Hello everyone,
I've been reading this forum for a few days now looking for the ideal DIY amplifier for my situation. I'm replacing a B&K ST1430 which powered my center and surrounds for my HT. I intend to eventually replace my main amp which is a B&K Reference 4420 once I'm satisfied with my first DIY amp project.
The problem I'm facing is that my mind has become numb with all the possibilities. I'm struggling, of course, with cost/value. I would like to stick around 400 bucks for all three channels but it's not looking like that will be an easy task. I've looked at the Opti-Mos, Leach, and AKSA. I would like 100+ watts, would really like 150+ for my mains as I use them for music quite often also. I will be running 5 - 4ohm speakers off the two amps but of course am just looking to start with the 3 channel for now.
I don't need the best DIY amp out there, just one that will be of better quality than my current amps and will fall within my budget...basically the annoying saying: "bet bang for the buck".
Any help would be great. I can assemble anything with instructions but am lacking when it comes to designing myself. I need to refresh my knowledge in electronics in a big way. It's been quite a while.
Thanks for any help.
I've been reading this forum for a few days now looking for the ideal DIY amplifier for my situation. I'm replacing a B&K ST1430 which powered my center and surrounds for my HT. I intend to eventually replace my main amp which is a B&K Reference 4420 once I'm satisfied with my first DIY amp project.
The problem I'm facing is that my mind has become numb with all the possibilities. I'm struggling, of course, with cost/value. I would like to stick around 400 bucks for all three channels but it's not looking like that will be an easy task. I've looked at the Opti-Mos, Leach, and AKSA. I would like 100+ watts, would really like 150+ for my mains as I use them for music quite often also. I will be running 5 - 4ohm speakers off the two amps but of course am just looking to start with the 3 channel for now.
I don't need the best DIY amp out there, just one that will be of better quality than my current amps and will fall within my budget...basically the annoying saying: "bet bang for the buck".
Any help would be great. I can assemble anything with instructions but am lacking when it comes to designing myself. I need to refresh my knowledge in electronics in a big way. It's been quite a while.
Thanks for any help.
A little more info...
I'm also considering the P3a but am a bit concerned about overhead. I'm used to the overhead of my B&K Reference 4420 at 225 watts/channel at 8 ohms and better than 300 at 4 ohms. I'm running AV1+ DIY speakers with 4 ohm impedance and the Sensitivity is 91.5 db (1watt/1m). I use these 5 speakers as my mains as well as my center and surrounds. Even if this amp has enough overhead for my fairly efficient speakers I need to feel confident that it will have enough overhead for 8 ohm 88db or similar efficency speakers. I like my home theater loud and my music fairly loud also.
I know my B&K amps are fairly decent amps but am not sure how they would compare in overhead and sound quality to the P3a... could someone give me a comparison, or explanation to help me decide on how much output my DIY choice should have? From reading the forum I'm assuming the P3a has much superior sound quality to my B&K which I consider to be a fair amp.
Thanks!
I'm also considering the P3a but am a bit concerned about overhead. I'm used to the overhead of my B&K Reference 4420 at 225 watts/channel at 8 ohms and better than 300 at 4 ohms. I'm running AV1+ DIY speakers with 4 ohm impedance and the Sensitivity is 91.5 db (1watt/1m). I use these 5 speakers as my mains as well as my center and surrounds. Even if this amp has enough overhead for my fairly efficient speakers I need to feel confident that it will have enough overhead for 8 ohm 88db or similar efficency speakers. I like my home theater loud and my music fairly loud also.
I know my B&K amps are fairly decent amps but am not sure how they would compare in overhead and sound quality to the P3a... could someone give me a comparison, or explanation to help me decide on how much output my DIY choice should have? From reading the forum I'm assuming the P3a has much superior sound quality to my B&K which I consider to be a fair amp.
Thanks!
more questions
Can anyone compare the performance (sound quality) of Rod Elliot's P3A amp versus the AKSA 55 watt amp?
I have heard the AKSA 55 watt amp with the Nirvana upgrade. And I can understand how people (especially in Harmonic Discord forums) claim it to beat the Krells and Audio Research, etc. It is very musical, revealing yet not analytical, has good solid bass...
I'm a little concerned by a comment I read where owner of P3A, I think in UK, compared the value of the P3A to a good $400-600 amp like Arcam. I'm not looking for another NAD nor B&K. It has to be at least a top model Naim or Linn.
Thanks,
Al
Can anyone compare the performance (sound quality) of Rod Elliot's P3A amp versus the AKSA 55 watt amp?
I have heard the AKSA 55 watt amp with the Nirvana upgrade. And I can understand how people (especially in Harmonic Discord forums) claim it to beat the Krells and Audio Research, etc. It is very musical, revealing yet not analytical, has good solid bass...
I'm a little concerned by a comment I read where owner of P3A, I think in UK, compared the value of the P3A to a good $400-600 amp like Arcam. I'm not looking for another NAD nor B&K. It has to be at least a top model Naim or Linn.
Thanks,
Al
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