Question for Aikido Phono

That really depends on the gain you need. I find that using a mix with a 6922/6DJ8 at the input gain tube and 12ax7 in the second stage gain tube worked best for me. Having a higher transconductance tube up front retrieves more detail, keeps the noise down, and keeps the input capacitance down if using MM cartridges. I never could find a 12at7 that worked for me in the gain position, but it did work well as the follower in the first stage. The final follower stage I like a 6cg7, or even something beefy like an ECC99 or 6N6P. I had a first generation board that allowed heater configuration of each tube, I am not sure about the new boards. Be prepared to experiment, I have to admit I started lifting solder pads on my board due to all the changes over the years.

One other thing, don't scrimp on the power supply. You can use Broksie's regulated supplies, but I found the K&K shunt regulators worked well for me, one regulator for each channel. My Aikido phono stage was dead quiet. I moved on from the Aikido, but really enjoyed my build for over a decade.

RE: Question for Aikido Phono, posted on December 30, 2020 at 21:40:35
Triode_Kingdom Audiophile Posts: 10044 Location: Central Texas Joined: September 24, 2006	"I moved on from the Aikido, but really enjoyed my build for over a decade." What did you move to?

RE: Question for Aikido Phono, posted on December 31, 2020 at 04:05:31
David McGown Audiophile Posts: 584 Location: Silver Spring, Maryland Joined: September 29, 1999	iFi Audio iPhono 3 Black Label. It was clearly better than my DIY phonostages. I bought it on a whim, and was very surprised, it was like having a new record collection.

RE: Question for Aikido Phono, posted on December 31, 2020 at 18:23:11
Triode_Kingdom Audiophile Posts: 10044 Location: Central Texas Joined: September 24, 2006	Ohhh, the dark side got ya. Sorry to hear that. :(

Thanks for the morning laugh! (nt), posted on January 2, 2021 at 04:45:19
1973shovel Audiophile Posts: 10117 Location: Greenville SC Joined: February 25, 2007

Tube DIY Asylum

Question for Aikido Phono

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