The output of many laptops do not have enough gain or voltage unless you went out of your way to install an aftermarket sound card of the higher end models . Has for smart phones they deafly do not have enough gain , can you one smart phone comes close to having enough gain and that is the LG V30 but even that’s not enough but it’s a huge difference if you really want to hear what your amp camp can do you need a good preamp
Thanks for the response. I'd like a pre amp in a small box and I don't want to spent to much. Could a dac/headphone amp with variable line out be an option? For example Audioengine D1 or Teac ud-301. How do I recognize enough gain?
I think that something that can output 4vRms is a good place to start. Maybe the 3v from the mojo are just enough, but since they do not survive the reboot, then it may not be as useful.
I just installed some Schitt Magni and Modi, and they make for more than enough gain in the high gain mode (for my 88db 8ohm speakers) and maybe enough on the low gain option, but volume is near the 4 o clock mark for me.
Again, around 6db to 10db extra of gain will probably ensure the broadest compatibility. That is just my experience and humble opinion.
Best regards,
Rafa.
I just installed some Schitt Magni and Modi, and they make for more than enough gain in the high gain mode (for my 88db 8ohm speakers) and maybe enough on the low gain option, but volume is near the 4 o clock mark for me.
Again, around 6db to 10db extra of gain will probably ensure the broadest compatibility. That is just my experience and humble opinion.
Best regards,
Rafa.
Looking at dac/headphone amps the specs you mention aren't always given. But your info is helpfull. Thanks!
I agree. Sometimes you get output voltage, sometimes you get gain in dBs, sometimes nothing. Sometimes you can manage to assume those values. It's not as straightforward as one would hope.
I think this is in part a general lack of knowledge, but also an intentional move on the companies to force you to buy within their entire environment instead of mixing and matching equipment.
Those that belong to the second group are a disgrace, IMHO.
I think this is in part a general lack of knowledge, but also an intentional move on the companies to force you to buy within their entire environment instead of mixing and matching equipment.
Those that belong to the second group are a disgrace, IMHO.
XLR preamp question alternative
XLR preamp question alternative
I want to build the balance to BA 1 for my ACA but I don’t have the time right now and I was wondering I found this on eBay would this work it appears to have a volume attenuator to my lack of knowledge of preamps an external volume control therefore I am seeking advice with somebody with a little more experience . It’s available in 10 K impedance or 100K impedance you get a choice when ordering . And because it’s somewhat cheap I could take it apart replaced parts experiment and maybe learn a little something about preamps before I build that be one balanced.
XLR preamp question alternative
I want to build the balance to BA 1 for my ACA but I don’t have the time right now and I was wondering I found this on eBay would this work it appears to have a volume attenuator to my lack of knowledge of preamps an external volume control therefore I am seeking advice with somebody with a little more experience . It’s available in 10 K impedance or 100K impedance you get a choice when ordering . And because it’s somewhat cheap I could take it apart replaced parts experiment and maybe learn a little something about preamps before I build that be one balanced.
Attachments
I am pondering using a Sure TPA3110 board in a similar experiment.
Look forward to hearing your results.
Special Request
Hi, new to diyAudio but not to diy audio. Jason at diyAudio store suggested I post over here.
Since I ordered a pair of the 1.6 kits in the first round and received them, a long time tremor in both of my hands has gotten worse. I can no longer solder accurately.
I live in the Boston area and wonder if there's someone who has already built this kit successfully who would be willing to build my pair up into balanced monoblocks? Local would be ideal but I would ship both ways and pay for your labor.
thanks,
Mark H
Hi, new to diyAudio but not to diy audio. Jason at diyAudio store suggested I post over here.
Since I ordered a pair of the 1.6 kits in the first round and received them, a long time tremor in both of my hands has gotten worse. I can no longer solder accurately.
I live in the Boston area and wonder if there's someone who has already built this kit successfully who would be willing to build my pair up into balanced monoblocks? Local would be ideal but I would ship both ways and pay for your labor.
thanks,
Mark H
Buzz on both channels
My ACA1.6 has developed a buzz (more a buzz than a hum) in both channels. It’s equal on both sides and persists using two different preamps. It is present on all inputs, regardless of whether there is anything plugged in to the inputs on the preamps. It becomes audible at about 12 o’clock on both preamps’ volume knobs. Input signal is from a Music Hall 25.3 DAC off a Mac via optical.
This is my second issue to develop after initially being fine. The first was a dead channel that was fixed by reflowing soldered PCB connections. I’m a novice so won’t be surprised if it’s my error, but not sure where to start. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Jim
My ACA1.6 has developed a buzz (more a buzz than a hum) in both channels. It’s equal on both sides and persists using two different preamps. It is present on all inputs, regardless of whether there is anything plugged in to the inputs on the preamps. It becomes audible at about 12 o’clock on both preamps’ volume knobs. Input signal is from a Music Hall 25.3 DAC off a Mac via optical.
This is my second issue to develop after initially being fine. The first was a dead channel that was fixed by reflowing soldered PCB connections. I’m a novice so won’t be surprised if it’s my error, but not sure where to start. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Jim
Very sorry to hear this! I hope you find someone to help you with them.
Best regards,
Rafa.
Jim,
do you get the 'buzz' if you remove the inputs from the ACA?
Can you feed a signal directly to the ACA without going through a pre-amp? And does that buzz?
I guess it was all working correctly, have you made any changes co-incident with the buzz starting? Like adding a mains network extender near by etc.
Alan
Received the Sure 2 x 150mW. It adds volume but not massively. Between my phone and ACA in low gain setting it's adds about 3 volume steps compared to using my phone buttons. In high gain setting it adds another 3 steps. I had expected more. I was afraid of much more. In my setting it adds enough. Going to built it inside the ACA using the 24V ACA DC.
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Another option may be to be to wait and see if some ACA's come up for sale.
Not rare to see guys who have built ACA's get the bug for more, build a larger, more advanced Firstwatt clone, then put their ACA's up for sale.
Just may be in that position myself in a month or two, planning an Aleph J build now....
So keep me in mind if the year passes and you are still ACA-less; shoot me a PM and see where I'm at.
Thanks for the suggestion Mazeppa and bumping my request. Maybe I should just sell my kits and buy something better. No one in New England willing to build?
thanks,
Mark H
Didn't notice before that the Sure board appears to input from a headphone out.
Headphone output from phones or computers are notorious for poor sound quality and are lower voltage (hence less SP level) than audio standard. What is the output voltage of the Sure board?
My guess is higher than what it is receiving.
Mojo input from USB (potentially better SQ than speaker/earbud out) coupled with a voltage boost may account for the overall improvement you noted.
I'm still trying to get a better grip on this whole voltage/current/power gain relationship to amplifier topology thing.
I need to take some time and spend it on studying that whole gig.
Bottom line is, you found a way to make your front end better.
There's a win.