I’m interested in building an F6. I’ve only recently begun looking at some of the information available here and it seems like a fairly straight forward process. I would be using parts from the diyaudio store. Do these parts replicate the Pass design accurately enough? I just want to be able to duplicate the amp exactly as Pass intended. I’ve successfully built a pair tube amps and a preamp from kits as well as a pair of speakers; a Dick Olsher inspired Basszilla Platinum. While I feel confident in my soldering skills and identifying components this looks a bit more demanding. This amp will replace a 20 year old SS Marantz ht receiver.
This is a a great forum. I look forward to your help
This is a a great forum. I look forward to your help
Congratulations. You will have a wonderful amplifier.
Yes, Nelson is a regular contributor to the forums and "gifted" these circuits to the community.
You should have very little trouble. There are quite a number of F6 threads out there. I strongly recommend reading 6L6's build guide. You don't have to read the whole thing. Post questions to that forum or to this thread that you've started to document your build. We all love pretty pictures.
Enjoy!
Hello again,
I realize this amp has been around for quite some time but I will endeavor to keep this thread updated with all the details of my progress. That said I’m looking at ordering most parts from diyaudio. Here’s my list so far:
F6 parts kit with mosfets
4U aluminum chassis
PSU pcb
Keratherm transistor insulators
Linear systems jfets (2 each of LSK 170 and LSJ 74) matched quad
Transistor kit
Beyond that I will source power supply parts from mouser or similar
What am I missing?
I will also document this process with photos as necessary and appropriate
I realize this amp has been around for quite some time but I will endeavor to keep this thread updated with all the details of my progress. That said I’m looking at ordering most parts from diyaudio. Here’s my list so far:
F6 parts kit with mosfets
4U aluminum chassis
PSU pcb
Keratherm transistor insulators
Linear systems jfets (2 each of LSK 170 and LSJ 74) matched quad
Transistor kit
Beyond that I will source power supply parts from mouser or similar
What am I missing?
I will also document this process with photos as necessary and appropriate
Forgot to ask,
I’m interested in possibly making my own chassis but am on the fence. I would only do this to save a few bucks. What have been your experiences in this regard?
And so it begins, a winding road ahead
Be safe
I’m interested in possibly making my own chassis but am on the fence. I would only do this to save a few bucks. What have been your experiences in this regard?
And so it begins, a winding road ahead
Be safe
Hello again, What am I missing?
May be obvious, but
Imput and output jacks.
Mains connector.
Wire selection
May be obvious, but
Imput and output jacks.
Mains connector.
Wire selection
I used to build my own chassis for a few amp builds, I found out that the actual savings is small and the time and aggravation just isn't worth it. The chassis in the diyaudio store are a great value especially with the free shipping.
You have all the main things listed, but some small bits will depend on your personal choices.
Not sure if Mouser etc. have power transformers that you'd prefer. That's the only specific addition I would make to your list. Many people in the US use Antek.
If you like the parts, it makes life much easier to go with the Deluxe chassis and the back panel kit.
Not sure if Mouser etc. have power transformers that you'd prefer. That's the only specific addition I would make to your list. Many people in the US use Antek.
If you like the parts, it makes life much easier to go with the Deluxe chassis and the back panel kit.
Hi,
there are some enhancements to the original BOM:
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/277850-f6-illustrated-build-guide-307.html#post6465915
You should use R7/8 = 3k32, R11/12 = 110R.
I think, this is agreed by the majority of the F6 community here.
The Zeners (6.2V, I think) are also supplied in the parts kit.
Best regards,
Ulf
there are some enhancements to the original BOM:
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/277850-f6-illustrated-build-guide-307.html#post6465915
You should use R7/8 = 3k32, R11/12 = 110R.
I think, this is agreed by the majority of the F6 community here.
The Zeners (6.2V, I think) are also supplied in the parts kit.
Best regards,
Ulf
After due consideration, making my own chassis is off the list.
The parts kit for stuffing the back panel is not in stock so I’ll get those parts elsewhere.
Suggestions for where to buy are appreciated. I’ve used parts connection, parts express, sonic craft and a few others
The parts kit for stuffing the back panel is not in stock so I’ll get those parts elsewhere.
Suggestions for where to buy are appreciated. I’ve used parts connection, parts express, sonic craft and a few others
Check out Apex jr for wire, rca and amp outlet parts, Antek for transformer, they have a 400va with shielding for a nice price.
Places like Apex are great. I used to live near a place that had all kinds of recycled parts. It was like a toy store, used to spend so much time just looking. Great pricing too.
Thanks for the tip
Thanks for the tip
another diyaudio member trying to build the same
@intojazz - I recently ordered the F6 kit also from diyaudiostore. I thought I would order the list below, and then try to follow along with 6L6's build guide to plan what other components were needed, and where to source them.
The 6L6 F6 build guide is here: F6 Illustrated Build Guide
The parts that I am looking for guidance on are:
And necessary tools for adjustment:
This is my first build, so I am making lots of lists of parts, tools, and processes. I would be interested in seeing how you get on, as maybe we both will have similar questions, or be able to spot mistakes in our approaches or parts list etc...
@intojazz - I recently ordered the F6 kit also from diyaudiostore. I thought I would order the list below, and then try to follow along with 6L6's build guide to plan what other components were needed, and where to source them.
- F6 Parts Kit - F6 PCBs, Transformers, MOSFETs, all other PCB components (JFETs not included)
- Linear Systems Matched JFETs - LSK170 ±0.1mA Matched Quad (Grade B)
- Universal Power Supply V3.0
- Fire Metall Eutectic Solder - 4oz (113g)
- Keratherm Transistor Insulators
The 6L6 F6 build guide is here: F6 Illustrated Build Guide
The parts that I am looking for guidance on are:
- Signal wire
- power wire
- 230v power transformer (need advice as I want to use in different projects)
- transformer mounting bracket, teflon washer and nut.
