I recently delved into my first DIY FirstWatt amp build. I have some experience rebuilding vintage amps and thought this would be a fun change of pace.
I purchased two FirstWatt F6 kits - one is nearly complete, the other will be started after I finish the first amp and know I didn't screw anything up. I will build the first amp as it most commonly is - a single stereo amp but my ultimate plan has been to build two balanced differential monoblocks. I have always loved the looks of two monoblocks and, on occasion, wouldn't mind having a bit more power on tap to push the JBL L150's. I am reaching out to this community to critique my process and lend advice.
At a high level, I am planning to use two monoblock amplifiers, one for each channel. Where each monoblock uses the left and right channel outputs to handle the opposing side of the differential output signal.
In my research, one of the most complicated modifications would be producing the mirrored signal to make the amp differential. I picked up a Schiit Freya + preamp to solve this problem as it has balanced differential outputs. The other modified aspect of the design would be needing a floating ground.
Is there anything obvious (or not so obvious) that I am missing? Any tips on implementing a floating ground?
All my best,
Mike
I purchased two FirstWatt F6 kits - one is nearly complete, the other will be started after I finish the first amp and know I didn't screw anything up. I will build the first amp as it most commonly is - a single stereo amp but my ultimate plan has been to build two balanced differential monoblocks. I have always loved the looks of two monoblocks and, on occasion, wouldn't mind having a bit more power on tap to push the JBL L150's. I am reaching out to this community to critique my process and lend advice.
At a high level, I am planning to use two monoblock amplifiers, one for each channel. Where each monoblock uses the left and right channel outputs to handle the opposing side of the differential output signal.
In my research, one of the most complicated modifications would be producing the mirrored signal to make the amp differential. I picked up a Schiit Freya + preamp to solve this problem as it has balanced differential outputs. The other modified aspect of the design would be needing a floating ground.
Is there anything obvious (or not so obvious) that I am missing? Any tips on implementing a floating ground?
All my best,
Mike
Hi Mike,
You should tie the incoming ground to the chassis to ensure a grounded metal connector.
With XLR, you can ground the barrel instead, for which a separate tab is provided.
There do not appear to be any other adjustments that need be made.
Be very sure your Schiit puts out an actual differential signal (which is different from, but can be part of a balanced output).
You should tie the incoming ground to the chassis to ensure a grounded metal connector.
With XLR, you can ground the barrel instead, for which a separate tab is provided.
There do not appear to be any other adjustments that need be made.
Be very sure your Schiit puts out an actual differential signal (which is different from, but can be part of a balanced output).
Thanks, Sangram. That's easy enough. Its one of those things that seems almost TOO easy. I appreciate your insight.
The below excerpt is taken from Schiit's website. Looks like it should do what I am looking for.
The below excerpt is taken from Schiit's website. Looks like it should do what I am looking for.