Can anyone recommend me a cheap DIY hybrid headphone amp? Preferably one that uses 12A_7 tubes since my preamp uses 12AX7 tubes thus making me easier and cheaper to tube roll.
I have built a DIY Audio Projects Forum • NP-100v12 - 12AU7 / IRF510 HeadAmp Support Thread and are looking for an upgrade. If it helps, my budget will be around $100. Thanks!
I have built a DIY Audio Projects Forum • NP-100v12 - 12AU7 / IRF510 HeadAmp Support Thread and are looking for an upgrade. If it helps, my budget will be around $100. Thanks!
> nothing wrong with what you have already.
But there are, IMHO :
better output devices than IRF510
better current source than LM317
better circuits without output coupling caps, better PSRR, and more headroom for 600R phones.
The Borbely posted above is quite the opposite to the NP-100v12.
It has LTP input, has NFB, needs dual rail supplies, but is DC coupled.
So depends on your personal choice.
Patrick
But there are, IMHO :
better output devices than IRF510
better current source than LM317
better circuits without output coupling caps, better PSRR, and more headroom for 600R phones.
The Borbely posted above is quite the opposite to the NP-100v12.
It has LTP input, has NFB, needs dual rail supplies, but is DC coupled.
So depends on your personal choice.
Patrick
I am scratching my head on my project. I have tried 5 SMPS and all gave me hum, thus I kinda want to give up on this amp. As a last resort I am currently waiting on a LM317 stepdown converter and a dc power filter to eliminate the hum. Any thoughts on what else that could help?
How will the sound differ? What are the pros and cons of using an output coupling cap?
There's always the old Caveli SOHA
From years back on the long-gone HeadWize site. Not fancy, uses a 12AU7 at low voltages for gain and an opamp to power the 'phones. 12AU7s and various equivalents can be rolled for desired sonic effect. Only one cap in the signal path and it can be rolled too. I build 3 or 4 for friends years ago and they were all quiet. Parts list shows fancy PS diodes but 1N variety or inexpensive bridges will work as well.
Should fit your budget.
S.
From years back on the long-gone HeadWize site. Not fancy, uses a 12AU7 at low voltages for gain and an opamp to power the 'phones. 12AU7s and various equivalents can be rolled for desired sonic effect. Only one cap in the signal path and it can be rolled too. I build 3 or 4 for friends years ago and they were all quiet. Parts list shows fancy PS diodes but 1N variety or inexpensive bridges will work as well.
Should fit your budget.
S.
Attachments
> How will the sound differ?
That I cannot tell you.
I am all solid states and always direct coupled.
And more often than not fully balanced.
Cheers,
Patrick
That I cannot tell you.
I am all solid states and always direct coupled.
And more often than not fully balanced.
Cheers,
Patrick
I saw a lot of build using the ALPS RK27, does the sound quality suffer if i only use an ALPS RK09?
If you are making a basic build and watching your budget probably not worth the extra. If you are going to glam it up a bit with better coupling caps and an NOS tube perhaps, maybe go with the more expensive pot. Your choice. Don't go with a cheap carbon pot though. They have notoriously poor tracking, especially at the low volume end.
S.
S.
Does the NP-100v12 worth putting in NOS tubes? Also, how much does this amp output and can I use it as a preamplifier for speakers?
I've not built a NP-100v12. Few headphone amps can drive speakers without the signal first being sent through a power amp. Was that what you were asking?
NOS tubes? Some of the more obscure ones like a 5963 can often sub for a 12AU7 and depending on the circuit sound decent and they usually don't cost a lot. The SOHA is quite amenable to tube rolling. It's gentle with tubes so if you get one you like it should last a long time.
S.
NOS tubes? Some of the more obscure ones like a 5963 can often sub for a 12AU7 and depending on the circuit sound decent and they usually don't cost a lot. The SOHA is quite amenable to tube rolling. It's gentle with tubes so if you get one you like it should last a long time.
S.
Yes, I wonder if this headphone amp could become a preamp. I have a power amp so if this headphone amp can also become a preamp it would be a nice addition to have.
Generally speaking, a line stage needs to deliver voltage more so than current. A headphone amp it's more the reverse. But may hp amps can also double as line stages. Line stages, especially all-tube ones, don't usually make good hp amps.
S.
S.