Decisions... P101 vs. P3A vs. SKA

[RyanW]

I am interested in building a good quality, clean amplifier at ~100Wrms. The amps I have been looking at include Rod Elliots P3A, P101 or the SKA.

My Background:
-Mechanical Engineer
-Some experience building electronics projects (PSU's, a 20W IC amp, and others)
-24 years old
-Listen to a variety of music (Rock, Country, R&B, Reggaetone, etc...)

I currently use a Harman Kardon AVR100 (50Wx2 or 40Wx5). I also have a Peavey CS800 (400Wrmsx2 Bridgeable to 800Wx1). I would like to use the CS800 for a subwoofer amp and construct, for starters, a Hi-fi 2-channel amp. I have further dream systems floating in my imagination (tri-amping or 5 channel Home theatre system...) but I think a 2-channel DIY amp is a solid foundaion to start on.

I found a large transformer (estimated 800VA) at a surplus shop for $20 cdn. I am willing to adjust the secondary windings to achieve the necessary voltage and CT.

I do not want to mess around trying to make a good PCB, I would rather trust the professionals and purchase one.

[EchoWars]

SKA.

[roender]

symasym

[awpagan]

"I found a large transformer (estimated 800VA) at a surplus shop for $20 cdn. I am willing to adjust the secondary windings to achieve the necessary voltage and CT"

give a bit more detail on the tranny
eg, centre tapped?, ac volts
It may give a lead to which amp is more suitable

allan

[pinkmouse]

Sadly, Roender, the Sym only does about 50W. But then again, that is loud enough to annoy the neighbours.

You might also consider the Krell clones - My KSA50, and the new KSA100 project.

[AndrewT]

Hi,
I would recommend SKA.
Good support from the designer.
Good sound.
Very compact in GB150 form, but needs a big sink.
Some very cheap upgrades available in the literature.

[RyanW]

Awpagan,

The transformer does not have a CT and is currently ~100Vac . Being a large transformer, it will not be too difficult to adjust the number of windings and create a CT.

Pinkmouse,

I have not heard much of the Krell clones amps. In terms of technical support and PCB cost/availability, would this be similar to the SKA or Elliot projects?

Would it be fair to rank as follows:

1. SKA
2. P101
3. P3A

[AndrewT]

Hi, the Krell Klones will be far more expensive (four to ten times).

[anatech]

Hi RyanW
I don't think support is an issue with any of these. All are about even there.

A Krell clone has an advantage that you can listen to the real thing first to see if you like it. Sometimes the extra expense is better for the job, sometimes not. I don't know where AndrewT is getting a 4 to 10 X factor here, I do agree the Krell will be more due to more parts.

Your power supply voltage is too high for a Symasym (they do sound great though).

So it would be best if you can have a listen to them. You migh look at Hugh's Dean's amps too. I hear he has some newer ones with even higher performance. Support is also very good from Hugh.

-Chris

[AndrewT]

Hi,
the expensive parts are the:-
transformers,
smoothing caps,
output devices
heatsinks.
Comparing a KSA50 to a P3a I would expect the transformers to be 3 times more expensive.
The smoothing 4 times more expensive.
The output devices to be 3 times more expensive.
The heatsinks to be 10 times more expensive.
The KSA100 Klone is likely to be at least 50% dearer again and maybe double the 50Klone cost.

That initial estimate gives Ryan a clue on whether to pursue the Klone route further.