Pass amp noob questions

[chrapladm]

After reading the first watt link in the F4 thread from Mr. Pass himself I am wondering what each amp's power rating are.

I haven't a clue what amp does what. I know I would like to use a powerful amp like a x150.5. The bigger amps would be nice but with all honesty I couldn't really afford the 150.

SO for now I am just trying to figure out what amp can I build from Pass that would be similar to a 150?

I keep seeing all different forum members builds but I dont know the acronyms they are using so I am lost. I was going to go along the lines of a 3886 chip amp but others have suggested something else. And after chatting with other horn speaker members I really need to have an amp that is clean. I liked the details of the F1 but maybe that wont work.

SO if anyone could help or provide any info that would be very helpful. Oh and I would be Bi amping the speakers with my build. Another person who I read about has the same speakers and he is using a pair of 350.5 for his L/R. I WOULD do the same but I cant afford that. PLUS thats insane amounts of power. When I read about the 250, I think, that thing will put out massive amounts of power for short bursts. WOW

[Nelson Pass]

How much power do you really need? How efficient is your horn?

Much of the time I run at levels a 4 watt amplifier can do.

[chrapladm]

The bass bin and horn is 107db. I was actually thinking that I would only need about 5-10 watts but others have always suggested 2-200. Thats hard to figure out.

I am used to very inefficient speakers. These new speakers will be used for listening at low to moderate levels and just need to be able to hit 105db during movies at the listening position. SO 112-115db is loud enough, plenty loud enough.

I just want an amp I can make that will have plenty of power for the lows and sound great with the highs. I have always liked the phrase "like a vise grip on the bass drivers."

Here is the speaker link.
KPT-942-4-T
The other speaker I was looking at is the Jubilee bass bin with the same top horn. Both are very efficient. Dont worry about why the speaker selection I just am wondering how to power them correctly and be happy.

[6L6]

Power ain't nuthin' but a number.

And, in the same way as tube watts, Class-A watts are bigger.

But anyway, if you are looking for a 'normal' kind of amp that sounds fantastic and still has some oomph, you would be hard-pressed to go wrong with an F5. But if you have a horn driver that has good efficiency, heck, any of the Firstwatt designs would be good.

Plus, building your own is remarkably rewarding.

:EDIT: I see your reply to Nelson -- Holly moly!! 107db efficient?!?!?!?!?!?! You could power that with a walkman and a half-dead set of alkaline batteries!

What you need is an amp that is quiet as a churchmouse, not necessarly one with excess power. But, in your case, unless you like listening at levels that are truly harmful to your hearing, you will be in the excess power range at about 2 (two) watts. To hit your (painful, and literally damaging) peaks at 115db, you are only in need of 4 watts. Four.

That said, those speakers look awesome.

[chrapladm]

I kind of liked the idea of a colorless amp like, I think, Mr. Nelson described from the F1. But that being said the F5 does look it would have plenty of power.

What makes an amp able to play the lows better than others? Is it having ample power for the dynamics or is it something else?

6L6 did you get a kit for your F5 build?

[N-Brock]

I'll second the recommendation for the F5. There is reply great documentation, it'll be plenty powerful, and IMO has what you describe in the bass region. The boards are available from a variety of places including the diyAudio store. Tech-diy.com has parts kits, but not complete kits, you will need to source the psu and chassis elsewhere.

I would also say it is not beyond the grasp of a self described "noob" in terms of compexity.

Let us know how it goes,
Nelson

[chrapladm]

Well that sounds perfect for me then. I am not sure how much things will cost in total but it seems like a very cheap investment for an amazing value in the end.

After reading more on the first watt web page will I need any line stage products like the B2 for instance?

I just want to Bi-amp the speaker which I am not sure if I am going to use a single amp, 2 channels split for 1 one and 1one for lows or use one amp for the lows and one for the highs. I dont know if it would matter much.

Wish I could make my sub amp but I will have to wait way down the road for that one. That will require power like the X1000.5 per sub. Which would be four amps.

Oh and thanks for your tutorial of sorts 6L6. Amazing pictures and that definitely helps with seeing what I need to do.

[Itsmee]

Before you make your mind up, have a look at these.

POLL: Which is your fave Pass design ? F3, F4, F5, AJ Post #26

Which the best Aleph power amp? Post #2

I personally use F4's and the BA2 outputs, because its easy to try different gain stages & preamps.

[vdi_nenna]

I recently heard what 101db can do. Very live sound, though it is fatiguing.

Maybe you should try the Arch Nemisis. Top end is a little rolled off.
6-7 watts, super simple, but does require a couple of 'exotic' parts. All parts are obtainable.
The output transformers are custom made and not available off the shelf. They are made to order for $150 each.

http://www.passdiy.com/pdf/ARCH%20NEMESIS.pdf

[michal]

Originally Posted by chrapladm

After reading the first watt link in the F4 thread from Mr. Pass himself I am wondering what each amp's power rating are.

I haven't a clue what amp does what.

Take a look at FIRST WATT PRODUCTS