Hi guys, sorry, may be question already done: is there somewhere a BOM for the SE version?
Thank you.
Thank you.
@Skylar88 Like Dennis I am not great at writing about sonic descriptions.
I didn't know what to expect, my default preamp is actually designed as a dedicated headphone amplifier (SE) - it is a hybrid design with a tube ( SRPP like - really a grounded grid ) capacitor coupled to a mosfet current buffer - it is a beautiful piece of gear and I have been very happy with it. What I like most is the bass definition and authority as well as the level of detail retrieval. The sound is definitely coloured by the tube but it is not tubey - I think of it as a DHT-like sound without the crazy money of DHT. Now this means nothing as you will not have heard this to reference what it is I was coming from BUT what is relevant is that I did not experience any loss of those elements and ( perhaps new toy effect ) thought that there was a bit more all round - background seems "blacker" with more noticeable attributes of what I liked about my previous preamp = more definition around bass with good authority, no loss of micro or macrodetails, voices project into 3D space. A very enjoyable sound and retains that natural / organic aspect of music / instruments which keeps me listening.
I can compare to the B1 tube preamp = this to me had a very "warm" signature and overall it was too much honey for me.
My favourite feature with the Iron-Pre is no start or stop thump = completely silent ( not the case with my tubed pre which although has a relay to cut it, lets enough through for a lively thump )
Do I think it is worth building - yes, it is a keeper for me.
..dB
EDIT - added a picture of its new home
I didn't know what to expect, my default preamp is actually designed as a dedicated headphone amplifier (SE) - it is a hybrid design with a tube ( SRPP like - really a grounded grid ) capacitor coupled to a mosfet current buffer - it is a beautiful piece of gear and I have been very happy with it. What I like most is the bass definition and authority as well as the level of detail retrieval. The sound is definitely coloured by the tube but it is not tubey - I think of it as a DHT-like sound without the crazy money of DHT. Now this means nothing as you will not have heard this to reference what it is I was coming from BUT what is relevant is that I did not experience any loss of those elements and ( perhaps new toy effect ) thought that there was a bit more all round - background seems "blacker" with more noticeable attributes of what I liked about my previous preamp = more definition around bass with good authority, no loss of micro or macrodetails, voices project into 3D space. A very enjoyable sound and retains that natural / organic aspect of music / instruments which keeps me listening.
I can compare to the B1 tube preamp = this to me had a very "warm" signature and overall it was too much honey for me.
My favourite feature with the Iron-Pre is no start or stop thump = completely silent ( not the case with my tubed pre which although has a relay to cut it, lets enough through for a lively thump )
Do I think it is worth building - yes, it is a keeper for me.
..dB
EDIT - added a picture of its new home
Wow shipped already! Is there a list of parts needed for both the single ended and the balance version anywhere? Any update on the custom chassis?
Thank you @dBel84
I appreciate that you've described your experience with the Iron Pre SE. I agree that too much honey doesn't make the sound more enjoyable. I'm also building the SE version and I'm looking forward to start building once the kit arrives.
I'll also be adding a remote volume control (with balance) that I've developed and built over the last few months. The remote control will make this project even more special for me.
I appreciate that you've described your experience with the Iron Pre SE. I agree that too much honey doesn't make the sound more enjoyable. I'm also building the SE version and I'm looking forward to start building once the kit arrives.
I'll also be adding a remote volume control (with balance) that I've developed and built over the last few months. The remote control will make this project even more special for me.
@Skylar88
Just as another reference.
I didn’t even make it to building the “official” Iron Pre.
Back in 2019 I came across the KISS thread.
I was struggling with my Hypnotize DCB1 based preamp in my system as I had switched to an MC cartridge in my front end and was in need of some gain.
Mighty ZM was nice enough to help me implement some Jensen transformers at the outputs and “transform” the preamp into an Iron-Hypo.
Needless to say, it worked beautifully.
So much so that I ended up ordering a full Iron Pumpkin SE kit with Turtle AVC.
Thing is, I was so happy with the Iron-Hypo that I haven’t been compelled to build the new preamp until just recently.
I got distracted by amp and speaker building.
When I finished some new amps for another system I have recently, I discovered that the old tube preamp I’m using doesn’t work well with them.
I will temporarily switch the Iron-Hypo over to that system once I finish my new speakers so I can use the amps the way I want to…then it’s finally time to build the Iron Pumpkin SE/Turtle I think.
