Tindie
muffsy
Overall Rating:
All Reviews
Anders | Feb. 4, 2019
A super product!
The kit arrived a few days after ordering. It was easy too mount, took me 3-4 hours. I made a mistake with the psu and the support was outstandig from Håvard.
The preamp sounds great, makes me wanna listen to records all day and all night. The feature of having the ability to tweak the load for MM cartridges, makes it an even more attractive RIAA.
The preamp sounds great, makes me wanna listen to records all day and all night. The feature of having the ability to tweak the load for MM cartridges, makes it an even more attractive RIAA.
Guido | Jan. 8, 2019
Perfect!
I'm totally thrilled. The package reached me safely within a few days. There were all (literally all) needed parts, the PCBs make a very professional impression. The assembly took me 3-4 hours (fortunately I had ordered the case in time as recommended). The manual is extremely well written and explained with pictures. Then the big moment when I connected the preamp for the first time: There was absolutely nothing to hear. What was wrong???... Then the needle put on the record and I was released. Everything worked perfectly, but there was no humming or anything like that. Great. I am infinitely satisfied.
Antonio | Dec. 29, 2018
Ottimo
Prodotto ottimo e venditore disponibile.
Documentazione molto chiara anche per un principiante
Documentazione molto chiara anche per un principiante
Torbjørn | Dec. 20, 2018
Fast shipping, Great product!
For me it was easy to build, but I have some experience with electronics. Online documentation is easy to understand for the unexperienced builder. Sound quality is much better than any inbuild preamplifier I have heard before. Noise level is very low.
Ulrich | Dec. 7, 2018
Superb product
The preamp kit is an absolute value its price. The PCB is of very good quality and easy to mount for someone who is a bit experienced in soldering PCBs. It can easily be upgraded to a complete new sonical level by using 4 mono OpAmps OPA 627 by Burr Brown instead of the included NE 5532. Therefore you just have put in Browndog adapters into the existing sockets for the OpAmps extentong the sockets from 2 to 4. The switches on the PCB make it easy ro adjust your cartridge to the amp. The recommended case 0905 fits seamlessly.
Anthony | Nov. 29, 2018
An amazing product
A truly great little MC head amp punching way above its weight. The package was delivered from Sweden within a couple of days of ordering, well packaged. Beautiful PCBs, well made and labelled. I completed the build within an afternoon thanks to the comprehensive online instructions and it just worked first time. No hum, no interference, just quality sound. I opted to use the recommended enclosure which made installation an absolute breeze.
I am now rediscovering my record collection, hearing things I have never heard before. I have it installed in a system comprising Audio Note amplification and speakers, being driven by a Dynavector 17D3 on a SME M series arm, so I am well able to hear subtle or in this case not so subtle differences. I have used a variety of step up transformers and MC pre amps over the last 30 years and this little box beats them all, it really is stunning.
Thank you Skrodahl.
I am now rediscovering my record collection, hearing things I have never heard before. I have it installed in a system comprising Audio Note amplification and speakers, being driven by a Dynavector 17D3 on a SME M series arm, so I am well able to hear subtle or in this case not so subtle differences. I have used a variety of step up transformers and MC pre amps over the last 30 years and this little box beats them all, it really is stunning.
Thank you Skrodahl.
Ibrahim Ekrem | Nov. 19, 2018
Muffsy Phono Preamp - PCBs
For Muffsy Phono Preamp - PCBs
Very good PCB's and fast Cargo.
Very detailed documentation.
Fast communication.
Thank you very much...
Very detailed documentation.
Fast communication.
Thank you very much...
Adam | Oct. 30, 2018
10/10 Quality, Service, and Sound!
This Muffsy Phono Preamp kit is top quality. Top grade parts and customer service. The instructions are perfect and build assembly went by flawlessly for a novice like myself. I highly recommend buying the opamp upgrade option, or using OPA 1642/1612 on adapters. I had several conversations with Skrodahl and learned much from him, all replies were fast too. The Muffsy simply sounds amazing! I had fun testing 3 different combos of opamps (included ones, upgraded ones, and 1642/1612), playing with gain, and capacitance. I finally settled on OPA 1642/1612, 40dB gain, and zero capacitance. I also made my own interconnects during this process using Belden 4855R mini coax cable with RCA compression connectors. The wire is extremely low capacitance, skinny and flexible, highly recommended as well. Shipping was 8 days from Sweden to USA! The PCBs are laid out very nicely, easy to read and top quality. The back panel is also laid out well, and has some nice printing on it. All the pieces in the parts kit were accounted for and top quality. I have compared the Muffsy PP-4 to a Yaqin MS-12b and Hagerman Cornet2, and the Muffsy beats them all handily. Thank you Skrodahl for offering this wonderful kit and all your help you have provided. Buy with confidence, simply flawless!
