The J and K pinouts are different, so we made allowances for other Jfets that
you might want to use.
you might want to use.
I now have one week with a Korg B1 in my system as an alternative to a
DIY Built Slagle Dual Mono AVC.
The Korg B1 has left a immense impression on me and has allowed my system to deliver at a new level of performance that has not been perceived by myself before.
The Korg B1 has left me with the perception that I am experiencing a much improved performance from both CD and Vinyl, with the CDT and DAC now at a level that is very similar in its delivery to my Vinyl Set Up.
When the Lock Down Restrictions are over I will be seeking a second opinion from a Visiting Listener on this perception, and see how another set of ears perceives the Two Sources in a A/B Comparison.
Another experience I have been party to, is that I had to deal with an audible Microphonic that was developing during the replay.
I did not intend on doing anything internally only externally, the Casing already has a substantial Base Plate, which I am assuming is a control measure.
I have lots of Isolation Materials, as I have worked with my TT to produce a Sub Plinth and Footer set up that attenuates the TT to my preferred SQ.
I started introducing a few materials to seat the Casing on to attempt to overcome the Microphonic, I achieved this quickly, but then realised the delivery had changed to a more prominent Midrange and High when the CD was in use.
I then checked out the Vinyl and it had gone slightly opposite, the Mid and Bass were the more prominent.
My secondary thought was that maybe the Korg B1 is a little like a TT in how it reacts to ambient Seismic and Airborne Energy, so I got a little experimental with the Sub Plinth for the Korg B1 to be seated on.
I have now used a selection of materials to produce a Tiered Assembly for the Korg B1 to be seated on, and as a result have now produced a performance where the CD and Vinyl seem to be reaching similar frequency extremes and are more in harmony with each other.
The prominent Mid's and Highs of the CD are now noticeably different, there is more meat on the bones with a increased weight and not as lean as the previous perception.
Again a new set of ears will be given a chance to confirm my findings if they are real or not.
I feel that the investigation into a Sub Plinth for the Korg B1, has been worthwhile, In my case there is an effect on how it presents and this has been achieved at a Zero Cost as a trial experience.
Today I reverted back to the Slagle AVC, and this delivers in a very enjoyable way on my system, but it does not achieve the same as the Korg B1,
which has taken my experience to a level I thought not attainable without
a long search and spending a large sum.
I am very happy to have stumbled on this thread and followed it to the point I was instrumental in encouraging a Local Friend to undertake a Build or Three.
DIY Built Slagle Dual Mono AVC.
The Korg B1 has left a immense impression on me and has allowed my system to deliver at a new level of performance that has not been perceived by myself before.
The Korg B1 has left me with the perception that I am experiencing a much improved performance from both CD and Vinyl, with the CDT and DAC now at a level that is very similar in its delivery to my Vinyl Set Up.
When the Lock Down Restrictions are over I will be seeking a second opinion from a Visiting Listener on this perception, and see how another set of ears perceives the Two Sources in a A/B Comparison.
Another experience I have been party to, is that I had to deal with an audible Microphonic that was developing during the replay.
I did not intend on doing anything internally only externally, the Casing already has a substantial Base Plate, which I am assuming is a control measure.
I have lots of Isolation Materials, as I have worked with my TT to produce a Sub Plinth and Footer set up that attenuates the TT to my preferred SQ.
I started introducing a few materials to seat the Casing on to attempt to overcome the Microphonic, I achieved this quickly, but then realised the delivery had changed to a more prominent Midrange and High when the CD was in use.
I then checked out the Vinyl and it had gone slightly opposite, the Mid and Bass were the more prominent.
My secondary thought was that maybe the Korg B1 is a little like a TT in how it reacts to ambient Seismic and Airborne Energy, so I got a little experimental with the Sub Plinth for the Korg B1 to be seated on.
I have now used a selection of materials to produce a Tiered Assembly for the Korg B1 to be seated on, and as a result have now produced a performance where the CD and Vinyl seem to be reaching similar frequency extremes and are more in harmony with each other.
