Phono and Line Preamp Kits

[Toride]

Dear Peter / World Designs,
I am a newbee here (hope this is correct place to post this).

I have a question about phono and (line) preamp kits. Are you planning to release kits like this? If so, do you have any information on when they will be released, approximate cost and the topology eg will phono be a Thorsten variant (S&B LCR?) etc, what topology will be used for line preamp?

Thanks for any information you may be able to give.

Nick

[petercom]

We will be revising the Pre2 and Phono2 kits during late summer/autumn period. These will most likely be 'improved' versions of the original circuits as these seem to be well liked and affordable.

[Shane]

Is there a possibility of combining the two in one box, or is this not practicable? That way, a single-box preamp could be run with a WD88VA power-amp option for a domestically acceptable (in my case anyway) killer combo.

I'd even forgo the remote...

[Toride]

Hi Peter,
I was kind of hoping you might make something like the S&B LR phono stage available as a kit as I don't really have the facilities (or confidence!) to build something like this from scratch. Thanks for the info though - will keep an eye on developments.

Nick

[petercom]

Originally Posted by Shane

Is there a possibility of combining the two in one box, or is this not practicable? That way, a single-box preamp could be run with a WD88VA power-amp option for a domestically acceptable (in my case anyway) killer combo.

I'd even forgo the remote...

We did consider that, Shane, but most enquiries we have received here have been more interested in the modular approach. May be this is because putting the power supply in its own enclosure reassures people that another level of interference has been removed from the preamp, especially the phono amp. And the three boxes, side by side, look pretty domestically acceptable, don't they?

[petercom]

Originally Posted by Toride

Hi Peter,
I was kind of hoping you might make something like the S&B LR phono stage available as a kit as I don't really have the facilities (or confidence!) to build something like this from scratch. Thanks for the info though - will keep an eye on developments.

Nick

I get it now! Will consider it, though, I warn you, it won't be cheap!

[Toride]

No problem! I'm looking for a v. good (last) valve phono stage (and line preamp) - I have Bottlehead Seduction (not used at moment) which is pretty good but I want a better one.

I'm looking at K&K phono stage ($1550 ~ £840 without delivery + taxes). There's also the LCR Cole from DIYhifisupply ($1337 assembled only which is ~£720 +taxes etc) or maybe the Steve Bench on the Intact Audio site (not a full kit).

But would like to support World Designs - would probably spend about £1000 for kit (you're right - this is a lot ! but these are good phono stages and it's a lot less than a Groove+, Aesthetix Rhea, Steelhead etc)

Thanks for reply.

[petercom]

As it is something I would like to build too, I think we can expect to see it arriving as a kit before too long!

[david.rogers]

Anyone know how much the S&B units cost roughly? Can't find any info on price - on these OR the MC step-ups - on their site.

[NickG]

£300+vat