suggestions on a suitable amp for ZD5.

[anonomouse]

I've been going back and forth between building zaph's sr71 and his zd5. Partially because I've realized I'll probably need to build a more expensive amp in order to get the most out of the zd5. (I've only got a pos sony surround amp currently). I'm pretty set on building a myref rev C if I go with the 71's. I know how to solder though its been 20+ years since I've done it, can stumble through a schematic, and have a friend with an oscilloscope. Ideally I'd like to just build a great integrated amp that will run the zd5s to their full potential without me having to break the bank or get a degree in ee (kits are preferred but not a deal killer). I listen to jazz, classical, hiphop and alternative rock (I'm not a fan of boomy base, or overly loud systems).

Any ideas on amps for the zd5? Thanks in advance!

[DougL]

Look at the Firstwatt F5.
You can add a pot to make it an integrated.
DIYAudio sells circuit boards.
25 Watts, simple, sounds good, will drive complex loads.

Doug

[lloop9]

I second the F5 too. In fact, if you have balanced source, then wait for the balanced F5 optimized by Patrick for 6 ohm load at 46 watts if I remembered correctly.

Also, you may want to look at the Danish-made Scan-speak Discovery R2604/8320 Ring Radiator Tweeter in place of the Chinese-made XT25, both are identical but the Scan Speak uses German made dome like the old Vifa.

[anonomouse]

thanks all Icve been looking at the f5. The balanced f5 seems attractive and a very interesting idea, as I'll be running from a digital sourceAny idea on what total parts cost on it would be and when kits will be available? looks like at least 200usd for just the heat syncs.

[weskoki]

Not shore if 25 watts is enough for the ZD5.I had the F5, now i'm finishing the Myrefc

[anonomouse]

Originally Posted by weskoki

Not shore if 25 watts is enough for the ZD5.I had the F5, now i'm finishing the Myrefc

If you don't mind me asking what speakers were you running with the f5? I am assuming that because of the switch to the myref you were dissatisfied with the f5. What in your opinion, were the failings of the f5 and your speaker combination? It would be interesting to get your impressions of both the f5 and the myref (when you have completed it) as they are very different beasts.

[weskoki]

Wish someone would clone this baby lenehan ml1

[lloop9]

Originally Posted by anonomouse

thanks all Icve been looking at the f5. The balanced f5 seems attractive and a very interesting idea, as I'll be running from a digital sourceAny idea on what total parts cost on it would be and when kits will be available? looks like at least 200usd for just the heat syncs.

There are a few guys building the first run to iron out the details, after which there will be pcbs for sale, BOM & stuff. So wait for them to finish building & testing then we'll know the cost. Its worth the wait.

Will you be building the sealed or ported version ZD5? Do post your build here so we can learn & drool at the pix.

[anonomouse]

thanks for the info. I actually read all 87 pages of the thread after your suggestion, seems like one hell of an amp, im afraid it might be a bit advanced for my skill set. Maybe I can find someone willing to do the electrical work for me for a fee, with all those expensive comoonents I'd be afraid to fry it buy messing up . I'll be building the sealed version of the zd5. though it wontbe until september or so. I'm headed home to the.us for the summer, so I'll be buying parts there andbring them back to sweden.

[weskoki]

What kind of speakers have you had?