I ordered the balanced Iron Pre simply because the amps I built and am planning to build next have the ability to run balanced…and I have a DAC that can as well…and I’d like to try it.
Problem is, I doubt I will be able to go back from Turtle AVC.
Sooooo….maybe ZM gets email soon about bigger balanced critter possibility.
Just as another reference.
I didn’t even make it to building the “official” Iron Pre.
Back in 2019 I came across the KISS thread.
I was struggling with my Hypnotize DCB1 based preamp in my system as I had switched to an MC cartridge in my front end and was in need of some gain.
Mighty ZM was nice enough to help me implement some Jensen transformers at the outputs and “transform” the preamp into an Iron-Hypo.
Needless to say, it worked beautifully.
So much so that I ended up ordering a full Iron Pumpkin SE kit with Turtle AVC.
Thing is, I was so happy with the Iron-Hypo that I haven’t been compelled to build the new preamp until just recently.
I got distracted by amp and speaker building.
When I finished some new amps for another system I have recently, I discovered that the old tube preamp I’m using doesn’t work well with them.
I will temporarily switch the Iron-Hypo over to that system once I finish my new speakers so I can use the amps the way I want to…then it’s finally time to build the Iron Pumpkin SE/Turtle I think.
I ordered the balanced Iron Pre simply because the amps I built and am planning to build next have the ability to run balanced…and I have a DAC that can as well…and I’d like to try it.
Problem is, I doubt I will be able to go back from Turtle AVC.
Sooooo….maybe ZM gets email soon about bigger balanced critter possibility.
Attachments
LOL…that was right after I got my new bench top mill. I got a bit carried away!
I like shiny, pretty things (chromenuts) and this hobby is a creative outlet for me.
I like shiny, pretty things (chromenuts) and this hobby is a creative outlet for me.
Thanks for the nice story @chromenuts. That's a very neat build. What pots are you using there? They look very small. Cermet?
They are some mini NOS Clarostat pots I got from some guy who had a studio he was closing down.
He used them on his consoles and said they were very good quality.
I got a bag of a 100 for next to nothing.
He used them on his consoles and said they were very good quality.
I got a bag of a 100 for next to nothing.
Lucky fish. Btw, I'm intrigued by the thin wires, which I assume is silver.
Would anyone know if it's acceptable or even advisable to use thin copper (magnet wire)? I have plenty of that down to 0.2mm dia. which I use for motor winding.
Hi guys, just for clarification, this is what's written on the purchase page of the Iron pre on the Diyaudiostore about these components
Is this right or am I not understanding?
Gaetano.
Is this right or am I not understanding?
Gaetano.
(1) If you like the B1, try the B1K.
(2) That's the "storage" position for the Maggies, right? I keep mine that way when not being used, but pull them out four feet out into the room when playing music.
(3) I've tried the tweeters in ( as you have ) and out. Eventually I found out that the imaging is more stable ( no "head in a vice" ) with the tweeters to the outside.
(4) You wireless access point... you might want to stash it like 20 feet away from your stereo... just saying.
(5) Nice cabinet... I like the sheep.
(6) I'm still by the caboose... the front of the train has long left the station but we still can't see the station ahead. No more balanced Iron... I guess I'll have to wait for the store to get more sets.
Is that remote volume control documented in a separate thread? Would be very interesting to see how its done and to incorporate in my Iron pre as well.
thanks
Great catch! Typo on my part.
It should be -
- IRF9510 – (1X / 2X) .... This is for M1
- IRF510 – (2X / 4X) ... These are for M2 and M3
SE Kits will have one bag of transistors, and the Balanced kits will have 2 bags of transistors.
Thanks for posting that! I'll get it corrected on the web page to minimize small heart attacks (like the one I just had). 🙂
(6) To those Foamers that watch the Engines and not interested by the Caboose Elena sent personal tracking info. Pics when delivered if not beaten by a more worthy owner of Iron.
@Holzarbeiter
Sure sure... you folks up in first class up front have all the fun.... Sitting pretty in the station with your fancy Iron. Wait till the caboose gets into the station and you rich folks want us to unload your fancy luggage. 😈
Sure sure... you folks up in first class up front have all the fun.... Sitting pretty in the station with your fancy Iron. Wait till the caboose gets into the station and you rich folks want us to unload your fancy luggage. 😈