Help needed - DIY parts sources in UK??

mubeen1983 · 9th July 2008, 10:34 PM

Hello guys...

I am looking to build a chip amp for myself and have already got an LM3875 dual mono kit. However, i still have got to get other parts such as transformer, connectors, wires, pots etc. This is my first audio DIY project and i do not have much information on sources for components and parts here in UK. After searching and reading through the forum, i gathered the following links for transformer and other basic components:

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/

http://www.rapidonline.com/

http://www.hificollective.co.uk/index.html --> (this one is very good but does not seem to have right type of transformer)

Are there any other resources, better or not, than the above ones? I would appreciate if you could help me with this.

I am also looking for a nice case for the amp which i have not been able to find yet. I was thinking of buying a faulty amplifier off ebay and than use the case (ans also pots, connectors etc fit on it). No luck yet. So, if anyone knows of any source for cases and enclosured in reasonable price, please let me know.

ta.

Nuuk · 9th July 2008, 10:47 PM

Airlink is probably your best bet for a transformer. It may also be a good idea to check out Decibel Dungeon for other advice on getting started.

john blackburn · 9th July 2008, 11:00 PM

Since you are in the UK there are

http://www.madaboutsound.com/ Vikash, a moderator here and a super honest chap to do business with.

http://www.cricklewoodelectronics.co...ewood/home.php I've had a dozen or so orders from them, quick service and no hassles.

http://uk.farnell.com/ Huge range, fast service, dont like the website though.

You should be able to get most things from one or the other.

The case is much more work than the chipamp, and could cost more than its contents. Several times more if you go for a really nice "boutique" case. As you say old enclosures can be recycled to very good effect, it just depends how much spare time/budget you have.

I second visiting Decibel Dungeon, it was responsible for my new addiction!

John

Nuuk · 9th July 2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

I second visiting Decibel Dungeon, it was responsible for my new addiction!

The government pay me five pounds for each one of you reprobates that I keep off the streets!

john blackburn · 9th July 2008, 11:25 PM

It keeps me on the streets, rooting through skips and being thrown out of the local tip for coming out with more than I went in with!

Thanks though none the less.

John

Nuuk · 10th July 2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

It keeps me on the streets, rooting through skips and being thrown out of the local tip for coming out with more than I went in with!

Another failed government policy then!

mubeen1983 · 10th July 2008, 09:42 AM

Thanks very much guys. Appreciate the help

Placed an order for transformer from Airlink which should arrive in 2-3 days. Looks like i have all the sources for components now. Now its the case i need to sort out. You are right, its the most difficult part of DIY amp build. There are quite a few sources here in UK for components, but surprisingly i could not find anything for DIY cases and enclosures. I found a few, but they are too expensive (over £200) which is not feasible. I dont see a possibility of building myself one as i do not have required tools and i have no experience in metal work. I guess i should keep looking for a faulty amp which i can recycle. I am looking for a small form factor (e.g Cyrus amps) but at the moment nothing suitable is listed on ebay. If anyone comes across a faulty amp going cheap, please let me know.

john blackburn · 10th July 2008, 10:37 AM

mubeen1983

Where are you roughly in the UK and do you have a tip nearby? You wouldn't believe the things people throw away these days but you have to be quick before the tip staff get hold of it.

Another alternative is to track down a local craft fair and find yourself a wood or metal worker who likes a challenge (theres a wood turner in every town but they are tucked away in their shed making chippings and are hard to spot)

Have you seen Nuuks "ProPods" on Decibel Dungeon? They're very nice indeed and an unusual stylish alternative to the typical black box.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nuukspot/decdun/propods.html

It may be worth posting in the trading post section to see if anyone has any enclosures they would be willing to sell or trade.

John

kanifee · 10th July 2008, 10:39 AM

I got my transformer from www.rswww.com you get it next working day and prices arnt to bad, transformer is cracking aswell.

cost me £30 posted.