Equipment:
Music Hall MMF-7.1 with Mojo MM Cart
Muffsy PP-4 Phono Pre
Tortuga Audio LDR Preamp
DIY LPUHP amplifiers, or DIY First Watt F5
Fostex FE206En horns in a back-loaded horn enclosure, or Hifiman HE-6 Headphones
Equipment:
Music Hall MMF-7.1 with Mojo MM Cart
Muffsy PP-4 Phono Pre
Tortuga Audio LDR Preamp
DIY LPUHP amplifiers, or DIY First Watt F5
Fostex FE206En horns in a back-loaded horn enclosure, or Hifiman HE-6 Headphones
Bruce | Oct. 12, 2018
High quality product and service
Very impressive performance out of the amp.
Simple to assemble due to the clear instructions and the very well layed out board.
High quality boards and components.
The sound out of my sound system, and the vinyl, was impressive.
Simple to assemble due to the clear instructions and the very well layed out board.
High quality boards and components.
The sound out of my sound system, and the vinyl, was impressive.
Stig Eirik | Oct. 4, 2018
Great!
I had read a lot of positive reweiws and wanted to try to build one myself.
Ordered the Phono preamp, power supply and backplate and within a few days I got it delivered in my mailbox. I bought enclosure from EBay and AC wall adapter for Schiit.
I have never built anything like this before, so I was a bit nervous before I started..
After four hours it was finished, and after I had checked that it probably would work, I put it in my kitchen stereo. I was really stunned by the sound that came from my stereo, It had never sounded so good before.
Later I will try the Muffsy phone preamp in my main stereo, but I am a bit nervous that it might will make me wounder why I spent a lot more money on the phono preamp I’m using there.
I can highly recommend the Muffsy phono preamp!
Ordered the Phono preamp, power supply and backplate and within a few days I got it delivered in my mailbox. I bought enclosure from EBay and AC wall adapter for Schiit.
I have never built anything like this before, so I was a bit nervous before I started..
After four hours it was finished, and after I had checked that it probably would work, I put it in my kitchen stereo. I was really stunned by the sound that came from my stereo, It had never sounded so good before.
Later I will try the Muffsy phone preamp in my main stereo, but I am a bit nervous that it might will make me wounder why I spent a lot more money on the phono preamp I’m using there.
I can highly recommend the Muffsy phono preamp!
Robert | Oct. 1, 2018
Excellent kit
The kit looks exactly as in the pictures. Easy to build too, even without the extremely detailed instructions. I ended up not using the screw terminals and instead soldered all the wires directly. I kept the two boards (I also got the power supply) in a soldering vise while soldering the connecting wires between them so they'd be perfectly aligned and fit into the B0905 case. And they did! The preamp board is a fraction of a millimeter wider than the power supply, so needed a bit more wiggling to get in, but it all fit in the end.
Great kit, and sounds great! Highly recommended.
Great kit, and sounds great! Highly recommended.
David | April 25, 2018
Fantastic Beginner-mid level soldering project
For Muffsy Hifi Dual Power Supply V4 -Kit
I bought this as my first dedicated Phono Preamp so I can't compare it to any other product with regard to sound signature. However, to my ears, music is extremely detailed and enjoyable played through this preamp. For this I'm using a Thorens 318 with an unknown Audio Technica Cartridge (the Turn Table was bought second hand not long ago). As far as a soldering project, having the board itself marked with all the components makes it essentially a literal "plug and play" as you add the through mount components. It's a good way to "zone out" after a hard day at work.
William | April 4, 2018
A fun kit to build.
Kit got to me in Hawaii from Sweden in 6 days! I have built several kits in the past and I must say the online photo instructions were just great. Everything came labeled and it would be almost impossible to make a mistake.
I bought the whole MM kit and purchased the case from China and the wall wart from Shiit. All bits were here around the same time. Assembly time was just a couple of hours. If you are old like me, you will need a magnifiers. Those resistors are very small.
I had to sand the sides of the circuit boards so they would slide into the case, but I was warned about this. The issue was the blue connectors are too close to the side of the circuit board and the pre amp board will not slide in. I just set it on top of the top rail and all was fine. The wiring to the power supply is very snug so there is no flopping around of the board. I hope the next revision addresses this. Otherwise, just a great kit.
Oh yes, it did work first time.
I bought the whole MM kit and purchased the case from China and the wall wart from Shiit. All bits were here around the same time. Assembly time was just a couple of hours. If you are old like me, you will need a magnifiers. Those resistors are very small.
I had to sand the sides of the circuit boards so they would slide into the case, but I was warned about this. The issue was the blue connectors are too close to the side of the circuit board and the pre amp board will not slide in. I just set it on top of the top rail and all was fine. The wiring to the power supply is very snug so there is no flopping around of the board. I hope the next revision addresses this. Otherwise, just a great kit.
Oh yes, it did work first time.
