Amp choices-- advice

[Altaic]

Hi all,
I'm hoping to build a set of amps soon, but I'm having some trouble choosing an amp design. This is mainly due to my inexperience, I'd say... I know this has been addressed in different ways before, but it seems like a lot of the useful information gets lost in huge threads which frequently change topics. Anyway, I'm looking for something that can output something like 100W @ 8ohms, and sounds as good as I can make it, without costing me an arm and a leg.

I've looked at the ESP 3a, although I have read that the Aleph-X sounds better. Then I also read lots about gainclones. Lots of hype... It's nice and simple, which is a plus, but some have said it's nowhere near the quality of the Alephs. Then some prefer the JLH 2003 amp... And I haven't heard much about the AKSA 100.

So these are my thoughts: The ESP 3a (class AB) and gainclones (class A?) are simple but don't sound as nice. The gainclone sounds better than the 3a, though, no? The Aleph-X (class A), JLH (class A), and AKSA (class AB) are more complex but sound really nice. Additionally, the class A amps are going to cost more because of the larger transformer and large heatsinks (not to mention the power bill), so that's not that so great.

I'm decent at making pcbs and soldering, so complexity doesn't matter a huge amount, although the gainclones seem to be so simple that it's a plus. Anyway, I'm sure I've gotten some stuff wrong, so I'd appreciate corrections and any input (especially if I've missed an obvious candidate).

Thanks!

[jaycee]

Gainclones are class AB for a start, and are really nothing more than chip amp's implemented pretty much to the manufacturer's (usually National Semiconductor) data sheet. While they are quite good when well implemented they dont surpass the sound of a discrete amp by any means.

The Elliot P3A amp (Class AB) is a very good sounding amp for it's simplicity, and satisfies many a discerning ear. They are easily built and accept a wide range of parts. The ASKA supposedly sounds better but (afaik) is only available in kit form.

I dont know much about JLH's designs but the Aleph is by Nelson Pass who is very highly regarded in the amplifier world. The big catch with all Class A amps is that they produce a LOT of heat, which makes them expensive in terms of massive heat sinks and high power output devices.

I'd say if this is your first amp and you feel confident enough to design your own boards, go with the P3A. If you want to try a Gainclone, you can always get the IC from National as a sample, and it requires such few parts that it's easy to have one up and going with little cost. Most of the time, point to point construction or even Stripboard is good enough for these amps.

[AKSA]

Yes, Jaycee, you are correct, the AKSA is only available as a kit, but for not much more than component cost. It comes with full service backup. My forum gives quite a variety of comments from owners, so you need not buy in the dark.

Cheers,

Hugh

[jaycee]

Yeah, it wasnt a criticism, it's just that the poster seemed to be more interested in a schematic he could choose his own parts and design his own pcb for. I've read some fantastic appraisals of your ASKA kits

Some of us just want to do it all ourselves for the hell of it though

[Greg Erskine]

Hi Altaic,

Which amp is right for you depends on what you want to achieve from DIY amps. I've built most of the amps you mention excluding the Aleph-X and JLH and can offer you this advice.

BTW: I haven't built any class A amp yet and YMMV.

IMHO:

1. The shortest route to be best sounding amp is buy an AKSA. Hugh's all ready done the hard yards for you.

2. The cheapest route to a good sounding amp is buy the BrianGT Premium Gainclone Kit + extra power supply.

3. The in between route is the P3A. You can get a good sounding amp if you pick the right components.

4. You could try a DIGI125, very simple, cheap and very tweakable.

From what I have read the JLH and Aleph-X are up there with the best, if not the best, but may end up costing a little more, as you say.

[Altaic]

Excellent... Well, I've decided to make a few different gainclones, as well as two P3As.

Then I might look into the AKSA amps... They're a bit pricey for me right now, though. I think I'd rather go the full diy route and play with some circuits, anyway.

The Aleph-X is very appealing. Too bad the group order already took place. I could really go for two of the 1.0 pcbs. I guess I'll wait until they're available again at a cheap price.

Thanks much for the concise replies!

[Greg Erskine]

"I could really go for two of the 1.0 pcbs"

If you really want to build an Aleph-X, PM me your address and I'll give you 2, although I imagine the Aleph-X will end up costing more than the AKSA.

[AKSA]

Hi Greg,

Interesting comments.

What does the Aleph X sound like? Anyone?

Hugh

[MikeW]

It sounds a lot like an Aleph with a little more punch in the low end.
It does get hot.

[Altaic]

"I imagine the Aleph-X will end up costing more than the AKSA."

That's a bit surprising. I generally find the discrete components to be pretty cheap, with the power supply and case being the largest expense. Why's the Aleph-X and AKSA so expensive? Big expensive caps or something?