AndrewT · 10th July 2008, 11:44 AM

add Dalbani to your list,
http://dalbani.co.uk/index.php

9th July 2008, 10:34 PM	#1
mubeen1983 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2008	Help needed - DIY parts sources in UK?? Hello guys... I am looking to build a chip amp for myself and have already got an LM3875 dual mono kit. However, i still have got to get other parts such as transformer, connectors, wires, pots etc. This is my first audio DIY project and i do not have much information on sources for components and parts here in UK. After searching and reading through the forum, i gathered the following links for transformer and other basic components: http://www.airlinktransformers.com/ http://www.rapidonline.com/ http://www.hificollective.co.uk/index.html --> (this one is very good but does not seem to have right type of transformer) Are there any other resources, better or not, than the above ones? I would appreciate if you could help me with this. I am also looking for a nice case for the amp which i have not been able to find yet. I was thinking of buying a faulty amplifier off ebay and than use the case (ans also pots, connectors etc fit on it). No luck yet. So, if anyone knows of any source for cases and enclosured in reasonable price, please let me know. ta. __________________ Ignorance is bliss. Knowledge is enemy of faith.

9th July 2008, 10:47 PM	#2
Nuuk diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Somerset, SW England	Airlink is probably your best bet for a transformer. It may also be a good idea to check out Decibel Dungeon for other advice on getting started. __________________ The truth need not be veiled, for it veils itself from the eyes of the ignorant.

10th July 2008, 09:42 AM	#7
mubeen1983 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2008	Thanks very much guys. Appreciate the help Placed an order for transformer from Airlink which should arrive in 2-3 days. Looks like i have all the sources for components now. Now its the case i need to sort out. You are right, its the most difficult part of DIY amp build. There are quite a few sources here in UK for components, but surprisingly i could not find anything for DIY cases and enclosures. I found a few, but they are too expensive (over £200) which is not feasible. I dont see a possibility of building myself one as i do not have required tools and i have no experience in metal work. I guess i should keep looking for a faulty amp which i can recycle. I am looking for a small form factor (e.g Cyrus amps) but at the moment nothing suitable is listed on ebay. If anyone comes across a faulty amp going cheap, please let me know. __________________ Ignorance is bliss. Knowledge is enemy of faith.

10th July 2008, 11:44 AM	#10
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	add Dalbani to your list, http://dalbani.co.uk/index.php __________________ regards Andrew T.

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9th July 2008, 11:00 PM	#3
john blackburn diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wirral UK	Since you are in the UK there are http://www.madaboutsound.com/ Vikash, a moderator here and a super honest chap to do business with. http://www.cricklewoodelectronics.co...ewood/home.php I've had a dozen or so orders from them, quick service and no hassles. http://uk.farnell.com/ Huge range, fast service, dont like the website though. You should be able to get most things from one or the other. The case is much more work than the chipamp, and could cost more than its contents. Several times more if you go for a really nice "boutique" case. As you say old enclosures can be recycled to very good effect, it just depends how much spare time/budget you have. I second visiting Decibel Dungeon, it was responsible for my new addiction! John

9th July 2008, 11:25 PM	#5
john blackburn diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wirral UK	It keeps me on the streets, rooting through skips and being thrown out of the local tip for coming out with more than I went in with! Thanks though none the less. John

10th July 2008, 10:37 AM	#8
john blackburn diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wirral UK	mubeen1983 Where are you roughly in the UK and do you have a tip nearby? You wouldn't believe the things people throw away these days but you have to be quick before the tip staff get hold of it. Another alternative is to track down a local craft fair and find yourself a wood or metal worker who likes a challenge (theres a wood turner in every town but they are tucked away in their shed making chippings and are hard to spot) Have you seen Nuuks "ProPods" on Decibel Dungeon? They're very nice indeed and an unusual stylish alternative to the typical black box. http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nuukspot/decdun/propods.html It may be worth posting in the trading post section to see if anyone has any enclosures they would be willing to sell or trade. John

10th July 2008, 10:39 AM	#9
kanifee diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008	I got my transformer from www.rswww.com you get it next working day and prices arnt to bad, transformer is cracking aswell. cost me £30 posted.

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