The Wolverine 5th Group buy

[stuartmp]

Hi Guys,

Please register your details for the Wolverine 5th Group Buy - Pre Order.​

After the success of the past four group buys and increasing demand for Wolverine boards, we are thrilled to announce another group buy for the DiyAudio community.

This time, we are offering the new and improved Wolverine V5 boards, along with supporting parts and boards:

The IPS, EF3-3, EF3-4 and EF3-5 boards will now include mirrored versions for Left and Right channels! These allow inputs at the rear of your chassis and outputs on the lower heatsink half, all while fitting the current UMS (with just 3 new holes for EF3-4, courtesy of Gianluca’s updated drill pattern). Huge thanks to Mainframe and DanielJW for prototyping, Harry for BOM review, and Jeremy for schematic checks.

1. IPS, Pre-Driver & Driver Heatsinks with Mill-Max pins installed:
   • EF3-3 (IPS, Pre-Driver & Driver)(Amp Board,Parallel or Perpendicular Mount to Main Heatsink): $27.50 USD (6 Heatsinks Total)
   • EF3-4 or EF3-5 (IPS & Pre-Driver)(Amp Board, Parallel Mount to Main Heatsink): $22.50 USD (4 Heatsinks Total)
   • EF3-4 (IPS, Pre-Driver & Driver)(Amp Board, Perpendicular Mount to Main Heatsink): $27.50 USD (6 Heatsinks Total)
   • IPS: $10.00 USD (2 Heatsinks Total)

1. 2SA1381E / 2SC3503E Transistors:
   • $6.00 USD per pair.

We are also offering the following supporting boards:

1. "Dual Bridge Rectifier Board" by @stuartmp – Includes Schematic & BOM:​

- Two boards are required if you plan to build a dual mono design.​

- $12.50 USD each.​

2."Speaker Protection Board" by @jjs – Includes Schematic & BOM:​

- One board is for one Channel.​

- $20.00 USD per pair.​

3. "T-Ground Board" by @stuartmp – Includes BOM:​

- Two boards are required if you plan to build a dual mono design.​

- $5.00 USD each.​

4. "Ground Lift" by @stuartmp – Includes insulated washer & BOM:​

- Two boards are required if you plan to build a dual mono design.​

- $5.00 USD each.​

Thank you all for your support of the Wolverine project over the past 3 years. It’s incredible to think our first group buy was back in March 2022.

Registration Instructions:
We will follow the same process as the 3rd & 4th group buys to streamline processing. Board color will be determined based on order numbers; if insufficient, only one color will be ordered.

Pricing for Boards:
Wolverine V5 Special Edition IPS Board (2 boards) (Right and Left channel):

$15.00 USD.​

(Color to be determined: possibly yellow with blue silkscreen please give us your feedback on the forum)​

​

EF3-3 Boards: (270mm x 77mm)

2 x Precision EF3-3 (V5.0) Boards (Left and Right channel) + 2 IPS Boards: $50.00 USD.​

4 x Precision EF3-3 (V5.0) Boards (Left and Right channel) + 4 IPS Boards: $90.00 USD *.​

​

​

​

EF3-4 Boards: (347mm x 77mm)

2 x Precision EF3-4 (V5.0) Boards (Right and Left channel) + 2 IPS Boards: $55.00 USD.​

4 x Precision EF3-4 (V5.0) Boards (Right and Left channel) + 4 IPS Boards: $95.00 USD *.​

​

​

EF3-5 Boards: (354mm x 77mm)

2 x Precision EF3-5 (V5.0) Boards (Right and Left channel) + 2 IPS Boards: $57.5 USD.​

4 x Precision EF3-5 (V5.0) Boards (Right and Left channel) + 4 IPS Boards: $100 USD *.​

​

​

I’m excited to share a fresh development for the Wolverine family: the EF3-5 output stage board! As you know, our current lineup includes the EF3-3 (3 current gain stages, 3 output transistor pairs) and the EF3-4 (3 current gain stages, 4 output pairs).

Now, we’re taking it up a notch with the EF3-5, featuring 3 current gain stages and 5 output transistor pairs for even greater power and stability.

To top it off, I’ve mirrored the EF3-5 design—just like the EF3-3 and EF3-4 in the 5th Group Buy—offering dedicated Left and Right channel versions. This keeps the inputs at the rear and outputs low on the heatsink, maintaining that clean, symmetrical layout you’ve come to love.