Gareth | March 19, 2018
What a super little product
I opted for all three components - the amp, PSU and back plate and very pleased I did!
The Sound Quality
It is early days yet but I am very impressed (I opted for the BB2134 Op Amps) and it just seems to suit my system and listening. I was replacing an integrated phono stage (for actually no particular reason other than bang for buck upgrades) so the bar perhaps wasn't massively high (although the amp is a Roksan amp of the 2000s and with their TT pedigree I imagine the phono stage wasn't too shabby). In brief - I like this better than what I had (although it can be more revealing of the downstream system..). There are plenty of folks on the forums who compare the CNC preamp favourably (of which this is a derivative/improvement) to very high end pre-amps) but I don't have any direct comparison other than stated.
And there is more fun to be had with with Op-Amp rolling, gain settings etc. too.
I think for the money this is a really good option.
The Kits
Exceptional. The boards are extremely high quality - thickness, screen-printing, solder pads, conformal coating etc. All the components (including the resistors) are clearly marked so doing an inventory take is a doodle. Everything is included, so bar your solder and tools you need nothing else. I found that all the resistors and capacitors were within the specified tolerances because I chose to measure them but I suspect that isn't necessary - so basically you are ready to go.
The instructions are great too - it's 'painting by numbers'!
(Just to set the context - I've soldered before and have decent mechanical skills but this was my first circuit board in 35 odd years since I was a kid when I did some kits).
The Support
So...... I needed a bit of help.... Everything looks fine but after I constructed it but I got a lot of hum when I first hooked it up without any input. I tried all the suggestions on Muffsy's site (and also got a bit obsessive and read all 140 or so pages of the CNC pre-amp forum thread on Audivarna, of which the PP3 is a derivative/improvement...)
Long story short, after contacting Havard (Skrodahl) by email, he seemed as interested in getting my amp working as I did, including investing time over email with suggestions.
Ultimately I remedied the issue. Cannot be precisely sure of the cause but I suspect some wisp of cable was shorting. The point being I cannot imagine better support.
Some Pointers
Just in case any of these pointers help:
- If you plan on using the suggested 0905 case - and it's very good - especially the large 'billet' of aluminium front cover which is about 5mm thick, then I suggest dry fitting the board(s) before soldering - it's your best opportunity to use a bit of wet and dry if the fit is tight (and as others have observed, sometimes the 0905 tolerances aren't 100% perfect). BTW if you want a black front to suit the rest of your equipment, then go for the muffsy back plate and use the 0905 backplate as the front if that makes sense - that's what I'd do if I had Naim or NAD kit for example..
- Take your time and don't panic - I ended up re-flowing (soldering) the board a few times to track down an issue - it's testament to the quality that the board stood up to quite a few cycles, including pulling the DIP switches etc!
The Sound Quality
It is early days yet but I am very impressed (I opted for the BB2134 Op Amps) and it just seems to suit my system and listening. I was replacing an integrated phono stage (for actually no particular reason other than bang for buck upgrades) so the bar perhaps wasn't massively high (although the amp is a Roksan amp of the 2000s and with their TT pedigree I imagine the phono stage wasn't too shabby). In brief - I like this better than what I had (although it can be more revealing of the downstream system..). There are plenty of folks on the forums who compare the CNC preamp favourably (of which this is a derivative/improvement) to very high end pre-amps) but I don't have any direct comparison other than stated.
And there is more fun to be had with with Op-Amp rolling, gain settings etc. too.
I think for the money this is a really good option.
The Kits
Exceptional. The boards are extremely high quality - thickness, screen-printing, solder pads, conformal coating etc. All the components (including the resistors) are clearly marked so doing an inventory take is a doodle. Everything is included, so bar your solder and tools you need nothing else. I found that all the resistors and capacitors were within the specified tolerances because I chose to measure them but I suspect that isn't necessary - so basically you are ready to go.
The instructions are great too - it's 'painting by numbers'!
(Just to set the context - I've soldered before and have decent mechanical skills but this was my first circuit board in 35 odd years since I was a kid when I did some kits).
The Support
So...... I needed a bit of help.... Everything looks fine but after I constructed it but I got a lot of hum when I first hooked it up without any input. I tried all the suggestions on Muffsy's site (and also got a bit obsessive and read all 140 or so pages of the CNC pre-amp forum thread on Audivarna, of which the PP3 is a derivative/improvement...)
Long story short, after contacting Havard (Skrodahl) by email, he seemed as interested in getting my amp working as I did, including investing time over email with suggestions.
Ultimately I remedied the issue. Cannot be precisely sure of the cause but I suspect some wisp of cable was shorting. The point being I cannot imagine better support.
