B1 Buffer Preamp

what grade are these?.........bl?
have you measured them?

datasheet stated it is a low noise audio transistor.
if you have them on hand.......you can build a buffer preamp.
but take care not to exceed the maximum power dissipation!
2sk209 only around 120mW at higher room temperature.......
2sk170 up to 400mW maximum.
 
They are BL. I have 20 of them. Bought from Mouser few years ago. I run few sims in spice during lunch time. output impedance and distortion are very similar to 2sk170. Freq response extends to higher frequencies so may have to limit it by changing something, the resistor at input I would guess
 
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Maybe this question has been answered somewhere in this thread - if, so, my apologies, but has anyone compared the first generation with two 2SK170s to the complementary version with the 2SK170/2SJ74?

Does one sound "better" than the other?

I wouldn't say one is "better" than the other. If anything the complementary version is more neutral, which I know probably sounds weird, as the original was pretty neutral to begin with - I guess what I mean is that it seems to just disappear after a while. I felt on direct comparison the V2 seemed a little warmer sounding, but that might depend on the output caps you're using on the original (mine are Jupiter bypassed with 0.1uF FT-3 teflon). Maybe Vince could weigh in a little here since he's heard my unit for a while.
 
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Does one sound "better" than the other?

I'm going to say they sound the same.

That would mean using them in the same circuit design twice. Only a handful of people could probably tell you the outcome.

From what I've read, a lot of care was taken to recreate both N-ch and P-ch jfets.
The P-ch took longer to bring to market by Linear Systems. They put much effort in getting it right.
 
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Just saw Schubert's post...

I heard the Rev2 and I have the Rev1 with outrageously priced caps and naked Vishays in the signal path with original Toshibas. They both sound really transparent to me. I would prefer anything without caps, if possible. However, I think caps get a bad rap and using expensive ones aren't really that necessary. There's a bunch of great caps out there for little money. Motor run caps are said to be as good as some high-end caps. But, I'm getting off topic.

if you are getting different sound from same design with Toshibas vs LS jfets, I'm going to say the sound difference is incredible subtle. Difference could all be in your head too

The best place to try both is in the B1 rev1 or rev2 for sure. Can't get much simpler.

Just my 2 cents.

Vince
 
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Well, I'm a little embarrassed. I thought you were talking about the difference between Toshibas and Linear system jfets. You are asking the difference between B1 V1 and V2.

Adding to what I already said- I felt I was getting a little more output from rev2 somehow. Could just have been the pots used in each version. It was definitely a "more volume" thing and not a "has more detail" thing.

I think it's fair to say the rev2 has an advantage in a more direct signal path. If you are looking to tailor the sound to a certain timbre, use v1 and try different caps and resistors. For really great transparency, build v2.

Interesting fact: you can turn up both versions fully open and there's no noise and distortion.
 
Thanks for the counsel.

I am using the complimentary version and wondered if there could be some advantage to version one.

To show my ignorance I was thinking that there was a way using bipolar supplies to not have to use an output cap, just a trimpot like with the complementary version.

Caps can get expensive! If one has to use caps with the single-ended version I will stick with the complementary.

Glad to hear the differences are miniscule.