Hi, I'm fairly new to diy but would like to build a solid state preamp that can compete with $1000,$1500 to $2000. I would really like to have bass and treble knobs, all my other preamps do not have bass/treble so this is new to me. In its use it will be used more for casual listening. Connected to ICE amps, so not sure if I may need a buffer between pre and amp to match input/output impedance or will the diy pre be able to match the amp. I'm having hard time finding out input impedance of ice amps but I did hear maybe 45 ohms if memory serves me correct. Thanks for any suggestions for a nice full bodied detailed pre, it would be very appreciated.
So I did exactly what you are asking for. You can build a SS pre and finish with a enclosure that has a finished front panel and back panel. It will look like something worth thousands and in my opinion is state of the art especially the tone controls. Search for this in the forum.
Doug self preamp from linear audio #5
There are boards and faceplate designs everything you need. I can send pics of mine if needed.
Doug self preamp from linear audio #5
There are boards and faceplate designs everything you need. I can send pics of mine if needed.
BTW. I am waiting on ice amp now from group buy. Found a finished enclosure with all the input output connectors and all that is needed to finish it out. Ghent audio has the enclosures.
Freecrowder, thanks for reply, pictures would be great, do you have any with top cover off? Could you tell me the cost of preamp without the cost of the case, just boards and parts. What do you think of how it sounds? Thanks again
Will try to get you some pics soon. I have been using tube preamps for years and think that this design sounds just as good not exactly the same but very good. The tone controls a a SOTA design. The whole preamp is a very low noise design. I think the boards and parts are around 150 under 200 if I remember correctly. Have you gone to the thread on this? The write up in the linear audio explains all the circuit design and novel tone controls.
I did read up briefly, skimmed over 10 or so pages will read in depth more this week. Can you tell which tube preamps you felt Doug Self was its equal to, thank you
I'm using a Aikido pre that I built. No tone controls though. Have you seen the Aikido stuff from Glass Tube Audio. Buy kits for purchase.
I like the Doug Self preamp design also. The tone controls work and sound great. A good remote control is all it's missing. I don't have any tube preamps to compare it to though.
How did your build go? I'm helping a buddy with a phono-stage from them. It looks well designed but the instructions are a bit sketchy! Tetra Sans PS Phono Preamp
Basically the Baxandall design, as adopted by Doug Self, is a winner for a simple treble+bass equalization - a 70 year old design that's proven its worth.