Realistic 42-2101A Phono PreAmp

I recently acquired a pair of vintage Realistic 42-2101A Phono Preamplifiers. The first one I got sounded so good in my stereo turntable system I decided to pick up another one. However, the second preamp didn't sound as good. Thus, I decided to do a rebuild of the old electronics inside the little magic box. Come on the soldering and tinkering adventure along with me.
I used a great kit with very detailed instructions from "Affinity for Artifacts" (www.ebay.com/str/infinidiment...) an eBay seller I'd recommend if you are into this sort of thing. And, the specific kit I used is available here: tiny.cc/s6jzyz
Anyway, hope you find this video a bit of edutainment.

[@macelius]

Welcome Dr Joe, and thanks for the lovely video!

[@DrJoesFunStuff]

My pleasure!

[@cured808]

There are long threads on Audiokarma and SteveHoffmanForums on this phono stage. I prefer the 42-2109 which is slightly different but the same basic parts. Instead of the WIMA polyesters, I used polypropylenes for the output and input caps. I had to squeeze them in. I also swapped out the 220pf and 500pf ceramics as they are kinda crumbly. Nice phono stage for less than $50! I also did one in a larger chassis to accommodate larger Obbligato caps. Pretty close to a Hagerman Bugle 3 which runs about $200. My regular phono pre is a Modwright PH9.0XT.

[@DrJoesFunStuff]

Well, I have another one and you've given me some ideas to ponder. Thanks!