order, please contact me directly.

Hope you get to enjoy it.