My M2 story

[Milkduds]

I've been a diyer for over 40 years. About half way through my journey I discovered tubes and about a decade after this horn based speakers. About 2 years ago I got interested in this forum and since that time I've built an F6 and M2 based on the excellent help and enthusiasm from this this forum and the hard work of the diystore folks. Before this time, my everyday amps were a pair of direct coupled 12AX7-2A3 monoblocks using Magnequest outputs. I love these amps but I have to confess that they are collecting dust in my rack and the M2 is seeing all the action. I have a 4 way horn system and the M2 drives 3 sections, from about 70 hz and up. I say all this to say thanks to Nelson Pass and this forum for making an amp like this available for builders like me. When you factor in the total cost to build one of the First Watt clones, it's an absolute steal of exponential order. The 2A3 amps deliver the midrange like nothing else, but the M2 comes pretty close, however what it delivers mo better is better control of the bottom end, dynamics, and a dead quiet background. (To my surprise, the black background is now something I can't live without.) Adding a 4P1L transformer coupled linestage in front of the M2 was icing on the cake. Some day I will tackle the filament supply of my 2A3 amp but for now, it's the M2 all day every day.

Thanks again.

Milkduds

 

[Russellc]

Yup, I traveled the same road. (tubes and horns) No more chasing exotic unobtainium tubes, its jfets now for me! After my first Pass amp (F5), I even sold my coveted Mcintosh MC225.

As you can see from my signature, the sickness has grown. Yes, I have all of these units operating as separate units. There are stuffed boards waiting for a few others as well...

Russellc

 

[Zen Mod]

yup

M2 is realllllllly something special

 

[Russellc]

Yes it is. I am puzzled why it hasnt made it to the store
Very straightforward build, no bias adjustment needed, just set the offset, and listen to excellent sound.

Russellc

 

[wdecho]

Being such a good Firstwatt amplifier I agree, the store should stock it.

 

[vdi_nenna]

Class A mosfet amp for tube lovers. Very good amp.

 

[Nelson Pass]

Then I think you will like the ACA-2

 

[Michael Rothacher]

ACA-2, SIT-3, DEF, DIY Crossover, Open Baffle Speaker with Dedicated Crossover, and...

Sounds like a fun year ahead.

 

[PSz.]

Was not expecting an ACA-2.

Just came into possession of an unfinished ACA and ordered parts to finish it as a mini version of the 2015 BAF Schade circuit sporting R100s as Q1. It can be kludged onto the stock board pretty easily. Now the news of an ACA-2 means even more flea watt fun.

A fun year indeed!

 

[ra7]

I love the M2 as well. I love how when you wake it up, it starts all distorted and then, slowly, a warm feeling starts to spread inside and, then it starts caressing the music. (Hmmm... that one got away a little bit).

 

[Eric]

Then I think you will like the ACA-2

Such a tease

 

[bogdan_borko]

I think that there is something that sounds good when transformers are used in audio, nevermind objective limitations.

 

[2 picoDumbs]

Then I think you will like the ACA-2

Does that mean there will also be a group building day?

 

[Russellc]

Then I think you will like the ACA-2

Wow, the fact that Papa Pass himself made this statement in the context of a M2 thread certainly has my attention. Never really considered the Amp Camp before, but now I am all ears!

Russellc

 

[Bare]

The wait begins. Still vaporware at this point... or not?

 

[Nelson Pass]

Should be wrapped up shortly.

 

[JPS64]

Training for ACA-2.

JP

 

[seanny]

I don't see transformer on there?

 

[2 picoDumbs]

I don't see transformer on there?

It's ACA not M2

 

[Aercool]

Then I think you will like the ACA-2

I've been checking back almost daily to see when this might be announced - any estimated release date for this ACA-2 amp? Thanks!