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Ask an Expert Forum Stereo Phono Cartridge to both Stereo and Mono Amps
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Stereo Phono Cartridge to both Stereo and Mono Amps

TC_Walker
TC_Walker over 3 years ago

Hello,

I am interested in a project to take a stereo signal from a record needle cartridge and split the signal into a stereo amp and also a mono amp to be used at the same time (and independently with some switching). I have tried a couple of simple methods that negatively effected the stereo signal. I am thinking op amps might be a way to do this but I am unable to design this. Regardless of what method is used sharing your knowledge would be so greatly appreciated.

- Tom

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  • michaelkellett
    michaelkellett over 3 years ago +2
    Shabaz explains the principle in his message. (Although I think 1k resistors may be too low for some pre-amps) The problem is that a good mono mix is not made by adding the two channels of a stereo mix…
  • shabaz
    shabaz over 3 years ago in reply to michaelkellett +2
    Hi Michael, I found a reference to ceramic pickups on http://www.douglas-self.com/ampins/library/ampartew.htm which directed to a Wireless World article. In the August 1971 PDF issue of Wireless World…
  • michaelkellett
    michaelkellett over 3 years ago in reply to TC_Walker +2
    It looks as if you are going to try building a pre-amp based on the WW design. Meanwhile I have a little charge amplifier from Jan Cumps to test. He designed the board based on some suggestions from…
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  • shabaz
    0 shabaz over 3 years ago

    It took a bit longer than expected, there's a lot of BC109's! 

    The image below shows just the left channel, I will copy-paste it to make the right channel once this one is reviewed. There is a PDF version of the circuit which may be easier to see.

    I wanted to highlight/ask these things:

    1. I've only used through-hole parts, so the board might end up being perhaps eurocard-sized, but as I understand there is room for that. 

    2. I've added a Line input too, since it's low-hanging fruit. If it's not needed, then the footprint for the relay contacts can be easily jumpered with wire, since then the relays (one for each channel since they are inexpensive and will simplify the layout) are not required.

    3. The mono output is perhaps a few hundred mVp-p when the main output is say 2V p-p, since the mono input will be expecting a low amplitude, but I don't know the precise value, so there are trimmers for that, labelled VR6 on the left channel.

    3. It needs an approx 24V supply, I'm thinking I could add a bridge rectifier if desired so that it can connect to a transformer. What's the opinion on that? 

    4. Considering adding a couple of small solder-in fuses on the mono output connections (both signal and ground) in case some problem occurs with the vintage equipment; is this a good idea, or not necessary?

    image

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  • michaelkellett
    0 michaelkellett over 3 years ago in reply to shabaz

    Hello Shabaz.

    I measured the capacity of my El-cheapo ceramic cartridge (£4 from Amazon) and it's about 1.1nF so the amplifier should have an input impedance (resistive) of about 3E6 ohms.

    Fo a first approximation the cartridge can be modelled by a voltage source in series with a 1nF capacitor.

    MK

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  • michaelkellett
    0 michaelkellett over 3 years ago in reply to shabaz

    Hello Shabaz.

    I measured the capacity of my El-cheapo ceramic cartridge (£4 from Amazon) and it's about 1.1nF so the amplifier should have an input impedance (resistive) of about 3E6 ohms.

    Fo a first approximation the cartridge can be modelled by a voltage source in series with a 1nF capacitor.

    MK

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