The prominent Mid's and Highs of the CD are now noticeably different, there is more meat on the bones with a increased weight and not as lean as the previous perception.
Again a new set of ears will be given a chance to confirm my findings if they are real or not.
I feel that the investigation into a Sub Plinth for the Korg B1, has been worthwhile, In my case there is an effect on how it presents and this has been achieved at a Zero Cost as a trial experience.
Today I reverted back to the Slagle AVC, and this delivers in a very enjoyable way on my system, but it does not achieve the same as the Korg B1,
which has taken my experience to a level I thought not attainable without
a long search and spending a large sum.
I am very happy to have stumbled on this thread and followed it to the point I was instrumental in encouraging a Local Friend to undertake a Build or Three.
I loaned it to a friend to burn in and fren hates me now for taking it back.. Lol.. Blame it on Papa
Friend could not explain what's missing. Poor fren.. Grin
Friend could not explain what's missing. Poor fren.. Grin
I am still awaiting parts in shipping and some in production. Should have everything on hand in the next couple of weeks. Making progress with parts on hand. 
The pictures you've taken for the Korg B1 build guide are great, 6L6, but as a novice, I could really use some accompanying text.
Any timeline on when the completed guide will be ready?
Not trying to be a pain about this, I'm just really anxious to get going on this project as soon as I receive my kit.
Thanks
Any timeline on when the completed guide will be ready?
Not trying to be a pain about this, I'm just really anxious to get going on this project as soon as I receive my kit.
Thanks
Hi Rusomon,
Of course on top if you have any question don't hesitate: this forum is great and got me started again after decades without touching a soldering iron 🙂
It is an easy and robust build with lot of support and many assembled units, plus there is no dumb questions (and I tried hard 🙂
Have fun
Claude
Of course on top if you have any question don't hesitate: this forum is great and got me started again after decades without touching a soldering iron 🙂
It is an easy and robust build with lot of support and many assembled units, plus there is no dumb questions (and I tried hard 🙂
Have fun
Claude
I want to use the b1 korg preamp as an optional effect (akin to the h2 generator) so I want unity gain overall. The best place to do this is probably to replace the volume pot with fixed resistors. How much pre-attenuation should I use? 8k2+ 1k5? 43k + 8k2? Both should give -16dB, but I'm not sure how the total resistance changes things. Thanks.
Oops, sorry, 6L6, last I looked it was just the sneak peek at your photos. I didn't see the Korg B1 listed among your other guides so I assumed it was still how things stood. Thanks for your reply and all the work you do on these things. I'd have been lost without the ACA guide, that's for sure. Really looking forward to getting started on this preamp.
Thanks, ClaudeG, for your kind words. I'd say there's a very good chance I'll be popping into this thread with lots of dumb questions, I mean, not dumb questions. Although, who knows, I may be the one to break the adage. Only time will tell.
Thanks, ClaudeG, for your kind words. I'd say there's a very good chance I'll be popping into this thread with lots of dumb questions, I mean, not dumb questions. Although, who knows, I may be the one to break the adage. Only time will tell.
I would like to build the Korg B1 into a home-brew integrated amp with an ICE Power output section and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a power supply? (So I don't have to run two cords into it!).
- The ICE Power has an aux DC output voltage but the capacitance of the B1 seems to be on the high side of what ICE recommends. Not sure if this would be a wise way to go, even with adding the recommended resistors.
- There is a universal power supply in the DIY store, but the B1 instructions recommend a regulated supply. The DIY is a more standard supply with some ripple.
- Third option?
- Or just quit my whining and run two cords already.
Thank you for any input.
-Geoff
- The ICE Power has an aux DC output voltage but the capacitance of the B1 seems to be on the high side of what ICE recommends. Not sure if this would be a wise way to go, even with adding the recommended resistors.
- There is a universal power supply in the DIY store, but the B1 instructions recommend a regulated supply. The DIY is a more standard supply with some ripple.
- Third option?
- Or just quit my whining and run two cords already.
Thank you for any input.
-Geoff
What PSU voltage(s) and current does the amplifier require? That’s the 900lb gorilla in the room. Powering the B1 is simple once the other one is in the box...
