Hey now.
I was not about to read through 100+ pages for answers I am not even sure I would find. Forgive me for being "lazy" on that end, but the truth is I don't know **** about electronics and am building a B1 because one it looks pretty straight forward and two, I know there is a lot of support for it.
So here are some quick questions:
1. Can I use an Axon Tru Cap @ 11uf instead of 10uf? PCX has the 11uf, but has no listing for the 10uf.
2. I see its got dual volume knobs. anyway I can make that just one Volume knob?
3. I take it the unit is constantly on? Not a big deal either way.
4. I don't know anything about power supplies. What kind of regulated power supply do people use with this?
5. On the schematics there is D1 and D2. I get that its a generic LED and a Diode, but where is the led? Does it shine through the volume knobs or something? Do I really even need it?
6. How was everyones day?
I was not about to read through 100+ pages for answers I am not even sure I would find. Forgive me for being "lazy" on that end, but the truth is I don't know **** about electronics and am building a B1 because one it looks pretty straight forward and two, I know there is a lot of support for it.
So here are some quick questions:
1. Can I use an Axon Tru Cap @ 11uf instead of 10uf? PCX has the 11uf, but has no listing for the 10uf.
2. I see its got dual volume knobs. anyway I can make that just one Volume knob?
3. I take it the unit is constantly on? Not a big deal either way.
4. I don't know anything about power supplies. What kind of regulated power supply do people use with this?
5. On the schematics there is D1 and D2. I get that its a generic LED and a Diode, but where is the led? Does it shine through the volume knobs or something? Do I really even need it?
6. How was everyones day?
I might leave some gaps here but here goes...
1. ? No experience here with the brand - I'd have to look closely at the placement to say if 10% off nominal is an issue...
2. I think I can answer #2 for you - stereo pot....
3. NP used "when you turn it on" in his own write-up about the B1, with obvious implications re: your question... (I think). Looking at the article I'd say switching depends on whether you have an on-board PSU and switch the line / mains or an off-board PSU and switch DC on the unit.. being very broad here.
4. OK - again to the article but NP talks about this and I'd recommend reading it. It really isn't complicated IMO in fact the answer to me was frighteningly simple... but I don't pay your homeowner's insurance 🙂
5. The LED is wherever you want to put it...? I've been considering putting a red one right on the board and letting the preamp glow with evil from within... Alternatives would be a drilled hole in a front panel for a 'poke through' LED...
6. I'm on vacation - the day was great, thanks.
1. ? No experience here with the brand - I'd have to look closely at the placement to say if 10% off nominal is an issue...
2. I think I can answer #2 for you - stereo pot....
3. NP used "when you turn it on" in his own write-up about the B1, with obvious implications re: your question... (I think). Looking at the article I'd say switching depends on whether you have an on-board PSU and switch the line / mains or an off-board PSU and switch DC on the unit.. being very broad here.
4. OK - again to the article but NP talks about this and I'd recommend reading it. It really isn't complicated IMO in fact the answer to me was frighteningly simple... but I don't pay your homeowner's insurance 🙂
5. The LED is wherever you want to put it...? I've been considering putting a red one right on the board and letting the preamp glow with evil from within... Alternatives would be a drilled hole in a front panel for a 'poke through' LED...
6. I'm on vacation - the day was great, thanks.
Hey glad your on vacation.
Where is this article? I have only read the PDF file the B1 manual.
How big do the chasis need to be?
Where is this article? I have only read the PDF file the B1 manual.
How big do the chasis need to be?
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The B1 is very forgiving with its power supply. Anything from 12V to 26V DC is OK as long as the caps are rated above the voltage used. Nelson mentioned a standard Walmart brick in one of his articles IIRC.
Most guys use between 18V and 24V DC.
Most guys use between 18V and 24V DC.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Any
No
Nice day. Soldered up 10 B5 boards listening to Thievery Corp, followed by Salmon
tacos at Trink's
😎
Yes
Yes
Any
No
Nice day. Soldered up 10 B5 boards listening to Thievery Corp, followed by Salmon
tacos at Trink's
😎
Hahaha.
I'll figure something out for the power supply. Maybe I will use a wallmart one or some kind of pyramid one for now, than save up for something nice.
Personally I was considering a laptop supply. Overkill on amps but voltage is usually pretty good.
With an SMPS supply you might consider an LC filter to iron out any HF noise. But otherwise it would be fine.
There are exotic power supplies available but its hard to hear to difference between them.
