To build or buy?

[El Barto]

I have a Sony MZN-510 that I got free through a contest. I wanted it mainly to record, and I chose it knowing that it did not have a mic input. Now I'm wondering if I should sell it and get a second hand unit which does have a mic in, or should I build a mic preamp, such as this one. I'd like to keep it all as simple as possible, but if I can have more control/better quality out of a homebuilt preamp, then perhaps that's the better way to go. Any alternate suggestions or preamp "howtos" are also welcome. Thanks.

[aeriyn]

Build it! :laugh:

Building stuff is fun. And it sucks all the money out of your wallet. I recently built a PIMETA headphone amplifier. Now I want to build moooooreee...

[icenyne]

I just posted my preamp solution the other day. It's not completely scratch built nor is it as outrageously expensive as the commercial solutions:

http://forums.minidisc.org/viewtopic.php?t=6787

--david

[Reactive]

Build it!!!!

Now coming from a microphone manufacturer you might find that remark kind of funny. However, I am a passionate audio nut and I do like to dabble in the electronic's once in a while.

That circuit should provide you with a cleaner, quieter recording than using the mini-disc internal pre-amp. If it works you'll feel like super man, you will have saved some money, and wrapped your head around the electronics world for half a day.

Let us know your results, and good luck.

PS be sure to check for cold solder joints, #1 soldering problem.