Class A Amp complete kit - recommendations?

[dakku]

Hi All,
Can someone recommend a non PASS LABS class A amp kit for a noob? I am looking for a class A to improve the sound quality, I heard PASS LABS is as good as it gets - however, sourcing the parts for these designs is proving to be quite a challenge for a noob like me.

I am looking to improve on the sound quality of my LM3875 amp.

Can someone recommend me a CLASS A kit (complete kit) that sounds better than the above?

 

[rayma]

Hi All,
Can someone recommend a non PASS LABS class A amp kit for a noob? sourcing the parts
for these designs is proving to be quite a challenge

Check here in the "swap meet" for built-up Pass amps for sale. They turn up from time to time.

 

[abraxalito]

Why bother with a kit when this JLH is available fully built for a bargain price?

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.150.biJG7l&id=20574723709&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail

 

[rayma]

Why bother with a kit when this JLH is available fully built for a bargain price?

Wow, that looks good for $100, but how much is the shipping?

 

[abraxalito]

It depends where you live - to me under $6 Quite likely it'll come close to doubling the price for USA.

Aliexpress has various kits of this design, mostly looking quite affordable - http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=63701&initiative_id=AS_20150822173644&SearchText=jlh+1969

Then again, if you can live with 'Nobsound' on your fascia, there's this variant - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-...9-Gold-Pure-Class-A-finished/32358606941.html

 

[Alan0354]

The amp uses 2N3055!!! Isn't it a little old? They have 30MHz transistor with flat hfe vs current, ones like MJL, 2Sx5200/1943.

 

[abraxalito]

Its a design by John Linsley Hood, so yes a little bit old. Something bad about being old?

 

[dakku]

thanks for the suggestions guys. Anyone listened to this amp? How does it compare to PASS/CHIP/CLASS D?

PS: How do I buy from TaoBao?

Thanks

 

[sreten]

Why bother with a kit when this JLH is available fully built for a bargain price?

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.150.biJG7l&id=20574723709&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail

Hi, Wow, that is a bargain of the highest order, rgds, sreten.

 

[dakku]

I am in UK and interested in buying, HOWEVER, anyone help me how I can buy from TAOBAO?

 

[Bigun]

JLH is available fully built for a bargain price?

+1

(a very good sounding amplifier - I built my own from scratch and use it as my daily amp - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/268846-tgm9-my-version-jlh-69-class-amplifier.html)

 

[abraxalito]

To buy from Taobao you can find yourself a Taobao agent who'll handle it for you, for a fee. Or use Aliexpress directly.

 

[aradan]

Try Ali express. They should giving the same products and comprehensive English interface

 

[rayma]

Try Ali express. They should giving the same products and comprehensive English interface

Also they have lots of related kits and pcbs.

Hifi 2.0 channel amplifier Electronic filtering hood 1969 Class A amplifier 10W*2-in Amplifier from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

WL hifi Finished high end amplifier classic Hood 1969 gold seal Class A amplifier 10W+10W-in Amplifier from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fini....3JrHdG&ws_ab_test=201407_5,201444_6,201409_2

 

[tso310]

try Nobsound HD1969 Gold Pure Class A finished Power Amplifier Hifi Stereo AMP DIY | eBay

 

[Nico Ras]

This one is $45 for the same thing. Why does it vary so much?
2014 Luxury Class A HD1969 amplifier chassis enclosure 336*75*208 mm Silver/Gold-in Amplifier from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

 

[burninggecko]

This one is $45 for the same thing. Why does it vary so much?
2014 Luxury Class A HD1969 amplifier chassis enclosure 336*75*208 mm Silver/Gold-in Amplifier from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

I think the $45 one is chassis only. However there is a picture showing it populated with the amp, so it is a little misleading.

 

[AudioSan]

JLH is good amps. however. pass parts are not hard to find when you know were to look for it. member h_a on the forum have complete transistor kits for most of the amps. diy audio store got Jfet's. everything else you can get anywhere

 

[KatieandDad]

The JLH is a good amplifier but it lacks the bass control of a bigger Pass amp.

I've got a complete Pass F5 clone here. I'd consider selling it as I don't use it. It needs more capacitors in the DC power supply.

It is complete, tested and working, there is just a small amount of PSU hum due to inadequate PSU capacitance.

I'd be looking around £200, just to cover the cost of the components, heatsinks, transformer and chassis for example.