DIY Class A/B Amp The "Wolverine" build thread

[stuartmp]

This thread is for people to discuss their builds, build issues, and parts for the DIY Class A/B "Wolverine" Power Amplifier.
The boards are currently available through group buy's when they are held.
@jjs is servicing the USA and Canada regions.
@stuartmp is servicing the other regions.

Main Thread:

Wolverine 57v & 64v Schematic:
Please see the attached PDF files. These schematic show.
The Wolverine IPS - V3.7 (1st Group Buy) & V3.8 (2nd Group Buy)
The Precision EF3 - Both

EF3-3 (3 Pairs of Output Transistors) - V3.9 (1st Group Buy) & V4.0 (2nd Group Buy)​

EF3-4 (4 Pairs of Output Transistors) - V3.9 (1st Group Buy) & V4.0 (2nd Group Buy)​

BOM and Build Guide documentation:
Currently only available to group buy members.
In time will all be posted publicly once the group buy members have had time to order parts.

YouTube Build Link

Google Photos - Wolverine Build Album

Review Attached by @fireanimal 30-06-22
Review Attached by @richbandit 05-08-23 or at post #2,493

Posts of Interest
#

There is also a distortion sweep plot of the Wolverine below with the values listed for 1K, 10K and 20K.
A big thank you to Andy for taking this measurement for us. 🙏

17-3-23
we finally have 20k distortion measurements.
0.000095% THD 80 watts 8 ohm load.
Thanks again Andy for providing these amazing results
More test results can be found at the end of the build guide.

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We are happy to announce a 2nd group buy opportunity has now opened.

We have received the 2nd GB boards and have a few left over. If you'd like some boards from the wolverine project please follow the instructions in the 1st post of the 2nd group buy. Link below

The Wolverine 2nd Group buy.

 

[danieljw]

Here is the current state of my Wolverine build:

I hope everyone is going well with their builds

- Dan

 

[Garethllywelyn]

Here is the current state of my Wolverine build:
View attachment 1051240

I hope everyone is going well with their builds

- Dan

Very nice work Dan, looking forward to seeing yours progress,
And to assemble my own version also.
I'm going to do an extreme version, 2000VA 50 Vac transformer, and well oversized Heatsinks myself,
500mm X 200mm X 83mm per channel

 

[DaveFred]

I'm going to do an extreme version, 2000VA 50 Vac transformer, and well oversized Heatsinks myself,

Jeepers, what output transistors?

 

[Garethllywelyn]

Jeepers, what output transistors?

I have the MJL4281 MJL4302 pairs, 4 output pair board version

 

[Harry3]

I have updated the BOM with additional capacitors for C115 and C117.

As a precaution, I have also included caps with higher ripple current specs, in case someone likes listening to sine waves at full power into 4 ohm speakers.

The original caps in the previous BOM are still good to use if listening to music. Please see sheet 3, for more details and if you have any questions let me know.

 

[AudioSan]

Maybe this should be a closed tread for group buy members only. Since it's all a secret. Nobody else can help/tips with anyting. Nobody else can get anyting out of it. Also, there will be difficult for groupbuy members to discuss anyting/promblems in detail without spilling secrets.

 

[Harry3]

Since you're not building this amp, why are you posting sarcasm in this thread? This might crush your ego but we don't need your help or tips. The team has managed to design the amp without you.

 

[fireanimal]

I have updated the BOM with additional capacitors for C115 and C117.

As a precaution, I have also included caps with higher ripple current specs, in case someone likes listening to sine waves at full power into 4 ohm speakers.

The original caps in the previous BOM are still good to use if listening to music. Please see sheet 3, for more details and if you have any questions let me know.

Just looked at the updated BOM but there is an error with EKZN800ELL182MM40S, listed at 100v but are 80v.

 

[Harry3]

Thanks. I'll update the BOM.

 

[AudioSan]

Since you're not building this amp, why are you posting sarcasm in this thread? This might crush your ego but we don't need your help or tips. The team has managed to design the amp without you.

Were is the sarcasm? This near 2000 post tread suggest that a lot more then this team have been involved in the design.: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/diya-store-wolverine-son-of-badger-suggestions.369758/

But no. I'm not building this amp at this time... And the way it evolves, i will likeley never want to.

 

[fireanimal]

That's your choice, I am baffled why so many are upset that only Group Buy members get access to the BOM etc. Everyone got lots of opportunity for the group buy, it was their choice not to purchase. So if YOU made a choice not to buy something how can you be upset/jealous of the ones who did?

I can say that the decision not to post the BOM is indeed called for, with the current state of shortages. So lets try and keep this thread on track with people who are actually building this fantastic amplifier!

 

[anatech]

AudioSan,
Just don't read the thread. It isn't up to you to moderate things you don't like. You aren't even interested by your own admission.

Read the statement right at the top. The thread is a valid one and they are trying to keep the signal to noise ration high. What's wrong with that?

 

[danieljw]

Tonights progress......
matched TO92 parts coupled with a tiny smear of heatsink paste and joined with heatshrink and installed....

 

[Garethllywelyn]

Tonights progress......
matched TO92 parts coupled with a tiny smear of heatsink paste and joined with heatshrink and installed....
View attachment 1051777

Nice work so far,
I'm not too far behind.
Nice choice with the Vishay dale's

 

[dazcwl]

Does anyone know if it is OK to use a C0G ceramic cap rather than a mica cap for C5 on the IPS board? For some reason I ordered ceramic instead of mica.... (it is the smaller value of the two, not sure if this matters).

 

[jjs]

Does anyone know if it is OK to use a C0G ceramic cap rather than a mica cap for C5 on the IPS board? For some reason I ordered ceramic instead of mica.... (it is the smaller value of the two, not sure if this matters).

What is the breakdown voltage of the cap you ordered? Or tell me what you ordered. At the very minimum it should be a 200V part.

 

[anatech]

If the capacitance is the same, and the voltage rating is the same or higher - then yes. Absolutely as long as it fits. You only need a voltage rating that exceeds twice one supply rail, plus some for safety to be ultra safe.

Of course this assumes you are using a good brand of capacitor, and I'll assume you are.

-Chris

 

[stuartmp]

Hi Guy's

I just found a small error on the silkscreen on the underside of the PCB for the protection header.
This applies for to the EF3-3 & the EF3-4
Both pins are currently labeled 'NPN-E' the top pin should be 'PNP-E' as shown.

Once again this is just a small silkscreen error and has now been fixed.

 

[dazcwl]

The capacitor I have is a KEMET 250vdc, GoldMax 300 Comm C0G. Obviously the same capacitance.