My soldering iron hasn't been hot for a while, and I have gotten the itch to build another amp! This time I would like to make a solid state one, the previous amps have been SET's. The First Watt collection seems like a logical place to start. Alas, I'm hopelessly confused about the different models, the fact being that I can put an amp together but I haven't educated myself that much on circuit design.
The amp would be driving a pair of FHXL's with Alpair 10.3's. Input signal is coming from a passive preamp, from both analog and digital sources.
I'm currently using an Elekit TU-8200, and it is very good. I'm not really trying to fix anything with it, because there is no problem. I would just like to see how the system would sound with a great solid state amp. Giving myself another project would be another great benefit as well. 🙂
Could you point me in the direction of a First Watt model that would suit my use case? Preferably one with a PCB available from the store?
Cheers,
Tomi
The amp would be driving a pair of FHXL's with Alpair 10.3's. Input signal is coming from a passive preamp, from both analog and digital sources.
I'm currently using an Elekit TU-8200, and it is very good. I'm not really trying to fix anything with it, because there is no problem. I would just like to see how the system would sound with a great solid state amp. Giving myself another project would be another great benefit as well. 🙂
Could you point me in the direction of a First Watt model that would suit my use case? Preferably one with a PCB available from the store?
Cheers,
Tomi
What Mr Kane suggests.
Budget, skill?
I have only a few, ACA, ACA mini, SIT-3. Even the budget models are really quite decent. The best is stellar.
dave
Budget, skill?
I have only a few, ACA, ACA mini, SIT-3. Even the budget models are really quite decent. The best is stellar.
dave
You really can’t go wrong with any of M2, F5, F6, Aleph J. They do have subtle differences that are dependent on the rest of the system (speakers mostly), but all have a N. Pass signature. Build one, then build another 😉
Thanks everyone for your replies!
In terms of budget, I'm mentally prepared for a budget of 600-800€, based on what I can see the components/chassis cost. If I'm completely off the map, remains to be seen I suppose, as I haven't really checked the prices for any of the models component by component.
When it comes to skill level, the best way I can describe is this: I can solder quite OK. I can't draw schematics and my ability to read them is limited. I'm restricting myself to projects for which there are PCB's available and at least some sort of a build guide. With those I should be fine unless there is extensive SMD soldering involved. The Elekit amp I built works fine, same goes for the speakers, the modified Lenco turntable and the turntable speed controller (Nigel's speed controller from LencoHeaven).
M2, F5, F6 and Aleph J were the models I have read most about. 🙂 I was hoping that I could get some guidance on which would suit the full range speakers best. Large differences in cost and/or required skill level naturally interest me as well. What I have gathered from my reading is that all of them are excellent amps in their own right.
In terms of budget, I'm mentally prepared for a budget of 600-800€, based on what I can see the components/chassis cost. If I'm completely off the map, remains to be seen I suppose, as I haven't really checked the prices for any of the models component by component.
When it comes to skill level, the best way I can describe is this: I can solder quite OK. I can't draw schematics and my ability to read them is limited. I'm restricting myself to projects for which there are PCB's available and at least some sort of a build guide. With those I should be fine unless there is extensive SMD soldering involved. The Elekit amp I built works fine, same goes for the speakers, the modified Lenco turntable and the turntable speed controller (Nigel's speed controller from LencoHeaven).
M2, F5, F6 and Aleph J were the models I have read most about. 🙂 I was hoping that I could get some guidance on which would suit the full range speakers best. Large differences in cost and/or required skill level naturally interest me as well. What I have gathered from my reading is that all of them are excellent amps in their own right.
With your current setup, do you need to crank your volume control wide open on your passive preamp?
I'm asking because the FW designs tend to have low voltage gain (and almost certainly lower than your elekit). If you already need the volume wide open for listening then a FW will likely not be loud enough for satisfactory listening, unless you add some gain to your preamp.
Edit: Your budget is fine for any of the standard FW builds.
I'm asking because the FW designs tend to have low voltage gain (and almost certainly lower than your elekit). If you already need the volume wide open for listening then a FW will likely not be loud enough for satisfactory listening, unless you add some gain to your preamp.
Edit: Your budget is fine for any of the standard FW builds.
The Elekit provides 8 WPC, and with the volume wide open the limit of comfortable listening on the Elekit volume pot is around 12-2 o'clock. I usually set the Elekit pot in the middle, so 12 o'clock. Occasionally, but somewhat rarely, I will crank the volume on the preamp all the way to max.
Aleph J. It is worth the wait for the boards to be in stock again. Has plenty of gain to work well with your preamp. Likely the best compatibility with the sound you are already accustomed to. Smooth, easy listening with greater detail and dynamics than lower power tube amps.
Elekit TU-8200 is an integrated amp, and can't be used as a preamp only, at least not that I can see?
jeff
jeff
The F6 is a nice detailed amp. If you're looking for something a little different than your Elekit TU8200, then that would probably be it. Simple to build, the boards, parts kit and the JFETs are all in the store. The bass is pretty strong as well on that amp.
I tend to like amps that are different one from the other. The F6 is a favorite amongst a lot of users here.
I tend to like amps that are different one from the other. The F6 is a favorite amongst a lot of users here.
M2 is Masterpiece
every other FW, in comparison, even if extraordinary by itself..... is just a Piece
I have seen a document with almost all Pass Diy amps posted in several threads, but i cant find it now 😄
With wattage 4/8 ohms, SE, PP, and so on. Where is it??? 🤗
With wattage 4/8 ohms, SE, PP, and so on. Where is it??? 🤗
It does make sense to go for something with a different character to what I'm used to. Thanks for the input! Thank you also to @Nelson Pass and @TungstenAudio for chiming in.
I see a pattern here. 😀M2 is Masterpiece
every other FW, in comparison, even if extraordinary by itself..... is just a Piece