The EF3-5 boards are 7 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the current EF3-4 boards. All the holes still follow the UMS, except for the two at the top where the output transistors mount—they’ve moved up 10 mm. The output transistor mounting holes have also shifted up 10 mm, so some drilling and tapping will be required if you’d like to use the EF3-5.

The EF3-5 is perfect for those pushing higher currents or lower impedance's (think 2-ohm loads or beyond) with the same Wolverine Class AB finesse.

​

Please note.
The discount will only be applied for those members who order boards before they are ordered from the PCB Manufacturer.
If you wish to order more than 2 sets or adjust quantity, please contact us for pricing details.

Shipping: Prices exclude shipping costs. Shipping is at cost price plus $3.00 for packaging. No added handling fees. A copy of the shipping receipt will be emailed upon payment.

Each Order Includes:

1. Your ordered PCBs.
2. A3 Schematic copies for 57V and 64V versions. (Dropbox Link)
3. The Build Guide (~74-page illustrated A4 document). (Dropbox Link)
4. BOM in Excel with Mouser part numbers. (Dropbox Link)
5. Heatsink Hole Pattern DXF & PDF files. (Dropbox Link)
6. "How to Wire an Audio Amplifier" by Bonsai. (Dropbox Link)
7. Future updates will be available via Dropbox. Please provide an email for this purpose.

Payment: Through PayPal. Requests will be sent upon ready-to-ship boards.

How to Register:

1. Open the attached Excel order sheet, fill it out, and email it to: Stuartmp@internode.on.net
   • Subject: "Wolverine Project – Your DiyAudio Username"
2. If unable to open the file, please reply with:
   • Total number/type of EF3-3, EF3-4 & EF3-5 boards.
   • Name and total number of any of the supporting parts / boards on offer.
   • Full name, address (including country and postcode).
   • Phone number for tracking.
   • Your PayPal email address.
   • You Email address for Dropbox updates.

We will order boards once a sufficient number of pre-orders are reached and keep you updated throughout the process. Once received, we will calculate shipping and send payment requests. You will receive a tracking number once your order ships.

Please refrain from using my email for other inquiries; post questions on the main Wolverine Build thread or contact me via DiyAudio PM for order-related questions.

Wolverine Development Thread
For ongoing project updates and technical discussions, visit the Wolverine Development Thread on the DiyAudio forum. Engage with fellow audio enthusiasts and share your build experiences.

Wolverine Build Thread
The Wolverine Build Thread is your go-to resource for assistance with assembly tips and troubleshooting advice. Feel free to ask questions and contribute your insights.

YouTube Build Series
Explore our YouTube Build Series for visual guidance on assembling your Wolverine amplifier. Our instructional videos cover each step-in detail, ensuring a smooth build process. Thank you to @danieljw for putting this series together.

Support Contacts
Feel free to reach out to me directly through the forum's messaging system or my e-mail if you have any question related to the ordering process.

We truly value your involvement in the Wolverine project. By working together, we continue to make high-quality audio amplifiers accessible to enthusiasts worldwide. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support.

Best regards,
Stuart & the Wolverine Team

 

[Gill.T]

Subscribing for a set!

 

[Mainframe]

Back o' the line Gill.T 🤣 - jk

Y'all know I'm in.

Also want to throw in my highest recommendation for Stuart's rectifier and ground lift boards.

 

[Chrisr3521]

I'm in, but how many bridge rectifier and ground lift boards for dual mono in the same case?

Also as I'm a slow builder and have the modushop heatsinks drilled for the previous version of the ef-4 I'm hoping these will fit?

 

[stuartmp]

Also as I'm a slow builder and have the modushop heatsinks drilled for the previous version of the ef-4 I'm hoping these will fit?

Yes, the none of the hole locations have changed.

I'm in, but how many bridge rectifier and ground lift boards for dual mono in the same case?

I'm assuming you're using two transformers with 2 sets of secondary windings so that will require 2 dual rectifier boards. For the ground lift board you can use one but it's preferable to use two as it makes the wiring layout easier. Just make sure that you only have one common connection point from the ground lift boards to the chassis

 

[anatech]

EF3-4 for me, ordered.

