Hi guys..at present I am using a DEQX HDP Express ii preamp/DSP controller/crossover/etc to feed XLR output from an Ian Canada DAC stack to DIY KT120 tube monoblocks which drive DIY open baffle mains. The DEQX unit also has 2 subwoofer outputs, both connected to active subs with line-level and LFE inputs only.
I would like to build a preamp to replace the DEQX unit - I would lose the DSP speaker and room correction capabilities of the DEQX, but I have a MiniDSP 2x4HD which I could use for subwoofer crossover/alignment, and JRiver convolution for room and speaker refinement (most of my listening is computer-based digital files).
I would want a remote-controlled preamp, possibly with tone controls (bypassable), with at least 1 balanced input, 3 RCA inputs, budget up to $1000 (US). I have had a reasonable amount of DIY experience, building 3 lots of speakers, 2 tube monoblocks and a tube phono preamp.
Any recommendations gratefully received 😉
I would like to build a preamp to replace the DEQX unit - I would lose the DSP speaker and room correction capabilities of the DEQX, but I have a MiniDSP 2x4HD which I could use for subwoofer crossover/alignment, and JRiver convolution for room and speaker refinement (most of my listening is computer-based digital files).
I would want a remote-controlled preamp, possibly with tone controls (bypassable), with at least 1 balanced input, 3 RCA inputs, budget up to $1000 (US). I have had a reasonable amount of DIY experience, building 3 lots of speakers, 2 tube monoblocks and a tube phono preamp.
Any recommendations gratefully received 😉
There's nothing wrong with it - I just want to play ;-)
I would like to be able to compare convolution in JRiver using REW and feeding through a good preamp, with the sound I get from the DEQX.
Feel free to tell me I'm wasting my time and money, but I do love a project. Having said that, money IS an object, so if I could come up with something that I enjoyed for significantly less than $1000 - that would be good.
I would like to be able to compare convolution in JRiver using REW and feeding through a good preamp, with the sound I get from the DEQX.
Feel free to tell me I'm wasting my time and money, but I do love a project. Having said that, money IS an object, so if I could come up with something that I enjoyed for significantly less than $1000 - that would be good.
Okay. If you know PCB design, MCU programming, preamp design, etc., its not a fundamentally hard thing to do. You can use opamps, and either electronic or electromechanical volume control.
However, if you want to take the output of JRiver and run it through a preamp does that mean you want an analog preamp or a digital one? If analog then you need a dac before the preamp, don't you? If digital then what digital interface standard do you want to use, some variant of SPDIF?
However, if you want to take the output of JRiver and run it through a preamp does that mean you want an analog preamp or a digital one? If analog then you need a dac before the preamp, don't you? If digital then what digital interface standard do you want to use, some variant of SPDIF?
"If you know PCB design, MCU programming, preamp design, etc., its not a fundamentally hard thing to do. You can use opamps, and either electronic or electromechanical volume control." I'm good at following instructions, not so good at knowing why. I'm open to other people's experiences - especially when they are passionate about why they love the sound they have created.
"if you want to take the output of JRiver and run it through a preamp does that mean you want an analog preamp or a digital one?" Analog - see post #1 (Ian Canada DAC)
Thanks for your responses 😉
"if you want to take the output of JRiver and run it through a preamp does that mean you want an analog preamp or a digital one?" Analog - see post #1 (Ian Canada DAC)
Thanks for your responses 😉
There are lots of ways to do something that would meet what you say you want. If you break it down into modular sections, maybe you need an input selector switch block, maybe a gain block, and a volume control block. There are boards you can buy and assemble into a box to complete the project without needing to start from scratch.
Here are some remote volume control boards:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...1313&_nkw=relay+volume+control+board&_sacat=0
Input selector:
https://www.google.com/search?q=aud...DAIgGAZAGCJIHAzIuM6AH9hg&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
Then there are lots of preamp projects here in the forum that could be used if you need a gain block.
OTOH, if you want to start from a lower level then there may be a lot to learn. In that case you might want to take a look at some books on audio design to get more of an idea of what would be involved. Bob Cordell has a new one out, for one example:
https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Audio-Circuits-Systems-Cordell/dp/1032010894/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2X1T9QD89200R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0t0UteaWb5QS8uFGb8Zk8Jxmy-R7pIRTfihsmRg5arG5eYa8HPA0NbPe2u_Gjpo-.6ZC0MX7ne1jdRqUMs08S1Fd52c4yCu8KiCVv70SMO-E&dib_tag=se&keywords=cordell+audio+design&qid=1722424021&s=books&sprefix=cordell+audio+design,stripbooks,135&sr=1-2
Here are some remote volume control boards:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...1313&_nkw=relay+volume+control+board&_sacat=0
Input selector:
https://www.google.com/search?q=aud...DAIgGAZAGCJIHAzIuM6AH9hg&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
Then there are lots of preamp projects here in the forum that could be used if you need a gain block.
OTOH, if you want to start from a lower level then there may be a lot to learn. In that case you might want to take a look at some books on audio design to get more of an idea of what would be involved. Bob Cordell has a new one out, for one example:
https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Audio-Circuits-Systems-Cordell/dp/1032010894/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2X1T9QD89200R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0t0UteaWb5QS8uFGb8Zk8Jxmy-R7pIRTfihsmRg5arG5eYa8HPA0NbPe2u_Gjpo-.6ZC0MX7ne1jdRqUMs08S1Fd52c4yCu8KiCVv70SMO-E&dib_tag=se&keywords=cordell+audio+design&qid=1722424021&s=books&sprefix=cordell+audio+design,stripbooks,135&sr=1-2
This would meet your needs, though maybe not budget. Also requires SMD capability. 4 SE/Bal ins, Bal and unbalanced outs. Remote capable. Complex with a number of boards, 2 chassis nearly mandatory. Very good sounding based on Pass (and Wayne Coburn) UGS3 gain stage.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/ugs-muse-preamp-gb.277355/
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/ugs-muse-preamp-gb.277355/
You might look at a Pass Aleph P. For a diy version, you'd have to add your own input switching, volume control, etc.
Regarding SMD experience, just some practice and good magnification. I'm 70 and can do it down to maybe 0603 form factor.
Another commercial product to look at would be an Adcom GFP-750. Designed by Nelson (and Wayne), similar to a Pass Aleph P.
Regarding SMD experience, just some practice and good magnification. I'm 70 and can do it down to maybe 0603 form factor.
Another commercial product to look at would be an Adcom GFP-750. Designed by Nelson (and Wayne), similar to a Pass Aleph P.
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The Doug Self linear pre amp. Boards were available and it has defeatable tone controls and can do remote volume
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/doug-self-preamp-from-linear-audio-5.280458/
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/doug-self-preamp-from-linear-audio-5.280458/
What about the Iron Pre (https://diyaudiostore.com/pages/project-iron-pre) with a motorised volume control and input selector? It's out of stock at the moment, but it's coming. I like the idea of a kit available from the store, with a build guide and active forum thread