Some Pointers
Just in case any of these pointers help:
- If you plan on using the suggested 0905 case - and it's very good - especially the large 'billet' of aluminium front cover which is about 5mm thick, then I suggest dry fitting the board(s) before soldering - it's your best opportunity to use a bit of wet and dry if the fit is tight (and as others have observed, sometimes the 0905 tolerances aren't 100% perfect). BTW if you want a black front to suit the rest of your equipment, then go for the muffsy back plate and use the 0905 backplate as the front if that makes sense - that's what I'd do if I had Naim or NAD kit for example..
- Take your time and don't panic - I ended up re-flowing (soldering) the board a few times to track down an issue - it's testament to the quality that the board stood up to quite a few cycles, including pulling the DIP switches etc!
John | March 14, 2018
Wonderful kit
Sound is great. Exceptionally quiet noise floor. The online instructions are good and the seller is very helpful with additional questions. Highly recommend this.
Chris | March 12, 2018
2nd review, product now built - WOW
So, despite Canada Post, or Canada Customs, being a bit slow with getting the kit to me, all else is six stars (OK I can't do six stars but I can say it).
Håvard's instructions are exceptionally clear. For people like me whose soldering skills can best be described as "rusty", the video links he provides are extremely thorough and useful. The kit goes together very well and generally without fuss, though I struggled a bit to strip the shielded cable. Parts are high quality, the boards are beautiful and fit the (third party) casework snugly. Håvard is very quick to respond to questions and does so in a thorough and pleasant way.
The build took me about six hours, and worked the first time, which is a much better testimony to the quality of the kit and the instructions than to my skills at following them. The finished product looks and sounds great.
I highly recommend this to anyone considering it, and I would absolutely by another of Håvard's kits.
Håvard's instructions are exceptionally clear. For people like me whose soldering skills can best be described as "rusty", the video links he provides are extremely thorough and useful. The kit goes together very well and generally without fuss, though I struggled a bit to strip the shielded cable. Parts are high quality, the boards are beautiful and fit the (third party) casework snugly. Håvard is very quick to respond to questions and does so in a thorough and pleasant way.
The build took me about six hours, and worked the first time, which is a much better testimony to the quality of the kit and the instructions than to my skills at following them. The finished product looks and sounds great.
I highly recommend this to anyone considering it, and I would absolutely by another of Håvard's kits.
Chris | March 8, 2018
A very well done kit
My Muffsy MC Head Amp, Power Supply and Back Panel kits arrived today. I reviewed the bill of materials and package contents and all was in perfect order. The web instructions are very clear and straightforward to follow. I have asked the business owner a few questions; his replies have been prompt, courteous and very detailed. All in all a very fine job; I can't wait to start building (but first I need to brush up on my soldering skills).
The only very slightly negative experience was the delivery time, but I believe this was some kind of problem with Canada Post in our area as a few other mail orders have taken a long time as well.
I would definitely buy from this business owner again, and I would recommend him to others.
The only very slightly negative experience was the delivery time, but I believe this was some kind of problem with Canada Post in our area as a few other mail orders have taken a long time as well.
I would definitely buy from this business owner again, and I would recommend him to others.
Leigh | March 8, 2018
Perfect, Very easy to build and works flawlessly
What can i say?
I Bought it, Built it, it works!
The preamp was delivered quickly and all parts were present and correct. It took about 30 minuets to solder together, all the components are labled for easy identification so even a novice can construct this kit. I plugged in my own op-amps ( LM4562 ) and dropped the needle. The sound was as expected, amazing. With the needle up I could not hear any background noise, Mains borne or Johnson type hiss ( General low level hiss ) so I was pleased at that. I have not gone as far as verifying the RIAA curve but I see no reason why it wont be as per the designers description.
To sum up, A very well put together, easy to build kit that is value for money. I'm sure it is as good as the rest of the best.
Leigh
I Bought it, Built it, it works!
The preamp was delivered quickly and all parts were present and correct. It took about 30 minuets to solder together, all the components are labled for easy identification so even a novice can construct this kit. I plugged in my own op-amps ( LM4562 ) and dropped the needle. The sound was as expected, amazing. With the needle up I could not hear any background noise, Mains borne or Johnson type hiss ( General low level hiss ) so I was pleased at that. I have not gone as far as verifying the RIAA curve but I see no reason why it wont be as per the designers description.
To sum up, A very well put together, easy to build kit that is value for money. I'm sure it is as good as the rest of the best.
Leigh
Stefan | Feb. 16, 2018
A beautifully made kit
I ordered my kit three weeks ago from Australia, and received the parts in a little over a week. I was expecting a delay of at least a month, so I was pleasently surprised. The aluminium case ordered from china on eBay took three weeks to arrive!
The preamp is great. I really appreciate the gain and impedance matching dip switches. Before construction, I thought these may be a bit of a gimmick, but as it turns out, I required a little higher than the nominal gain to match the levels of my other inputs, and a little higher than the nominal impedance to match the response. I'm glad the design included these options.
