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CageyH
26-04-2021, 19:11
Just about to start my next build, which is a MM/MC valve based phono stage, which is the brainchild of Firebottle and Bigman.
It uses an ECC83 (or can be switched to use a Russian equivalent) and two PCC88s.

I have finished shopping for the bits today, so I am just waiting for them to arrive from various parts around the world.

I will update this thread with progress as I go along.
Bigbird
28-04-2021, 12:26
SERIOUS bit of kit this.

You’re Gona love it


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Marra
28-04-2021, 16:09
I have to agree with Karl. I'm so glad I built one of these.
CageyH
28-04-2021, 18:48
So far, I am missing the case, and the 6M8 1% resistors.
Apart from that, I spent a few hours populating the board today.
Oliver kindly sent me some matched resistors and capacitors for the RIAA.

I am looking forward to finishing this, but need to be patient.
Bigbird
28-04-2021, 19:36
Awesome , I was going to say make sure you take care to ultra match everything as it makes a real difference.


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Firebottle
29-04-2021, 06:16
The 6M8 don't need to be that accurate or matched as they are only used for biasing.
CageyH
29-04-2021, 06:54
Thanks Alan.
I'll just take a random pair out of the bag. They should be here on Friday, so I am looking at finishing this to a point I can put it in a case over the weekend.
CageyH
13-05-2021, 15:17
The BB3 PCB is now fully populated, and powers up nicely, with the valve glow on display.
I have modified a soft start in line with the recommendations, and prepared the 3 pairs of RCA sockets ready to fit in the case.

I just need the case....
It is in France now, but not yet at my house.
I am hoping I can finish this by the end of the weekend.
Marra
13-05-2021, 17:37
Any pictures?
CageyH
13-05-2021, 18:22
I’ll take some when I get the chance.
CageyH
15-05-2021, 13:03
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51180207651_4270256daa_z_d.jpg
Populated PCB

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51181306445_1b734863fb_z_d.jpg
Checking MM mode

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51179527577_9938e56197_z_d.jpg
Mock up

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51179527592_1135390bb1_z_d.jpg
Rear panel fully populated

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51179527747_4649ddddd4_z_d.jpg
A sneak peak of the semi-finished look
Marra
15-05-2021, 15:56
Thanks for posting pictures Kevin it looks to be coming along nicely.
CageyH
15-05-2021, 16:11
No problem.
I hope to have it finished pretty soon. I have a day off on Monday, so if the weather is as good as it is now, and there are not too many interruptions, I may get it finished then.

I do need to remove the BB3 PCB to solder in my “pure silver” occ signal wires, as all the important connections will be direct to the board. I think it only needs a few more hours, and then it will be done.
CageyH
22-05-2021, 19:32
The missing bits turned up today, so I have completed the build.
All signal wiring is Neotech UP-OCC silver cable. Power cable is Neotech UP-OCC copper.
All RCA sockets are pure copper, gold plated. I am not sure I would recommend them though, as they need a lot of heat to solder the cable on.

This thing sounds awesome. It is going to need a fair few hours for it to settle in.
To initially power it up, I used a Reflektor 6N2P and some National PCC88 valves, so there is more to come from a change to better valves.
CageyH
25-05-2021, 08:20
An update. As the weather was not great, I spent a lot of time listening to vinyl at the weekend.

I really enjoyed the phonostage in my Firebottle Kin, but the BB Mk.III (also designed by Mr Firebottle) shows that his designs have evilved, and there is a clear and obvious improvement.

I know that this next bit is a bit of a Cliché, but I was hearing detail I was not aware of before. There is a great 3D image, plenty if space around the instruments and good timbre and clarity.

I am well chuffed with it. If you get a chance to listen to one, be careful, as you may want one afterwards....
CageyH
24-02-2023, 14:21
I have been browsing various sites recently, look for some “genuine” Telefunken PCC88 valves before prices got too silly.
I was shocked to see the prices, so I decided to wait until I got home to check the stock.

I am glad I did, as there are two sat in my spare valve box.
With the expected valve lifetime, I think I have enough quality valves to keep the BB3 running to see me out.