First amp

[MattWeth]

Dear all,
This is my first post, so hi!
I've been lurking here for a while and reading lots to try and get some sort of basic understanding, but it's reached the point where I'm going to have to build something to play with.
In the excellent 'learning for newbies' permanent thread, I came across a reference to an amp design at http://boozhoundlabs.com/howto/
I'd like to have a go at building this as it seems to be a fairly straightforward design and uses reasonably cheap parts (although I realise that 'inexpensive' and valve technology don't usually get used together!).
As I'm based in the UK, could anyone recommend any UK sources for the parts listed for the boozhound design (Hammond transformers, paper in oil capacitors etc). I realise that there are probably multiple options for all the parts listed in the design, but at the moment I'm at the bottom of a very steep learning curve and I really don't know enough to make an informed decision - I'd like to at least build something using parts that I know will work and learn from building and tweaking it.

many thanks
Matt

 

[MuaDibb]

Try Bluebell Audio in the UK there is a helpful guy there ( I can't remember his name ) that has helped people put together parts lists and kits and will even answer assembly questions. 😀

 

[baggystevo82]

Hi,

Welcome to the world! I'll second Bluebell audio, used him several times and there really are no limits to the lengths he'll go to to help you out. Very good value too.

Good luck!
Steve

 

[MattWeth]

Alternatives to boozhound design?

Many thanks for the replies guys - bluebell looks to be exactly what I need (just need to find tubes now!).

On the subject of schematics, has anyone built the boozhound design and can comment on the sound? - (or does anyone know of any other decent sounding, 'beginner friendly' designs which wouldn't cost the earth to build)?

many thanks
Matt

 

[baggystevo82]

Hi Matt,

It certainly looks simple enough, so long as it has enough power to drive your speakers. I should think it would be a good starting point. The tubes should be easy enough to find, just have a check on ebay and you should find something. A Froogle search finds a few propper shops in the UK too.

Steve

 

[MattWeth]

Hi Matt,

It certainly looks simple enough, so long as it has enough power to drive your speakers. I should think it would be a good starting point. The tubes should be easy enough to find, just have a check on ebay and you should find something. A Froogle search finds a few propper shops in the UK too.

Steve

Thanks Steve,
Whatever I build will have to drive my little Mission 750's. It's a long time since I've seen the specs for them, so I'm not sure of their efficiency but while they are probably aren't the best, they seem to be fairly easily driven. I'll give Bluebell a call tomorrow and see about getting hold of some bits to get me going!
best
Matt

 

[baggystevo82]

Had a quick look, about 86dB I think. Might be abit of a struggle with only a few watts, but worth a go! Depends how loud you like it too.
Steve

 

[SHiFTY]

Another option is buying something like a Leak Stereo 20 and rebuilding it. These will give much more power and also sound pretty decent whe restored/modified.

You could try and hunt down something like this instead of building from scratch.

 

[MattWeth]

Had a quick look, about 86dB I think. Might be abit of a struggle with only a few watts, but worth a go! Depends how loud you like it too.
Steve

Thanks Steve,
Hmm - might need a re-think on amp schematics - something with a little more grunt....

Another option is buying something like a Leak Stereo 20 and rebuilding it. These will give much more power and also sound pretty decent whe restored/modified.

You could try and hunt down something like this instead of building from scratch.

That's a good idea - thanks Shifty, however I'm still learning (have only just started learning really), so I'm not sure what would be best - need to have a think 🙂

thanks for the advice everyone
Matt