The printed circuit board was a fraction of a millimetre too wide to glide into the aluminium case. There are some advisory notes to this effect in the construction instructions, but I found that I needed to remove material from both sides to allow the board to slide in. The placement of the terminal blocks is a little close to the edge of the printed circuit board and I found that these also caught on the side of the case after I completed construction. I was not comfortable removing plastic from the side of the terminal blocks as suggested in the instructions, but a little more fibre glass removal did the trick.
I ended up making my own power supply simililar in design to the suggested supply, however I added capacitance between the regulator adjust pins and common, to further reduce ripple. I'm pleased with the result.s.
I opted for the op amp upgrade and am glad I did. I also recommend this kit.
The preamp is great. I really appreciate the gain and impedance matching dip switches. Before construction, I thought these may be a bit of a gimmick, but as it turns out, I required a little higher than the nominal gain to match the levels of my other inputs, and a little higher than the nominal impedance to match the response. I'm glad the design included these options.
The printed circuit board was a fraction of a millimetre too wide to glide into the aluminium case. There are some advisory notes to this effect in the construction instructions, but I found that I needed to remove material from both sides to allow the board to slide in. The placement of the terminal blocks is a little close to the edge of the printed circuit board and I found that these also caught on the side of the case after I completed construction. I was not comfortable removing plastic from the side of the terminal blocks as suggested in the instructions, but a little more fibre glass removal did the trick.
I ended up making my own power supply simililar in design to the suggested supply, however I added capacitance between the regulator adjust pins and common, to further reduce ripple. I'm pleased with the result.s.
I opted for the op amp upgrade and am glad I did. I also recommend this kit.
Response from muffsy | Feb. 17, 2018
Hi Stefan, and thanks for the great review.
Unfortunately, the B0905 enclosures don't have the best tolerances. This is why you sometimes have less space than needed. This is usually solved by inserting the PCB into the other half of the cabinet.
Unfortunately, the B0905 enclosures don't have the best tolerances. This is why you sometimes have less space than needed. This is usually solved by inserting the PCB into the other half of the cabinet.
Dana | Feb. 11, 2018
Mission Accomplished!
If it wasn’t for the awesome instructions and detailed illustrations/photos that Muffsy.com offered, I would never have attempted to build this preamp and hifi power supply. I did build them and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Also, the finished preamp works great! It took me about 3.5 hours to build the two circuit boards and make the rca/ power connections so you should set aside a quiet evening to do it. It was very easy and no stress at all.
Zeev | Feb. 5, 2018
High quality product with real support
So I ordered this, and it arrived a couple of weeks later. It is a superb high-quality PCB (this is not one of your bangood products). Really really really high quality.
Instructions work great. But despite the great instructions I still screwed it up. Then Havard worked with me on email and debugged this with me. He was ready to ship new components for free(which I did not need). It sounds awesome.
So if you are looking for a first electronics kit to do this is probably the best choice.
Instructions work great. But despite the great instructions I still screwed it up. Then Havard worked with me on email and debugged this with me. He was ready to ship new components for free(which I did not need). It sounds awesome.
So if you are looking for a first electronics kit to do this is probably the best choice.
Phil | Feb. 4, 2018
Great Phono Preamp
Wanting to combine a hobby of past years and the need for a phone pre amp for my new turntable i began my search for an "ideal" diy kit.
After much research a came across the Muffsy pre amp and took the plunge to buy and build.
Here's my thoughts on the build, and performance.
So kit duly order via Tindie and arrived from Malmo Sweden in around five days.
All parts came well packaged and well labeled for easy identification of parts.
I wanted to work though as methodically as possible to ensure I got maximum enjoyment and zero frustration.
Double checking the kit contents against the BOM on Muffsy's site https://www.muffsy.com/
i had a few queries. A quick email to Skrodahl quickly had me back on track and ready to go.
I'd taken the advise on the web site and read all of the instructions twice over, that way I would be familiar with the build process, but it also allowed me to think about the finished product, how I wanted this to look and where i might source additional items.
With the build progressing I turned my attention to the case.
The ones recommended on Muffsy were all overseas and likely to take several weeks to arrive so i limited my search to UK stock and found a ideal unit (slightly larger than the one on the Muffsy site) that would match my little dot headphone amp case, I added some self adhesive feet, and a spacer kit so I could mount the PCB's avoiding any risk of short circuits. (see links below)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222693680910
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180pcs-M3-Black-Nylon-Hex-Spacers-Screw-Nut-Assortment-Stand-off-Plastic-Kit-Set/272566279379?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-X-SELF-ADHESIVE-STICK-ON-RUBBER-FEET-21MM-X-21MM-X-8MM/191815397408?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
When it came to wiring up I wanted a neater and cleaner look so took the option to mount the screw terminals on the underside rather than on the top face as directed. I made doubly sure that all the connections were reversed to ensure no "surprises" on power up.
So how does it sound ?