I tried several PSUs, in order of preference they were:-
4. Capacitance Multiplier.
3. Small 10VA transformer with LCR rectification and LM317 regulator
2. Larger 30VA transformer with same LCR rectification and LM317 regulator
1. Salas Shunt regulator.
During the process I went from B1 Mesmorize to Pass B1.
If you read through the B1 HOTROD threads, some guys reckon they can hear the difference between the Salas reg at 100mA and MEGA milliamps. Personally, it was designed to run with a wall brick and there is little sonic gain to be gained from anything other that an LM317 regulated supply.
There are exotic power supplies available but its hard to hear to difference between them.
I tried several PSUs, in order of preference they were:-
4. Capacitance Multiplier.
3. Small 10VA transformer with LCR rectification and LM317 regulator
2. Larger 30VA transformer with same LCR rectification and LM317 regulator
1. Salas Shunt regulator.
During the process I went from B1 Mesmorize to Pass B1.
If you read through the B1 HOTROD threads, some guys reckon they can hear the difference between the Salas reg at 100mA and MEGA milliamps. Personally, it was designed to run with a wall brick and there is little sonic gain to be gained from anything other that an LM317 regulated supply.
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I found what I am looking for. I can just use a linear regulated power supply, then down the road when I have a better phono stage and better dac that warrant having an external power supply, I will get one of those multi out scientific power supplies with the digital voltage control and for each out put.
I am not that advanced to do that kinda stuff, baby steps.
This is going to sound like an echo in the room, but -
1) Yes.
2) You can have one knob, but you need a 'dual potentiometer' I.E., one shaft but for both channels.
3) Depends - if you have a switch in the PSU, then you could turn it off. Up to you.
4) The circuit was designed to work with a cheap 'wall wart' supply, so effectively anything will work as long as it's the proper voltage.
5)The LED show's that it's on. It's also really dim. Change or omit as you like.
6) Really good! I built a Hagerman Bugle 2 phonostage kit, it sounds fantastic!
For what it's worth, have a look at this thread, there is a lot of good info on building a B1 - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/181552-b1-preamp-build-thread.html
1) Yes.
2) You can have one knob, but you need a 'dual potentiometer' I.E., one shaft but for both channels.
3) Depends - if you have a switch in the PSU, then you could turn it off. Up to you.
4) The circuit was designed to work with a cheap 'wall wart' supply, so effectively anything will work as long as it's the proper voltage.
5)The LED show's that it's on. It's also really dim. Change or omit as you like.
6) Really good! I built a Hagerman Bugle 2 phonostage kit, it sounds fantastic!
For what it's worth, have a look at this thread, there is a lot of good info on building a B1 - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/181552-b1-preamp-build-thread.html
I'm a fan of Thievery Corp, as well...
....but I never heard of Salmon Tacos--are they an alternative rock group, from the Northwest? 😀
They must be very alternative / underground, all their google promotional websites seem to be websites with recipes and the like... very tongue in cheek advertising!
I believe "at Trink's" is their live album.
I believe "at Trink's" is their live album.
6L6......re your "at Trinks" comment..... well done--pretty funny!
Speaking of Thievery Corp....they are playing at Aspen this weekend. Have you ever flown into Aspen–Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field)? One of the hairiest approaches I've ever done in an Air Force C-21.... the "valley" closes in fast, as you head east towards Independence Pass(!)
I now return this hi-jacked thread to it's original intent..... sorry.........
Speaking of Thievery Corp....they are playing at Aspen this weekend. Have you ever flown into Aspen–Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field)? One of the hairiest approaches I've ever done in an Air Force C-21.... the "valley" closes in fast, as you head east towards Independence Pass(!)
I now return this hi-jacked thread to it's original intent..... sorry.........
Yes I have... and of course the first time I did it was in the weather, single-pilot in a Metro. It's not particularly fun in a Lear either, 150kt Vapp is just too damn fast when headed towards mountains and you can't see them.
That said, in clear weather it is stunningly beautiful. Another fantastically fun airport (in good weather) is Truckee, California.
I'm off to Bristol, Tenessee today. Back tonight after the race. So I won't have time to go to Aspen today for the concert. (It's only a ~3hr drive...)
That said, in clear weather it is stunningly beautiful. Another fantastically fun airport (in good weather) is Truckee, California.
I'm off to Bristol, Tenessee today. Back tonight after the race. So I won't have time to go to Aspen today for the concert. (It's only a ~3hr drive...)
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