I first asked Nelson about designing a SE using 2SJ28 in 2016.
Sony VFET Amplifier Part 2
Now it appears almost 4 years later and my chances of getting a kit are practically nil. I am happy there is so much interest in this build though. I have been looking for it everyday since first asking Nelson for a schematic in August 2016. I still have a pair of 2SJ28's so maybe if I wait some more some boards will be readily available for people like me. There is also a chance some member will have some made. It goes without saying that I am disappointed for little or no chance of obtaining a kit but such is life.
Sony VFET Amplifier Part 2
Now it appears almost 4 years later and my chances of getting a kit are practically nil. I am happy there is so much interest in this build though. I have been looking for it everyday since first asking Nelson for a schematic in August 2016. I still have a pair of 2SJ28's so maybe if I wait some more some boards will be readily available for people like me. There is also a chance some member will have some made. It goes without saying that I am disappointed for little or no chance of obtaining a kit but such is life.
I may be reading this wrong, but don't despair, this is the email I got regarding this offer.
"Parts kit (including VFETs!) $259. Chassis $259, or Complete kit $499
Prices exclude shipping; chassis ships from Italy; parts ship from the USA.
There's expected to be more demand than there are units available, so we're running a lottery to keep things fair. To enter the lottery just make a post in the lottery entry thread at 8PM UTC on April 7th (1PM PDT, 4PM EDT). The lottery thread will only be open for a 15 minute window, so you'll need to set your alarm clock. Where now?
Read and discuss in the DIY Sony VFET Part 1 Discussion Thread
Learn more about how to get one in the DIY Sony VFET Information Page on the diyAudio Store"
So, as I see it there is still a few days to go. Remember though there is another design coming out very soon that has been called "A new paradigm" it seems that this can use the tokin VFets or the Sony ones, I suspect it will also be higher power. Send me a PM if you need any more info.
🙂
"Parts kit (including VFETs!) $259. Chassis $259, or Complete kit $499
Prices exclude shipping; chassis ships from Italy; parts ship from the USA.
There's expected to be more demand than there are units available, so we're running a lottery to keep things fair. To enter the lottery just make a post in the lottery entry thread at 8PM UTC on April 7th (1PM PDT, 4PM EDT). The lottery thread will only be open for a 15 minute window, so you'll need to set your alarm clock. Where now?
Read and discuss in the DIY Sony VFET Part 1 Discussion Thread
Learn more about how to get one in the DIY Sony VFET Information Page on the diyAudio Store"
So, as I see it there is still a few days to go. Remember though there is another design coming out very soon that has been called "A new paradigm" it seems that this can use the tokin VFets or the Sony ones, I suspect it will also be higher power. Send me a PM if you need any more info.
🙂
I’m going to ask if the upcoming Sony VFET boards are the same ones we will use with the big Tokins? With modified values, of course. Or are there a separate set of PCBs coming out for these? I know there are several other designs in use currently.
I have some used 2sk180 in to-3 packages from pras. Can I use the vfet boards? Or should I wait for a different desing for the sk180s? I also have a couple of the big tokins to play with.
@ nr12:
Tokins are already there, and look nothing like the Tokin SITs offered by Mr. Watanabe or pras1170 (diy name). Please see posts #494 and #496.
Real items:
Roughly matched quad (4PCS) (with rough data)THF-51S (2SK77,2SK182) TOKIN SIT | eBay
Sell thf-51s 2SK182ES NEW NOS to-79 SIT v-fet, from Japan TOKIN
Tokins are already there, and look nothing like the Tokin SITs offered by Mr. Watanabe or pras1170 (diy name). Please see posts #494 and #496.
Real items:
Roughly matched quad (4PCS) (with rough data)THF-51S (2SK77,2SK182) TOKIN SIT | eBay
Sell thf-51s 2SK182ES NEW NOS to-79 SIT v-fet, from Japan TOKIN
Thank you very much, kind sir! I kind of assumed so, but, it was worth asking.
Since you have 2SJ28s you are all set. You will be able to buy boards and very likely some version of the chassis.
I have Tokin devices, which is yet another project with boards coming, therefore, I’m not going to lotto and let others get the Sony kits.
Trust me dude, you are going to get everything you need for your build.
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Standard TO-3 lead space is about 11mm, and the Tokin version is 19mm
if I am not mistaken, so it's a bit larger.
There are no Tokin TO-3, only the 2SK180 that resembles TO-3, in their unique package.... the original 'hockey puck', not going to fit any board with 'TO-3'. Flying leads (connecting wires), if it could ever be used.
Has anyone heard the Tokins in a similar topology to the Sony VFETs? I'm curious if they have a different tone and still maintain that "magic" VFET characteristic like the Sony's.
I imagine they still have that triode-like quality. It'll be fun to hear impressions on all the new, upcoming kits. 🙂
I imagine they still have that triode-like quality. It'll be fun to hear impressions on all the new, upcoming kits. 🙂
Ben Mah & Zen Mod have Tokin VFET amps they built a while ago, my Singing Bush is in progress. I hope they will advise, they both have multiple measurements of the devices at different rail voltages.
It seems these amps will be around 10 - 15 watts per channel, so speakers will play a big role in the sound.
It seems these amps will be around 10 - 15 watts per channel, so speakers will play a big role in the sound.
There is also the "Sit 3x" by lhquam which uses source follower Tokin 2SK182ES SIT + IXYS IXTN40P50 PFET in the output stage in the 25-50 watt range. I'm working on putting the final touches on this one now.
Thanks, saved me the question! Got all the sonys and tokins needed, just need boards and any chassis parts that are unique to this build.
Russellc