Initial setting of 47k on the dip switches it sounded a little bright, but no denying it had a great sound stage, dropping this down a setting (all covered on the build guide on Muffsy) had it sounding sweet. I can see this getting better as it wears in.
I'm genuinely delighted with this build, and even happier it worked first time out, in no doubt thanks to Skrodahl for his detailed instructions and excellent customer service and support.
Would I recommend this build / project YES!
I'm now pouring a nice glass of red and looking forward to exploring my vinyl collection again.
After much research a came across the Muffsy pre amp and took the plunge to buy and build.
Here's my thoughts on the build, and performance.
So kit duly order via Tindie and arrived from Malmo Sweden in around five days.
All parts came well packaged and well labeled for easy identification of parts.
I wanted to work though as methodically as possible to ensure I got maximum enjoyment and zero frustration.
Double checking the kit contents against the BOM on Muffsy's site https://www.muffsy.com/
i had a few queries. A quick email to Skrodahl quickly had me back on track and ready to go.
I'd taken the advise on the web site and read all of the instructions twice over, that way I would be familiar with the build process, but it also allowed me to think about the finished product, how I wanted this to look and where i might source additional items.
With the build progressing I turned my attention to the case.
The ones recommended on Muffsy were all overseas and likely to take several weeks to arrive so i limited my search to UK stock and found a ideal unit (slightly larger than the one on the Muffsy site) that would match my little dot headphone amp case, I added some self adhesive feet, and a spacer kit so I could mount the PCB's avoiding any risk of short circuits. (see links below)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222693680910
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180pcs-M3-Black-Nylon-Hex-Spacers-Screw-Nut-Assortment-Stand-off-Plastic-Kit-Set/272566279379?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-X-SELF-ADHESIVE-STICK-ON-RUBBER-FEET-21MM-X-21MM-X-8MM/191815397408?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
When it came to wiring up I wanted a neater and cleaner look so took the option to mount the screw terminals on the underside rather than on the top face as directed. I made doubly sure that all the connections were reversed to ensure no "surprises" on power up.
So how does it sound ?
Initial setting of 47k on the dip switches it sounded a little bright, but no denying it had a great sound stage, dropping this down a setting (all covered on the build guide on Muffsy) had it sounding sweet. I can see this getting better as it wears in.
I'm genuinely delighted with this build, and even happier it worked first time out, in no doubt thanks to Skrodahl for his detailed instructions and excellent customer service and support.
Would I recommend this build / project YES!
I'm now pouring a nice glass of red and looking forward to exploring my vinyl collection again.
Anastasios | Jan. 14, 2018
A grade phono stage kit with a very nice price!
I am just finish the assembly of Muffsy MM phono preamp kit with DC supply. I finish all assembly in two days working on it relaxing.
The kit is so easy to assembly due to a lot clear instructions in Muffsy site.
I use the BB2134 OPA and also I change the signal output capacitor 1mF with another same capacity JFX Series Polypropylene Cap, also the four electrolytic capacitors with four 22uF 25V Elna Silmic II.
I use the GRADO Reference Platinum MM cartage fitted in SME 3009 and a Thorens TD150 turntable (This is my second system witch I add Muffsy phono stage kit, the main system is a Michel Gyro with Ortofon MC30).
I also add two silver mica 200pF caps in the signal entrance.
I use an aluminum enclosure, close type witch is IP65.
My other (second audio system) consist from a custom made tube preamp, cathode followed, a Bryston 4BST power amp and custom made loudspeakers with Fostex units.
Now I am listening jazz music from my old LP vinyl’s, all in perfect conditions, and I am thinking I must listen again all my LP vinyl’s which are more than 500pic because I listen new organs new details….
The phono stage has also very very nice music stage all organs are mounted in the right place because there are a lot of dynamics.
A very nice thing in this kit is that you can adjust a lot of parameters for cartridges so you achieve the best result from it.
It’s a very nice phono stage witch I strongly recommend.
Thanks Muffsy for this lovely phono stage kit.
Here is some photos from my assembly….
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/245wzwbzpa5exhl/AAD-Krt-gOgHnAf811YD0oVMa?dl=0
Tasos Architektonidis
Athens GREECE
The kit is so easy to assembly due to a lot clear instructions in Muffsy site.
I use the BB2134 OPA and also I change the signal output capacitor 1mF with another same capacity JFX Series Polypropylene Cap, also the four electrolytic capacitors with four 22uF 25V Elna Silmic II.
I use the GRADO Reference Platinum MM cartage fitted in SME 3009 and a Thorens TD150 turntable (This is my second system witch I add Muffsy phono stage kit, the main system is a Michel Gyro with Ortofon MC30).
I also add two silver mica 200pF caps in the signal entrance.
I use an aluminum enclosure, close type witch is IP65.
My other (second audio system) consist from a custom made tube preamp, cathode followed, a Bryston 4BST power amp and custom made loudspeakers with Fostex units.
