RJM Audio 2016

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An Op amp Phono Stage

Two-stage circuit with passive RIAA equalization.

This is an elaboration of a well-known and classic op-amp topology for phono preamplifiers. The
limitations of the circuit are discussed, and hints given on how to best optimize it for maximum
performance.

The Amplifier Circuit

Originally sourced from the OP606 datasheet, where it is attributed to Walter G. Jung. The circuit
can be used as-is without further modification, but I have tweaked it slightly for the version shown
here.

Component Value Description

Rin 47k Or as specified by the cartridge manufacturer.
 R1 680R
R2 22k
R3 7.22k RIAA (7.32k can be substituted)
R4 1.05k RIAA
R5 680R
R6 22k
R7 47R Defines the output impedance. Isolates the output stage
from cable capacitance, improving stability.
R8 33k Keeps the output at zero volts DC. Value not critical.
Cin ** Optional, set as recommended by cartridge
manufacturer.
C1 104nF RIAA (1x 0.1 µF)
C2 303nF RIAA (3x 0.1 µF)
C3 4.7µF Output coupling. Must be non-polar. 3.3 2.2µF, 2.2µF
can be substituted.
U1 OP27 Input stage. Other op amps can be substituted.
U2 OP27 Output stage. Other op amps can be substituted.
RIAA values shown in bold. The exact values listed above theoretically give a response accurate to
±0.01 dB. To even approach that the RIAA resistors and the gain determining resistors R1, R2, R5,
and R6 should be 1% types or hand matched to within that tolerance. The capacitors must be hand
picked to the same 1% tolerance with the help of an accurate meter. In practice deviation up to 3%
is accpetable, especially if it is consistent between channels.

Circuit Description
The input voltage is generated across the load resistor Rin and amplified by the first gain stage IC1.
The gain is ( 1 + R2 / R1 ), with the values listed its 30 dB. R3, R4, C1, and C2 form a frequency
dependent voltage divider that does the RIAA equalization. Treble is attenuated by 40 dB, midrange
by 20 dB, while the bass frequencies are left as-is. The output from the voltage divider is amplified
by the second gain stage IC2. The gain is ( 1 + R6 / R5 ), with the values listed its 30 dB. The total
midrange gain is 30 dB (stage1) - 20 dB (passive RIAA) + 30 dB (stage2) = 40 dB. Its called
passive equalization because the frequency shaping is all done by attenuation using resistors and
capacitors. The gain of both op amps is constant over the audio bandwidth.
A passive filter is inefficient. In the midrange 90% of the signal is thrown away. In the treble 99%
of the available signal is thrown away. A second gain stage is required, both to boost the signal
amplitude and buffer the high output impedance of the filter. This has three negative disadvantages.
1. Cost, space, and power requirements of the additional gain stage.
2. Noise and distortion associated with attenuating the signal and then amplifying it again.
3. Difficulty in grounding layout when using a common power supply with two non-inverting
gain stages, in the case where the output of the first stage is the (non-inverting) input of the
second.
An additional, often cited, problem with the circuit is the lack of voltage headroom in the first stage.
In comparison the VSPS doesn't suffer from any of these issues. Its simpler and cheaper, and
recommended if you are looking for an op-amp phono stage for moving magnet cartridges.
Those dead-set on passive equalization - and don't want to use tubes, which at least don't suffer
from the grounding and headroom issues - read on.
The circuit is optimized by fine-tuning the gain and the impedances, choosing the right op amp to
match, and finally getting the ground layout right.
There is relatively little room for tweaking the component values. I reduced the gain of the first
stage slightly from the 34 dB to 30 dB and increased the second stage from 26 dB to 30 dB to
compensate. This was done mainly to improve the headroom slightly. I increased the resistances R1,
R2, R5 and R6 considerably. This will make the circuit easier to drive and argueably better balances
the impedances on the non-inverting terminals, but may also increase the noise floor slightly
depending on the op amp used. The passive equalization circuit can be rebuilt with any multiple of
the values listed, with proportionally higher or lower input and output impedances. Higher
impedances generate more noise at the input of the second gain stage but are easier for the first
stage to drive. I stuck with the original values, these seem a good balance. This input impedance of
the RIAA network is 8 kohms and the output impedance about 800 ohms in the midband.
I chose the OP27 for both the input and output. This is a low noise, precision op amp with bipolar
inputs. Its cheap, readily available and I've used it with good results in the phonoclone. FET input,
audio op amps like the OPA134, OPA606, and OPA604 can also be substituted. This circuit can also
be built using a dual op amp. The OPA2134 and NE5532 are both appropriate.

rjm003.geo at yahoo.com

The VSPS
The Very Simple Phono Stage (2017 version)

Presenting a simple, versatile phono stage for moving magnet or high output moving coil cartridges
using a bare minimum number of parts and the following features:
 Low parts count makes it cheap to build and easy to optimize.
 Wide choice of op amps. Just about any op amp can be used in this circuit.
 Accurate RIAA equalization obtained using common, standard value components.
 Low power consumption.

This circuit is appealing for beginners, of course, but the simplicity also offers more experienced
builders the chance to evaluate and optimize each individual part. The VSPS is the most popular
circuit I have developed, many people have successfully built it. It's a proven, rugged, and reliable
project.
The Amplifier Circuit
An op amp is configured as a non-inverting gain stage. The RIAA equalization is part of the
feedback loop. This is a classic circuit, but not seen too often in DIY audio since calculating the
resistance and capacitance values needed can be a pain.

The circuit is otherwise so basic that each component can be discussed individually.

Component Value Description

R1 47k This resistor (and optional capacitor) should be
set as directed by the cartridge manufacturer.
R2 680R This resistor sets the gain. Lower values result in
more the gain. Use 2.2k for 30dB, 680R for
40dB, and 220R for 50dB.
R3 110k RIAA. Match between channels.
R4 768k RIAA. Match between channels.
R5 47R Isolates the op amp from the effects of output
lead capacitance.
R6 100k The value of this resistor isn't critical, it mainly
serves to drain off charge from the output side of
C3.
C1 1.00n RIAA. Match between channels.
C2 3.00n RIAA. Match between channels. Use 3x 1nF in
parallel.
C3 2.2µ Output coupling. Must be non-polar.
U1 NE5534 or Any audio op-amp could be used with
OPA134 satisfactory results. Stereo layouts require dual
op-amps e.g. NE5532, OPA2134.
RIAA values shown in bold.
With the circuit values as given above, the accuracy of RIAA response over the audio band is within
±0.2 dB.

Construction Notes
The phono preamplifier circuit is powered by regulated, low noise, split 12 V supplies. Normally
the voltage regulation and filtering is placed on the same board as the phono circuit. The power
transformer and rectifier diodes are typically in a separate chassis connected by an umbilical cable.
The Construction Guide explains how to put everything together.

Circuit Board
Circuit boards are available for this project. The stereo circuit is contained on a single board, and
includes LM7812, LM7912-based voltage regulation and power supply filtering. Only the power
transformer and rectifier diodes are off-board.

The stereo VSPS circuit board.