- Shielding for power transformer?
- IEC socket
- chassis
- baseplate
- Nuts, bolts, washers
And necessary tools for adjustment:
- DC voltmeter
- current limiting thing with 100w incandescent lightbulb (to protect your build)
This is my first build, so I am making lots of lists of parts, tools, and processes. I would be interested in seeing how you get on, as maybe we both will have similar questions, or be able to spot mistakes in our approaches or parts list etc...
See the Aleph J build guide for Noobs for a ton of great information that can carry over to your build.
1. Thousands of options. I like to use leftover Cat 5 / Cat 6 twisted pairs, but the plethora of opinions will bowl you over. Just pick something and don't worry about it.
2. 16 or 18 AWG stranded with an insulation that may take a bit of heat due to less than optimum soldering technique is nice. PTFE or Silicon. Again... pick something.
3. People local to you will likely have great options to suggest. They're reasonably heavy, so shipping can be a factor.
4. Many times they come with the transformer. If not, typically the company providing the transformer can provide it to you for a small additional fee. If you want a vertical mount, then there are also many options.
5. Physical "cans" can usually be provided in addition to or as a part of the transformer purchase. They're nice. Also, getting a transformer with an electrical shield between the primary and secondary windings has shown to be a benefit. Many "audio" transformers have this as part of their design.
6. Back panel parts kit or there are so many options. Schurter / Schaffner seem to be popular manufacturers for both standard and filtered.
7. Strongly recommend one of the "deluxe" chassis unless you like metal work. I'd go with 5U/400 if you have space and/or if you see yourself going down the extremely fun path of swapping out amplifiers into one chassis.
8. Yes. Makes life easier.
9. You can do this, but if you get a back panel kit, it's pretty simple. Some of this will depend on your chassis choices.
1. Thousands of options. I like to use leftover Cat 5 / Cat 6 twisted pairs, but the plethora of opinions will bowl you over. Just pick something and don't worry about it.
2. 16 or 18 AWG stranded with an insulation that may take a bit of heat due to less than optimum soldering technique is nice. PTFE or Silicon. Again... pick something.
3. People local to you will likely have great options to suggest. They're reasonably heavy, so shipping can be a factor.
4. Many times they come with the transformer. If not, typically the company providing the transformer can provide it to you for a small additional fee. If you want a vertical mount, then there are also many options.
5. Physical "cans" can usually be provided in addition to or as a part of the transformer purchase. They're nice. Also, getting a transformer with an electrical shield between the primary and secondary windings has shown to be a benefit. Many "audio" transformers have this as part of their design.
6. Back panel parts kit or there are so many options. Schurter / Schaffner seem to be popular manufacturers for both standard and filtered.
7. Strongly recommend one of the "deluxe" chassis unless you like metal work. I'd go with 5U/400 if you have space and/or if you see yourself going down the extremely fun path of swapping out amplifiers into one chassis.
8. Yes. Makes life easier.
9. You can do this, but if you get a back panel kit, it's pretty simple. Some of this will depend on your chassis choices.
Rootscript,
There are many links that will be helpful, just keep exploring. I will be posting here each time I make progress. That said here’s a question which may benefit both of us, why are there three different options for jfet’s offered? Which is better? I’ve done a little digging and chose the 170/74 combination. Not sure how much it matters.
Also, is a “super regulator “ via Linear Audio necessary? Seems a good idea though.
Btw root,
You are ahead of me as I’ve yet to order anything
There are many links that will be helpful, just keep exploring. I will be posting here each time I make progress. That said here’s a question which may benefit both of us, why are there three different options for jfet’s offered? Which is better? I’ve done a little digging and chose the 170/74 combination. Not sure how much it matters.
Also, is a “super regulator “ via Linear Audio necessary? Seems a good idea though.
Btw root,
You are ahead of me as I’ve yet to order anything
Just get the LS JFETs from the store. Arguably, the "original" Toshiba JFETs are "better" parts due to manufacturing tolerances and consistency, but when you have Nelson Pass himself matching the LS JFETs... I know what I'd choose. There will purportedly be some original Toshiba parts in the store "soon", but they will likely be sold out in a matter of a few days due to the lore around them and a new article Nelson published around using different Idss values.
TL;DR don't be a victim of audio nervosa.
re: the super regulator. First exercise. Check the normal current draw of the F6. Check the rated maximum amperage of the super-regulator. Will the super regulator that you're looking at work? Post a link to the exact one you're considering if there are any questions.
TL;DR don't be a victim of audio nervosa.
re: the super regulator. First exercise. Check the normal current draw of the F6. Check the rated maximum amperage of the super-regulator. Will the super regulator that you're looking at work? Post a link to the exact one you're considering if there are any questions.
intojazz: For the F6 the matched LSK170/LSJ74 (grade B) vfets are appropriate:
Linear Systems Matched JFETs – diyAudio Store
The other two options at the store are for different designs (for example,
matched quad of LSK170 for say B1, matched LSJ74 quad for Aleph J)
Linear Systems Matched JFETs – diyAudio Store
The other two options at the store are for different designs (for example,
matched quad of LSK170 for say B1, matched LSJ74 quad for Aleph J)
^ +1 Always listen to Dennis. 😀
Sorry intojazz... I thought you were debating between Toshiba JFETs / LS JFETs and some other options.... Silly me.
Sorry intojazz... I thought you were debating between Toshiba JFETs / LS JFETs and some other options.... Silly me.