What about having just one cord to your unit, but inside the unit you split the AC power supply.
One line goes to your power amp's PS, the other line goes straight into Papa's recommended (small and good) wallwart PS that you fit aswell inside your casing (you can even fit a plug inside should you wish it to hold your PS, it is light and small).
Plus if you don't like it then you can always remove the wallwart PS from inside the casing and fit it, err, where it belongs to be honest (does the least harm, but then you power amp and its PS are probably going to be worst in that matter)
Good luck
Claude
One line goes to your power amp's PS, the other line goes straight into Papa's recommended (small and good) wallwart PS that you fit aswell inside your casing (you can even fit a plug inside should you wish it to hold your PS, it is light and small).
Plus if you don't like it then you can always remove the wallwart PS from inside the casing and fit it, err, where it belongs to be honest (does the least harm, but then you power amp and its PS are probably going to be worst in that matter)
Good luck
Claude
I thought about that... It seemed a little more "Duct tape and zip tie" than I was looking for! Hoping for a more engineered solution, but I want to make sure it is clean enough power not to screw up the sound.
Wow, that is pretty nice. I will give it a look.
Thank you.
-Geoff
Hi John. Found your review really timely as I'm considering AVC's.
What is your Korg's volume control ?
Thanks.
Hi ppap64
This is not my first experience with a Korg B1 used in my system.
This is my first experience where I have a extended loan of a Korg B1 to use to work with getting the best interface.
I have wrote in previous posts on my experiences of listening to the Korg B1 in different build guises.
Before this most recent experience I have heard two different build guises on my system during a evenings listening experience with guests.
On each occasion the Korg B1 excelled beyond my Slagle AVC in my system, convincing me this design has many merits, and is quite impressionable.
The Korg B1 I am use as a loaned device has a Stepped Attenuator Volume Control.
On Sunday I reverted back to the AVC, to get the feel for the differences between the two devices.
I like my Slagle AVC as a Volume Control Pre' it has left me with many a good experience.
The Korg B1 has surpassed this as a Pre' when used in my system.
The presentation is captivating when set up correct as a interface, I have presented it on varying Sub Plinths and also rolled 6SN7 Tubes on the Power Amp to get this just right for my preferences.
As a result the Micro Details and Bass is just superb, I am now bowled over by the influences it has had on all music types from Classical, Jazz, Rock.
The Korg B1 has as part of the design built in measures to allow for a variance in how it presents, to meet ones own optimisation for their own purposes.
I do not fully understand this as I am not a EE minded type, and have not even considered those as a further option to see what can become available.
I will get my head around these a little more to help with any decisions to be made when I finally have my own model produced.
This is not my first experience with a Korg B1 used in my system.
This is my first experience where I have a extended loan of a Korg B1 to use to work with getting the best interface.
I have wrote in previous posts on my experiences of listening to the Korg B1 in different build guises.
Before this most recent experience I have heard two different build guises on my system during a evenings listening experience with guests.
On each occasion the Korg B1 excelled beyond my Slagle AVC in my system, convincing me this design has many merits, and is quite impressionable.
The Korg B1 I am use as a loaned device has a Stepped Attenuator Volume Control.
On Sunday I reverted back to the AVC, to get the feel for the differences between the two devices.
I like my Slagle AVC as a Volume Control Pre' it has left me with many a good experience.
The Korg B1 has surpassed this as a Pre' when used in my system.
The presentation is captivating when set up correct as a interface, I have presented it on varying Sub Plinths and also rolled 6SN7 Tubes on the Power Amp to get this just right for my preferences.
As a result the Micro Details and Bass is just superb, I am now bowled over by the influences it has had on all music types from Classical, Jazz, Rock.
The Korg B1 has as part of the design built in measures to allow for a variance in how it presents, to meet ones own optimisation for their own purposes.
I do not fully understand this as I am not a EE minded type, and have not even considered those as a further option to see what can become available.
I will get my head around these a little more to help with any decisions to be made when I finally have my own model produced.
