Friday, August 28, 2015

"Mimic - SE" MM phono preamp

















See previous posts for the original "Mimic" which is Bruce Heron's (Oddwatt) OPAMP based MM phono preamp. What makes this a Special Edition (SE)? From the images above you will see Solen (French) caps which are on the output replacing cheaper NP electrolytics and from the rear high quality gold plated RCAs now replace the lighter versions. Once more WBT silver based solder has been used and silver plated fine copper wire for hook-up. This is consistent with the "Bourbon" build matching hook-up wire and solder employed. A battery test point is provided at the front.

The enclosure is the same as before and now matches perfectly the Boozhound Labs based MC preamp. As usual the enclosure is bitumanised heavy Al lined. I matched the exterior look of both phono preamps to make them appear as a matched pair. I am now taking orders!!.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

"Bourbon" - Boozhound Labs MC stage kit.
















I received a Boozhound Labs MC kit for assembly and review some years back. I promptly assemble the cct. brd. but thats where it stopped. Finally it is complete and I'm extremely impressed with the overall sound. The kit comes with the usual Boozhound Russian PIO caps and some high quality Muse electros. Silver solder was used and fine copper wire with silver plate is used for hookup. A battery test point is provided at the front.

My Ortofon Rondo Blue MC cart is hailed as very dynamic with excellent balance from deep bass to extended treble. Now I know what they mean. It feels like I have a brand new cartridge installed. I thought my other MC stages were good but this one stands on it its own. Extremely impressive performer.