PAS-3X question

[K-MAN]

I've been listening to allot of records on my recently refurbished SCA-35 and wanted to know how the phono stage compared to the PAS-3? I know that the phono stage in mine is allot simpler but I would like to know what makes the PAS better. Do you think it would be worth me buying one for listening to my vinyl?

[6L6/807]

There isn't a great difference in the phono sections of these two. Both use 12AX7, feedback RIAA compensation and a selector switch with contacts in the feedback circuit. If you are happy with the sound of your present setup, and it mates well with your cartridge, that's great. If you are looking for improvements you might want to consider some of Steve Benches designs...

http://members.aol.com/sbench101/#Preamp

or a variation of Gary Pimm's design...

http://www.pacifier.com/~gpimm/phono.htm

Best regards,

Wade

[joeriz]

I suppose it depends on whether or not you are happy with the sound and/or what kind of vinyl playback gear you have. Personally, if all of the components on the board are within spec, I don't think the phono stage is all that bad. It is similar to that in the PAS so I don't think you're going to notice a huge difference.

This gentleman looks like he may have an interesting drop-in replacement/upgrade phono stage availble for the SCA-35 later this year:

http://www.audioregenesis.com/products/ ... index.html

Also, Joe Curcio has some easy upgrades for the PAS phono stage on his forum:

http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?for ... =&session=

These may be applicable to the SCA-35 as well although I haven't given them a good enough look to be sure about this...I just offer it as more information.

Joe

BTW - I like your avatar. Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_12