Now I am listening jazz music from my old LP vinyl’s, all in perfect conditions, and I am thinking I must listen again all my LP vinyl’s which are more than 500pic because I listen new organs new details….
The phono stage has also very very nice music stage all organs are mounted in the right place because there are a lot of dynamics.
A very nice thing in this kit is that you can adjust a lot of parameters for cartridges so you achieve the best result from it.
It’s a very nice phono stage witch I strongly recommend.
Thanks Muffsy for this lovely phono stage kit.
Here is some photos from my assembly….
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/245wzwbzpa5exhl/AAD-Krt-gOgHnAf811YD0oVMa?dl=0
Tasos Architektonidis
Athens GREECE
Rune | Jan. 11, 2018
Fantastic!
Great product! Very proffesional seller!
I dont really have much, to compare with, but it sounds great!
Recomeded.
I dont really have much, to compare with, but it sounds great!
Recomeded.
Tobias | Dec. 20, 2017
Excellent sound, excellent support
A few years ago I was bitten by the audio DIY bug and every so often I feel the need to indulge. Having recently done as many others have, I bought a turntable. I have a Yamaha R-N500 amplifier with a phono stage and was quite happy with it. However I came across the Muffsy Phono Preamp and decided it was time for a little DIY.
Soldering was straightforward. I bought a Stickvise PCB holder which made things that much easier. After putting together the PSU and preamp kits I found there was only a loud hum. I noticed that the 4R7 resistors on the PSU board were scorched - clearly something was wrong!
I contacted Muffsy support and the response was excellent. After some initial debugging I ordered another PSU kit (thanks for the free postage, Havard, most generous!) and assembled it, and in doing so I spotted my previous error which was to reverse the polarity of the connection between the PSU and the preamp. With the new PSU I was up and running in no time!
In the past I've made some tweaks to my system and to be honest I haven't really noticed any difference. However with the Muffsy preamp the difference is clear - everything simply sounds better. I don't possess a good vocabulary for describing hifi experiences, but I can simply say that each instrument on the soundstage has more space around it, everything is more distinct (my acid test is a cymbal crash, and these are clearer).
Soldering was straightforward. I bought a Stickvise PCB holder which made things that much easier. After putting together the PSU and preamp kits I found there was only a loud hum. I noticed that the 4R7 resistors on the PSU board were scorched - clearly something was wrong!
I contacted Muffsy support and the response was excellent. After some initial debugging I ordered another PSU kit (thanks for the free postage, Havard, most generous!) and assembled it, and in doing so I spotted my previous error which was to reverse the polarity of the connection between the PSU and the preamp. With the new PSU I was up and running in no time!
In the past I've made some tweaks to my system and to be honest I haven't really noticed any difference. However with the Muffsy preamp the difference is clear - everything simply sounds better. I don't possess a good vocabulary for describing hifi experiences, but I can simply say that each instrument on the soundstage has more space around it, everything is more distinct (my acid test is a cymbal crash, and these are clearer).
Thomas | Nov. 13, 2017
Great kit from a great seller!! Fast shipping too!
If you want a nice phono preamp kit then this is the one for you. It is all here -design, parts, and documentation. This went together very quickly and the results are superb!
Thanks Again
Thanks Again
Trygve | Nov. 5, 2017
Fantastic MC Head Amp!
Having previously built the preamp, I went on to build the MC Head Amp. Very well documented as always with muffsy.
I had an issue with the power connector and/or power button. Contacted Skrodahl and he sent replacment parts swiftly, what a great customer support!
In conjunction with the preamp, this is great value!
I had an issue with the power connector and/or power button. Contacted Skrodahl and he sent replacment parts swiftly, what a great customer support!
In conjunction with the preamp, this is great value!
Justin | Oct. 29, 2017
Outstanding Phono Preamp by far!
The muffsy was easy to put together. The experience of assembling it was therapeutic - dreaming of what it might sound like.
In the end it sounded awesome in every way imaginable. Gorgeous tone. I left it at its default setting which was perfect !
Overall outstanding !!
In the end it sounded awesome in every way imaginable. Gorgeous tone. I left it at its default setting which was perfect !
Overall outstanding !!
Evenden | Oct. 27, 2017
What a blinder!
The only kit I've made is the bat detector from Tindie, good practice but the Muffsy kits are so easy to assemble. If you can solder a phono plug you can make this.
And when you plug it in you're in for a treat. I got the Muffsy to replace the phono stage in my Musical Fidelity A3. I have a Michell Gyrodec with Origin Live motor and controller, with a Manticore Musician arm and Grado Reference Platinum cartridge with Vdh leads and cable. The A3 has always sounded a bit dull with the built in phono stage. With the Muffsy it feeds my Lowther horns via Origin Live Solicore cable and I'm dancing round the room! The foot tapping doesn't stop with the Stones, John Coltrane is so cool and there is so much detail coming through it's like sitting in the piano as Ashkenazi bangs the ivories on Rachmaninov's 3rd concerto.
