Which pre pcb build will suit me?

[CustomHT]

I'm looking for a diy preamp which can be made to suit my needs..

*It needs atleast 2 balanced and 1 unbalanced inputs (more better)
*I want to be able to setup ht-bypass via a balanced input.
*Prefer a build from a pcb.
*Thinking tube might be the the way to go, will consider ss tho.
*Want to be able to remote control volume atleast, inputs a bonus.
*Would like it to be better than my current Primare Pre30 Preamp.

Will most likely be building LM3886 monoblocks to go with it.

Any suggestions?

Cheers

[CustomHT]

Anyone have any advice??

[Bill Fuss]

Any preamp boards could do in your elaboration. The rest is switching arrangements and attenuation, that's the diy part. Sounds like you want a kit, nothing like that around AFAIK.

[CustomHT]

Thanks Bill.. I will be happy to play around and add the switching arrangements and attenuation as suggested to get the features I need, will be a good learning curve.

I'm really wondering which will be the best kit or pcb to build my pre-amp around, which I can then use high quality parts to yeild the best performance.

Is there any you would suggest for maximum sound quality?

[Bill Fuss]

I hesitate to recommend a preamp because everyone is looking for different things. If you want uncolored SS then a Pass Labs Aleph P1.7 would be my choice. For a tube unit probably the Aikido, and you would need two boards for stereo balanced. The Aleph P is a balanced design.
If you're looking for high end sound I wouldn't recommend 3886 chip amps, except for maybe the MyRefC.
These are my opinions and you know the old saying, everybody's got one.

Best, Bill

[CustomHT]

Thanks for the two suggestions..

I had planned to make the BPA300 Mono Blocks, But so far have only commited to purchasing the PCB's.. I thought these might be a good place to start as my first diy power amp's. I'm 95% finished my tube dac project (just waiting on last few parts), which has tought me quite abit.

Should I build the BPA300 amps before stepping up to something more of a high end sounding amp? Which amps could you recommend If I'm looking for that high end sound? Are the higher end amps more difficult to build?

I read about the higher powered alpha x mono blocks, but I think these are more difficult and not recommended unless your quite experienced at amp building..

Current speakers are Monitor Audio Platinum PL300's if that helps..
Sensitivity 90db Recommended Power 100-300W's

Regards Scott

[Bill Fuss]

Hi Scott,
Speaker manufacturers generally lie about sensitivity but still, even 100w is a lot. I agree, the Aleph X amps are not a good rookie project. The Aleph series amps are pretty simple except for the heatsink requirements, but well worth the effort, I have built several. They are definitely high end, very sublime. I would recommend the Aleph 5 in monoblock form as a great place to start if you want power. There are boards available but they are not kits so you will probably need help along the way.
I've heard chip amps and the only one that is worthy to my ears is Mauro Penasa's MyRefRevC. It's only 40w but still,thats a lot of power.
Hey, this is still one man's opinion, there's lots to choose from.

Best, Bill

[CustomHT]

Thanks Bill..

The Aleph Series of amps do sound very tempting.. Trying to read up on them on here and found there is a mountain of information, sometimes too much to find out what you need in a short time.. lol, but I will keep reading through..

There seems to be alot of different Aleph models, What exactly made you suggest the Aleph 5 over some of the other models? Is it an all round performer which will provide me with what I need till I'm ready to build something like an Aleph x? Is there any others I should consider such as the Aleph 1.2 or Aleph2??.. Or are these getting complicated? Or is it just more of the same really?

Also where would be the best place to source the pcb's? I've seen there's some on ebay, but this seems to be frowned apon as the seller is basically stealing the idea / design?

Regard Scott

[Bill Fuss]

The approved pcbs can be had at DIY Chip Amplifier Kits, PCB's, Components and Information.

All the Aleph amps can be built using their Aleph-mini boards found on the order page. They are very high quality and inexpensive.

The Aleph 5 is capable of 90w/ch into 4ohms. As I recall, all the others are optimized for 8ohms. The 5s current source is set up differently allowing it to output more current. It's the most bang for the buck when looking at size and heat dissipation (150 watts/ch).

Do you really need that much power,only you can answer that. I use 30w Aleph J amps. Working on scaling one up a little.

The Aleph amps can be scaled, there used to be a spread sheet for different combos. Jump over to the Pass forum and ask around for it.

Studying up on how they work at the passdiy website will keep you busy for a while. Read the Zen series of articles.

[toufu]

Hi, I am kind of in the same boat, I have built a few Pass F* amps and finished with the PA150. I am very happy with the PA150 sound, better than the Pass amps. I just ordered the Aikido and will be stuffing it in a preamp case with remote control kit from diybiz.