Well, I worded it badly, point was it was fine gain wise using BA3 power amp, Pearl 2 phono and B1.
The Pearl indeed feeds into B1, which then drives the BA3 power amp.
Regarding F5, I also was not as clear as I meant to be.
While F5 has less gain than BA3 amp, even if playing at same volume, I still preferred using Pearl 2 into BA3 FE, then into either BA3 amp, or AlephJ.
A lot will depend on speakers, listening preferences etc, all things being equal, I like a bit of gain!
Russellc
The Pearl indeed feeds into B1, which then drives the BA3 power amp.
Regarding F5, I also was not as clear as I meant to be.
While F5 has less gain than BA3 amp, even if playing at same volume, I still preferred using Pearl 2 into BA3 FE, then into either BA3 amp, or AlephJ.
A lot will depend on speakers, listening preferences etc, all things being equal, I like a bit of gain!
Russellc
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you were saying BA3 FE sounded better to you than the B1 in that chain, correct? Though I have plenty of gain with Pearl + B1, I’ve still been interested in building the BA3 FE. Appreciate the insights!
Russellc,
How have things been going, I hope all is well.
If you supply the BA3 I will be all over it. But for me, there are no funds from my side for one.
Worst case over here if I do not find that either I made a mistake in building the Pearl boards even though the voltage reading look in range to me or dropping that resistor value does not work is going into my Yamaha CX-A5100.
James
Into BA3, B1 and Pearl seemed fine..(still have a preference for gain, maybe no good reason but imagination) but with F5 (less gain than BA3 amp) way deeper into throttle, but fine volume wise with Pearl...other sources I wanted more throttle. Even with Pearl2 (standard build) I liked it better with BA3 FE extra gain. Just seems to have more "body" or strength to the sound. That may just be my preference?
Anyway, BA3 FE is a great pre to have around when gain needed. And there is the P3 thing for more fun...still haven't setup a focusrite.
….and, it can drive F4.
Russellc
With the help of 6l6, his build guide, and the schematic, I was able to find some spare parts and put together this Power supply for my Pearl 2. I just used some spare diode boards from thePower Supply boards and wired some Nichicon Gold caps together. I am getting 31V and -31V... The cord I made with some spare braid sleeve I had, some heat shrink, and some connectors I found on Amazon. I am proud to say this was the first time I really spent a lot of time reading a schematic and trying to understand exactly what components needed to be where and why.
I've built a BBa3FE, F5, F6, F4, M2x, and the amp camp. I think this one is going to be the most rewarding!
Let me know if anything looks incorrect. I am working on the Pearl boards and other chassis right now!
I've built a BBa3FE, F5, F6, F4, M2x, and the amp camp. I think this one is going to be the most rewarding!
Let me know if anything looks incorrect. I am working on the Pearl boards and other chassis right now!
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Thank you! I just finished pre drilling all holes for the Pearl Board chassis and tested the regulators. I get right around +-24V on each resistor check point!
Time for bed then I’ll finish stuffing the phono tomorrow after work. I just have to stuff the boards, wire the rcas, add the grounds to the centers of the PCBs, then bias..
My two carts I’ll be using will be a Dynavector 10x5 and Denon DL-103 and both should be good with a 1K resistor load. Not sure about capacitance if any for MC carts.
Time for bed then I’ll finish stuffing the phono tomorrow after work. I just have to stuff the boards, wire the rcas, add the grounds to the centers of the PCBs, then bias..
My two carts I’ll be using will be a Dynavector 10x5 and Denon DL-103 and both should be good with a 1K resistor load. Not sure about capacitance if any for MC carts.
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Your builds look great! I'm guilty of the same thing, I want to dive into stuffing boards before understanding the schematic.
MC cartridges don't care so much about capacitive loading and I leave that spot open.
Can I follow the post notes on #1287?
C15 - Leave out ( I put a jumper in by mistake)
R15 - Jumper
C22 - Leave Out, no jumper
R20 - Leave out, no jumper
C7 - Can cause issues. Wayne after the Pearl 2 article was published recommends leaving out.
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Bad news on the Pearl. I finished stuffing the boards today, plugged it into my DBT, and flipped it on. The red leds came on on the phono boards, but as I started to get my DMM for testing I noticed smoke.
After investigation I noticed it to be coming out of the dropping resistors (attached to my 4 PSU caps) in the power supply and NOT the phono boards.
I tested each board individually, checked my solder connections, and re-checked my wiring but each time I test I get the the same issue with DBT light on and dropping resistors on my PSU heating up quickly.
I also tried disconnecting and testing my power supply again and its fine. I did confirm the regulators were good before stuffing everything else.
I am using a 60W bulb and do not have anything bigger for my DBT.
After investigation I noticed it to be coming out of the dropping resistors (attached to my 4 PSU caps) in the power supply and NOT the phono boards.
I tested each board individually, checked my solder connections, and re-checked my wiring but each time I test I get the the same issue with DBT light on and dropping resistors on my PSU heating up quickly.
I also tried disconnecting and testing my power supply again and its fine. I did confirm the regulators were good before stuffing everything else.
I am using a 60W bulb and do not have anything bigger for my DBT.
DBT is my Dim Bulb Tester.
Without Pearl Connected I am getting +-31V. I tested the pearl board regulators BEFORE installing the rest of the parts and was getting +-24V on the 10 ohm resistor test points.
You can see in the picture of my PSU caps the orange dropping resistor that is slightly burned.
Without Pearl Connected I am getting +-31V. I tested the pearl board regulators BEFORE installing the rest of the parts and was getting +-24V on the 10 ohm resistor test points.
You can see in the picture of my PSU caps the orange dropping resistor that is slightly burned.