Must go, the music is freed and calling me!
Btw the name makes my other half laugh!
And when you plug it in you're in for a treat. I got the Muffsy to replace the phono stage in my Musical Fidelity A3. I have a Michell Gyrodec with Origin Live motor and controller, with a Manticore Musician arm and Grado Reference Platinum cartridge with Vdh leads and cable. The A3 has always sounded a bit dull with the built in phono stage. With the Muffsy it feeds my Lowther horns via Origin Live Solicore cable and I'm dancing round the room! The foot tapping doesn't stop with the Stones, John Coltrane is so cool and there is so much detail coming through it's like sitting in the piano as Ashkenazi bangs the ivories on Rachmaninov's 3rd concerto.
Must go, the music is freed and calling me!
Btw the name makes my other half laugh!
David R | Oct. 18, 2017
very impressed. best upgrade yet to my phono.
I have assembled and tested the phono pre amp riaa converter and power supply. Everything seems to be working well. I have about 20 hours of playing time on it. It sounds much better than my Yamaha rv-1900 riaa, which this is replacing. I have 2 simaudio moon amps driving 2 polk audio rtia7 speakers modded with Von schwiekter VR4jr drivers and crossover. I have a Bel Canto 2.5 DAC and a technics SL-Q2 with an AT440MLa cart. I am very happy with the sound 47k seems to be the happy spot for my combination. Thanks for the great product. If there are other things I could try to make it even better then please let me know. Thanks Havard
Dave S
Aaron | Oct. 16, 2017
Totally awesome kit, worth every penny!
I recently began exploring vinyl and wanted to go beyond the phono stage built-into my Parasound Halo Integrated amp. I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron so this seemed like a good chance to take. I got the Phono Pre-Amp and the Power Supply from Skrodahl (here). Soldering took a little over 2 hours but I was intentionally going very slowly. I spent a bit more time on wiring because I'm a spaz (but not related to the kit). I used the optional OPA2134 op-amps. I connected it to my U-Turn Audio Orbit w/Ortofon 2M Red and was very pleasantly surprised. Listening on my B&W 705s, this is no small improvement: detail, musicality and punch are all dramatically improved. I don't have a huge frame of reference for this sort of thing but I think you'd be hard pressed to do better with a ~$500 class pre-packaged amp from Whoever Audio.
Trygve | Oct. 5, 2017
Super
With very little soldering experience, I managed to assemble the kit easily over a couple of Sundays. Take your time, follow the instructions and you will be rewarded with a very good MM phono stage. I will be ordering the MC Headamp too!
Felix | Sept. 21, 2017
I built this power supply this afternoon with no problems
For Muffsy Hifi Dual Power Supply V4 -Kit
With an hour or so to spare this afternoon I put the Muffsy split rail power supply kit together with no problems except for a couple of dumb assembly mistakes which were easily rectified. Nice, clean and steady 14.8 VDC on each output rail. I've placed it into service powering one of my DIY phono stages and it's working beautifully. Many thanks! Regards, Felix.
Felix | July 6, 2017
A high performance kit!
G'day there, I recently completed successful construction of this kit, and I've been listening to it extensively for some days now on my system in here with my Marantz TT1200 turntable and OEM stylus Shure M97xE moving magnet cartridge.
The kit was easy to build although the board is small and I have an aversion to double sided boards which makes component change and/or removal next to impossible once soldered in.
I also consider the input impedance switching of very little value, and I also found one of the switches on one bank failed completely with very little use. I was 'disappointed' at that. Sonically though, it is a superb MM cartridge phono stage and equal to any of my other high performance phono stages.
I regard passive RIAA equalisation as the preferred approach to optimum sonic quality with RIAA playback correction! I have my 'Muffsy' strapped for maximum gain (a very nice touch). I am using the supplied NE5532 op amps, which I regard very highly. Regards, Felix Scerri, Queensland, Australia.
The kit was easy to build although the board is small and I have an aversion to double sided boards which makes component change and/or removal next to impossible once soldered in.
I also consider the input impedance switching of very little value, and I also found one of the switches on one bank failed completely with very little use. I was 'disappointed' at that. Sonically though, it is a superb MM cartridge phono stage and equal to any of my other high performance phono stages.
I regard passive RIAA equalisation as the preferred approach to optimum sonic quality with RIAA playback correction! I have my 'Muffsy' strapped for maximum gain (a very nice touch). I am using the supplied NE5532 op amps, which I regard very highly. Regards, Felix Scerri, Queensland, Australia.
Response from muffsy | July 9, 2017
Thanks for the nice review Felix,
A new kit has been sent to you since the original one had a faulty component.
A new kit has been sent to you since the original one had a faulty component.
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