Hey guys,
A newbie to this whole world here, I would really appreciate guidance in choosing the right DIY integrated or power amp project, because I love technical projects and also crave good sound that wouldn't break my bank. Since this would be my first attempt, just something simpler and probably only for poweramping would be best.
I want something as energetic and kicky and revealing and Hi-Fi as possible. I love in your face type sound like B&W 700 series. And I also quite like Heresy IV and L100 classic type sound. But B&W 700 with the right amplification and perhaps added passive woofers for the very low end (I listen also to electronic music a lot) would in many ways be audio heaven for me. So some watts would be required. But in fact I think I could learn to enjoy just about anything that is highly praised by people here even if it's not exactly my cup of tea, because I'm sure I would discover new things in my music to enjoy. In other words, I just want something very Hi-Fi. I don't think people would regard something as extremely high value for money if it didn't have at least SOME kind of magic to it and I'm sure I could learn to recognize and enjoy it.
A newbie to this whole world here, I would really appreciate guidance in choosing the right DIY integrated or power amp project, because I love technical projects and also crave good sound that wouldn't break my bank. Since this would be my first attempt, just something simpler and probably only for poweramping would be best.
I want something as energetic and kicky and revealing and Hi-Fi as possible. I love in your face type sound like B&W 700 series. And I also quite like Heresy IV and L100 classic type sound. But B&W 700 with the right amplification and perhaps added passive woofers for the very low end (I listen also to electronic music a lot) would in many ways be audio heaven for me. So some watts would be required. But in fact I think I could learn to enjoy just about anything that is highly praised by people here even if it's not exactly my cup of tea, because I'm sure I would discover new things in my music to enjoy. In other words, I just want something very Hi-Fi. I don't think people would regard something as extremely high value for money if it didn't have at least SOME kind of magic to it and I'm sure I could learn to recognize and enjoy it.
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High power (something past 50-100 W) class AB amps will get expensive, mainly because of required transformers and heat sinks.
Also it's not very advisable as a first project, because any error can get expensive and dangerous.
My personal opinion:
Also it's not very advisable as a first project, because any error can get expensive and dangerous.
My personal opinion:
- you probably don't need that much power
- you could start with a smaller 50 W (latefet or bjt) amp
- if you need high power you could use a class D board and a switching supply and build the chassis.
Well, lucky for me, I already have a transformer (don't know the exact spec, but it seems to be 72V based on the diagram - the amp was 150W continuous into 8 Ohm with 1kW peak output i to lower Ohm load) and heatsinks and chassis. As for the danger - no risk no reward, brother. Willing to take chances and will be as meticulous as I can be. I'm thinking of getting 8 (4 K1058 and 4 J162) Renesas MOSFETs from @jakinnj. I would be willing to go even with 16 of them if my power supply is adequate. I would be most happy if it was an actual upgrade rather than just a sidegrade or a downgrade from my 3026A Tandberg. And I realize it's not about the power, but I always had power... and as I've mentioned big passive woofers in separate cabinets might come in somewhere down the line as well. I'm open to everything actually, so thanks for all suggestions.
Here's a pic of one heatsink and the power supply:
Here's a pic of one heatsink and the power supply:
Attachments
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I have no reason to, but I kind of doubt I would be satisfied with that. How about something like a pass labs clone? Something more legendary 😛 or highly regarded? And the scavenging of the mosfets is not a bad idea, but I trust the member of this forum who's selling them to provide me with quality goods more than random people with old gear.
Are you very sure about those connections of D3, C12 and R26? That looks very strange to me.
Ok, so I did some reading and it seems like Pass Labs F5 turbo is the closest to what I'm looking for. As well as Boseman's lateral and other Nelson's designs. The last 5 years requirement was kind of irrelevant I guess, since there hasn't really been anything groundbreaking or revolutionary in the scene. As for power, TBH I rarely listen loudly (60dB usually) nor would it be very healthy for my 2-way speakers. Quality is what matters although visceral tight energetic bass never goes unappreciated.
So I guess the question now is if any of them would be compatible with my power supply (and caps) and which one could potentially sound the closest to what I'm seeking without actually being able to listen to any of them. Any advice or opinions or impressions are very welcome. Is it true that pretty much all of them can be built for as little as 400-500 euros? If so, I'm stoked. And I already have the chassis and heat sinks.
Then I just choose the one I want, find it's appropriate thread on this forum, read and learn as much as possible, then buy components and make it, right? If I want I can make a second one later down the line for bi amping or whatever the next audio itch happenes to be.
Which one of Nelson's designs have the lowest noise floor? Or are they all pretty low? Asking cause planar magnetic headphones would likely be used as well. And if any one of them works with my power supply, well the ones from Nelson I mean, that would be much favored among the other choices.
