Have a great dayIt's rainy today. I have decided to convert my original Zen'94 (not used nowadays) into Aca (I have cobbled Aca 1 or 2 years ago just for fun). I figured out that I am more likely to use Aca sometimes. I normally use Mini Aleph, but I listen mainly in the evenings, so Aca would provide adequate power.
The amps are build as monoblocks. The switch at the back was to select bias. Zen was great running hot. Zen psu has been always in the experimental phase. Each Aca monoblock is powered by a Dell 19 or 20v 3a laptop psu. The first series of pictures are Zen being taken apart. I will post aca in the next post.
The amps are build as monoblocks. The switch at the back was to select bias. Zen was great running hot. Zen psu has been always in the experimental phase. Each Aca monoblock is powered by a Dell 19 or 20v 3a laptop psu. The first series of pictures are Zen being taken apart. I will post aca in the next post.
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Thanks dewdrop. I am listening to Aca a now. The funny thing is is that Aca is like my mini Aleph. Just a tad less authority, maybe ( not sure) less space. Certainly less power, but that's no prob with efficient speakers. Probably will try higher bias and 24v psu. But I am not in a hurry.
Oh, yes the pcb. When I have the urge to build something I etch by hand with a dremel tool ;-)
I really like the way you made the amp cases...looks like I might be able to make some wooden ones too...rather than buying a premade case, and save some money too!
These were originally for Zen v.1. I could make scrambled eggs on them. Now they are indeed for aesthetics. They are just slightly warm. But I can now increase the bias and voltage at the same time ;-)
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Just finished up a 3-channel ACA last week. This and my recent MoFo were both built as an "open" chassis using some Walnut hardwood and sinks that I found at the local flea market. Construction cost for each was very low and they both use a 240w Dell power brick that I purchased from someone here.
This ACA and my M2 amps are used for the sound system in the family room. The three channel ACA handles the center and surround speakers. The M2 drives my FHXL left and right speakers.
This ACA and my M2 amps are used for the sound system in the family room. The three channel ACA handles the center and surround speakers. The M2 drives my FHXL left and right speakers.
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Beautiful!
Hello Eric,
this is beautiful work. You can see the 'technic' and combined with natural
materials. Very different.
Have a relaxed and peaceful christmas!
Dirk
Hello Eric,
this is beautiful work. You can see the 'technic' and combined with natural
materials. Very different.
Have a relaxed and peaceful christmas!
Dirk
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
Thanks for the compliments! The amp is built with v1.6 boards and is powered by a 19.5v Dell power brick. I omitted R15, so the amps conform to the 2012 schematic. I wasn't sure how hot things would get with three boards on the same sink. The transistors are mounted on AlOx insulators and overall I'm getting an 18c rise over ambient. The sink is mounted on a 1" tall wooden U-shaped riser to allow some air flow under the sink for better cooling.