 

[Chrisr3521]

Yes, the none of the hole locations have changed.

I'm assuming you're using two transformers with 2 sets of secondary windings so that will require 2 dual rectifier boards. For the ground lift board you can use one but it's preferable to use two as it makes the wiring layout easier. Just make sure that you only have one common connection point from the ground lift boards to the chassis

Perfect, thanks,

With the heatsinks for the ef-4 if I've had them tapped by modushop which ones will I need?

 

[Ryssen]

Am I right when I say that the V5 IPS is back compatible with the V4.2 main board?
What improvements are made to the IPS?

 

[shabusf]

@stuartmp - one quick query. Is the Wolverine V5 Special Edition IPS Board different from the default IPS board come with the V5 IPS/OPS combo?
I assume the change is only in colour.

Thanks
Sha

 

[stuartmp]

Am I right when I say that the V5 IPS is back compatible with the V4.2 main board?
What improvements are made to the IPS?

Yes, it's backwards compatible. Please see this post for the Improvements

 

[stuartmp]

one quick query. Is the Wolverine V5 Special Edition IPS Board different from the default IPS board come with the V5 IPS/OPS combo?
I assume the change is only in colour.

Yes, Both boards are the V5 Special Edition. We haven't decided on the colour.
This time around we are including Yellow / Blue as one of the colour choices and depending on numbers as I explained in post 1 we will choose the colour for the IPS so if you'd like yellow / blue please enter it in the order spreadsheet.

 

[shabusf]

Thanks for the clarification. My EF3-3 boards are around 30% populated now. Might drop that and go with the V5 version. Deciding..............

Thanks
Sha

 

[saabracer23]

If unable to open the file, please reply with:

• Total number/type of EF3-3 & EF3-4 boards.
• Name and total number of any of the supporting parts / boards on offer.
• Full name, address (including country and postcode).
• Phone number for tracking.
• Your PayPal email address.
• You Email address for Dropbox updates

Count me in for four if the EF3-4 boards and associated parts. Just in case I can’t open and fill out the sheet, I remember kind of having trouble with that last time.

4 V5 EF3-4 boards

I would like all the associated heat sinks for building these four channels. I’m not entirely sure which ones to get, I’m guessing the one that covers all of the heat sinks I would need.

I would be interested in the bridge rectifiers, the speaker protection, the T ground, and ground lift boards. I guess I would like to hear opinions on what people think the benefits are, would the speaker protection degrade the sound or increased distortion at all? I’m not super familiar as you can see.

Also, I have Onsemi KSA1381E and 2SC3503E which from what I understand are Sanyo, yet the package says “ON”. I’m guessing it would be okay to pair these.


I purchased four boards in between some group buys, are these the fourth group buy? Or second?

Anyways, I am building these out to be on the 71 V rails, I noticed that voltage isn’t mentioned with the fifth group by, any reason?

Thanks!
Dan

 

[ambisingh]

Iam in for a set.....Completed excel document sent over

 

[saabracer23]

Oops, I thought it said to post our personal info if we couldn’t fill out the excel sheet…

Yes, apologies, I’m having trouble with the form so just let me know where to send all of my info and such.

Dan

 

[shabusf]

Subscribed for 2 pairs of ef3-4 boards, details shared over mail.

Thanks
Sha

 

[poseidonsvoice]

@stuartmp

Sent you an email yesterday, I’m basically interested in a pair of V5 Special Edition IPS boards, along with the requisite heatsinks and 2SC3503/2SA1381 transistors (however many are needed to build the pair of IPS boards).

Thank you once again for organizing what is one of the finest if not the finest DIY effort for a Class AB amplifier. What I brag about the most to my colleagues is the build manual. It is a reference standard amongst all diy manufacturers imho 🙏 .

Best,
Anand.

 

[Ryssen]

I to sent an e-mail wanting V5 Special Edition IPS boards,ant two Loudspeaker protections,and one groundlift.

 

[AdrianLevi]

I'd like to be included on this, sent an email already sans excel sheet.
For 1 pair of EF-3 boards, how many heatsinks and transistor pairs do I need?
Is the speaker protector 1 per channel in 2 needed?

 

[dovla83]

Is this kit compatible with the Deluxe chassis sold on the diyaudiostore.com or extra drilling will be required?

Thanks! Cheers!