Pearl 3 Phono Preamplifier
- 2 x RIAA PCBs - 5 1/2" x 3 1/2" (140mm x 90 mm)
- 1 x Power supply PCB - 4" x 4" (100mm x 100mm)
- All electronic components for 2 RIAA PCBs.
See the build documentation for transformer and PSU requirements along with a Bill of Materials
The Pearl 3 is Wayne Colburn's follow up to the Pearl 2 phono pre-amp. It has now been built by 100s of happy DIYers. For all specifications and details, please visit the forum and review the build documentation provided in the links below.
Links
With no load and shorted input this pre-amp is a cricket. I have built it for Rega Planar 3 RS and I was literally blown away by the wide stage both produce with my custom single drive Fostex and LM3886 amp I have designed. This pre-amp is a beast for amplification at least in my MM setup and 100% will handle MC cartridges.
I did fail with assembly for the first try - 7815 and 7915 were flipped. Classic. I don’t use the provided power supply board as I decided to go battery power. I use 12 series 21700. Could be 9, obviously. Highly recommended. Note that some resistors will look different than in the assembly manual - fewer Dale ones in my set. So measuring them all is a good practice.
P.s. yeah, I know I still need to finish up the enclosure :)
Was not that difficult to weld despite the smd transistors, had it running for a few hours to burn in. Comparing it to my pro ject DS+ I could notice a better sound with lower noise floor. I'll be using the lower gain with my Lundhal sut's, noise floor is much lower this way.
My aluminum case from China is delayed for some reason, that's why it is presented this way.
The power supply is separate in another box
Thanks for this very nice ce project, in line with the F6 and korg B1
After ACA, F6, and Elekit TU8500, I had concerns before starting this project due to SMDs, however, it went pretty well after watching suggested videos. I decided not to order anything more besides the kit so I used my power drill batteries for the power supply and hardwired a RCA cable which was sitting around. I had to replace R27-220R with 610R to decrease the bias. It's dead quiet with detailed highs and balanced mid and lows. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!
I am a great fan of Wayne preamp and phono stage. I build a pearl I some years ago, then a Pearl II more recently and today it is the Pearl III.
Once again thank you Wayne for this wonderful piece of audio instrument.
No complication and really easy to build. If any doubt, the build guide is there to give you the correct answer.
It is not yet in its box but I was really so excited to listen the result that I connect the "Pearl III project" on my listening system before finishing the cosmetic work. And there, I was not disappointed. First of all, just after powering up I increase the volume and it was so quiet that I thought something was wrong. Incredibly quiet phono-stage.
Musically very clear and vivid. Lot of punch and very soft and emotional when necessary... it is a great phono stage !
Even like that without box, it is a pleasure to listen LP with this Pearl III.
I have now to build a decent box which will be smaller than the one of Pearl II.
I made also some measurement for people who like these kind of information.
If you need a phono stage, don't hesitate it's a bargain. Bruno
6L6 did an amazing job putting this kit together and writing the docs, and providing support online, so thanks to him and Wayne Colburn for making this level gear available to DIY.
Quick shipping top, notch product very happy.