So I guess the question now is if any of them would be compatible with my power supply (and caps) and which one could potentially sound the closest to what I'm seeking without actually being able to listen to any of them. Any advice or opinions or impressions are very welcome. Is it true that pretty much all of them can be built for as little as 400-500 euros? If so, I'm stoked. And I already have the chassis and heat sinks.
Then I just choose the one I want, find it's appropriate thread on this forum, read and learn as much as possible, then buy components and make it, right? If I want I can make a second one later down the line for bi amping or whatever the next audio itch happenes to be.
Which one of Nelson's designs have the lowest noise floor? Or are they all pretty low? Asking cause planar magnetic headphones would likely be used as well. And if any one of them works with my power supply, well the ones from Nelson I mean, that would be much favored among the other choices.
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Okay, reading more about the different potential choices, it seems like F5 turbo is pretty much a slam dunk for me.
Now, I guess the only question left is what are the best resources to start looking into? Perhaps particular threads on this forum or videos on YouTube or what have you. I want to learn as much about its construction as possible and also as much as possible about sourcing the components in Europe and the final costs. I know, I never heard it, but reading about it, this thing sounds amazing lol. Exactly the kind of sound I'm looking for. Perhaps only a little bit lacking in power, but it's class A, so I can't complain.
Now, I guess the only question left is what are the best resources to start looking into? Perhaps particular threads on this forum or videos on YouTube or what have you. I want to learn as much about its construction as possible and also as much as possible about sourcing the components in Europe and the final costs. I know, I never heard it, but reading about it, this thing sounds amazing lol. Exactly the kind of sound I'm looking for. Perhaps only a little bit lacking in power, but it's class A, so I can't complain.
In original circuit it is 100Ohm . They have updated it to get symmetrical clipping.
oh you' right .
For my side , think amplifier should working in class AB , it is wrong to operate exclusively in class A unless you want to build a winter heater and It takes a lot of materials to make full class A amplifier.
More simple than is build up Nmos 200 amp and easy to add tone circuit .
And alot peoples here already build it up , Experienced guidance will be available.
It's not the values, it is the fact they (and R21) are connected to the output. I would expect the output only to be connected to R20//C11 for feedback, not almost directly into the driver stage.
I assure you that low noise cannot be achieved with that design. it only the simplest imaginable version possible
Do you mean to say that the simplest version of F5 Turbo has the least noise or that F5 Turbo itself is one of the simplest designs by Pass? I'm sorry I didn't quite understand your last sentence.
I never understood the logic behind the class A push-pull design. If it is a no-feedback design, then maybe... just to lower the distortion of each gain stage.
If you want class A design, build a single-ended pure class A amplifier. If it is a push-pull, AB is more than okay.
Judging from your initial post, a 100W push-pull class AB design would be exactly what you need. Also, in your case, I am sure that a class D amp will do wonders - you'll be more than happy with one of the "3e Audio" boards.
If you want class A design, build a single-ended pure class A amplifier. If it is a push-pull, AB is more than okay.
Judging from your initial post, a 100W push-pull class AB design would be exactly what you need. Also, in your case, I am sure that a class D amp will do wonders - you'll be more than happy with one of the "3e Audio" boards.
As I said . Aleph,F1,F2...F5... just simplest imaginable version possible. all of them have a certain level of noise .
now Class D quite good because saves a lot of things and more efficiency about power.
Thank you very much for sharing your perspective Boky. Maybe I don't need class A, also maybe I don't even need the watts, my first and foremost goal is to have something that creates absolutely extraordinary sound. Otherwise I just can't be bothered with speaker systems at all. I can't listen to music how most people listen to it even the ones who think they have HiFi systems worth thousands. It's hard to explain, but I want extreme clarity in the highs for starters. But, you know there is just so many variables in sound that I cannot explain what I want, I can only say that I want something extremely extraordinary. Of the class A designs that I read about, F5 Turbo seems like the closest thing to what I want and if I can make it for as little as 400 or 500 euros, it would be something I'm very interested in and it seems to be legendary and extraordinary which is what I'm looking for. Since I cannot listen to all of these designs, I can only go by notoriety. Descriptions of clarity, dynamics, bass etc help somewhat to pinpoint what I want, but at the end of the day I have no idea how it sounds like until I hear it.
Yes, perhaps class AB or class D would work great for me as well or better than class A, but so far I have been researching class A for some reason. Probably imagining I would get the most extraordinary results from that. Class D, to be honest I don't even have an idea of how it sounds like or how it differs from class A or AB besides technical differences like being more efficient and perhaps offering more power. I'll look into "3e Audio" boards, thanks for the suggestion. Is there anything else I should look into, why did you recommend this particular brand and design?