Keantoken's Aurum-X 300w Amp with LatFETs

[jacques antoine]

Have you guys figured out where to get the LSK389’s? I got mine as a free sample from Linear Systems years ago. I used the first pair in the DC3 preamp. Then the second pair in the AurumX. It was nice that they gave samples back then.

Hi X,
You might try the SMD SST404 (50 V 10 mA N-Channel JFET) from Futurelectronics.
It works fine in the AEM6000.

 

[xrk971]

Thanks for the tip J.A. Looks like there are thousands available from Futurelectrinics for $3.77ea. SOIC8 format and we can easily make a small PCB adapter to 6 legged TH device. Or in future version of the FE board add a SMT footprint on bottom side.

https://www.futureelectronics.com/s...ctedTab=products&selectedParentCategory=jfets

 

[thompsontechs]

I have used many ON SEMI parts, they are solid, but as for this application... dunno

 

[Ozark HiFi Doctor]

Penalty of stereo amps (for me) after rotator cuff surgeries, both arms.
could prove incalculable. Gone are the days of heavy speakers,
heavy amplifiers. *Well, almost...

I transitioned from nearly 150lb beast amp No.336, from class A/B amp
to telephone book sized monoblocks (that I could easily pick-up)
in the JR 501 mono-blocks, driving Revel Studios.

*with acceptation, the VT-200 being recapped / sold,
though useful (at times) as a drying rack...

The OTLs (of course by virtue) are much more manageable,
and the cat prefers thermionic musical indulgences.

The AurumX cut across so many paths, my target
less than 50 pounds and around a foot squared,
it will be manageable while filling the room...
(back to regular scheduled programming)

 

[thompsontechs]

Most, but not all, parts for the Aurum X

So you wanna build this amp eh? Heheheh

That's Mouser, Digikey, Linear, and Profusion.

 

[Vunce]

Ahhhh, you gotta love the sight when the Mouser bag is dumped out on the workbench! Parts Galore 😍

 

[thompsontechs]

Be afraid, be very afraid!

Seriously, though this build is not for the faint of heart, or wallet, for that matter. 🤔

 

[Ozark HiFi Doctor]

~ N I C E ~ I am jealous.

Should I order now?? the BOMs I uploaded to Mouser
Or is there or are there steps to complete before,
(eg: key transistors on BO)

~ hitting order tab ~

 

[thompsontechs]

I will not be complete, nor perfect. I big shout out to Shane, who did the initial work on getting a cart for us. I was on the fence, without all his hard work, I don't think I would have had the fortitude to take on the job. It's especially hard these days, so Shane, we owe ya a bottle of whatever you like to drink. 🙂

JT

After I get the B2 restore done and build this one, I think it will be time for a break. It'll probably be warm enough to fish by then. 🙂

 

[xrk971]

BOM Shopping cart building is a very important job and one that I do not like to do that’s for sure. Big shout out to Shane for doing this.

 

[JPS64]

FE PCB holder arrives tomorrow and I‘ll send them to X.

JP

 

[Ozark HiFi Doctor]

Yes indeed, the amount of work is astounding...

Many working towards a common goal. Have outdone themselves.

I am blown away.

- - - - -

Is the BOM I have for 2 amps or 1? What you emailed me XRK.
It looks like for one (by the numbers) the main P/S caps listed
as 8, not 16.

- - - - -

I am also at Newark, they have some of the key components
KSC1845FTA - KSC3503DS
and
LM2903P
in stock

I have not checked Allied.

 

[Studley]

There has been more than one lull in the gestation of this amp (that’s an observation and not a criticism) but it looks like there is some serious wind in the sails this time. Looking forward to reading reports of the finished amp and how it sounds. Your efforts are appreciated guys.

 

[thompsontechs]

There has been more than one lull in the gestation of this amp (that’s an observation and not a criticism) but it looks like there is some serious wind in the sails this time. Looking forward to reading reports of the finished amp and how it sounds. Your efforts are appreciated guys.

It's happening, I don't spend $1500 bucks and not follow through. 😉 Providing I get support as needed, it will be done.

 

[thompsontechs]

Yes indeed, the amount of work is astounding...

Many working towards a common goal. Have outdone themselves.

I am blown away.

- - - - -

Is the BOM I have for 2 amps or 1? What you emailed me XRK.
It looks like for one (by the numbers) the main P/S caps listed
as 8, not 16.

- - - - -

I am also at Newark, they have some of the key components
KSC1845FTA - KSC3503DS
and
LM2903P
in stock

I have not checked Allied.

I have a shitpile of the 1845s. I bought them up last time they were in stock. If you need them, for this, just let me know.

JT

 

[xrk971]

There has been more than one lull in the gestation of this amp (that’s an observation and not a criticism) but it looks like there is some serious wind in the sails this time. Looking forward to reading reports of the finished amp and how it sounds. Your efforts are appreciated guys.

Yes. Critical mass as they call it. Thanks to Shane for giving us all some impetus to get this amp going again. I appreciate the team effort here.

 

[Ozark HiFi Doctor]

I have been tracking this topic and thread(s) related to it for some time.
The design and evolution (to me) has been nearly mythical / mysterious
I struggle for appropriate words. **in a prior work life and time
in the R & D center, seeing what is planned and in the works,
waiting patiently for the technology to manifest...
really good things do take time.

Photos in the tray cannot be rushed = I know, old school.
A painting is comprised of xxx many brush strokes... no less.

I have been bound by budget(s) and on a path of successive build(s),
the number bordering ridiculous... really was not looking for another
amp or amp topology. I am really satisfied by the evolution of
my efforts, yet the inner engineer always questions...

After having my senses teased with dual die Exicons the past year,
after 40 years of vintage latFET builds. The Exicons have a real beauty
[in current builds] and when folded into a circuit like the AurumX...
should be really elegant = far greater than the sum of its parts.

Forgive the mixed metaphor(s), work with me, follow me here...
like the girl you have always eyed, watch her grow up (maybe feeling)
like she .might. be out of your league or that she has a partner
or commitment, is simply unavailable. *a matter of timing.

She is finally free to date, to get to know better, and with gained maturity,
we have the sense to approach her and she the means to grasp / reward
our patience and maturity... after waiting for the dance floor to clear.
*the strange mix of emotions stirred within me... a good thing.

Having asked AurumX out ~ she said yes, I am nearly smitten.
These boards are simply gorgeous, a thing of great beauty.
The work/many involved should be proud! I will honor
and do great justice to their colledctive efforts.

I will admit to enjoying building [beyond a(ny) practical means]
almost as much or 'more than' a lifetime of enjoyment and listening.
This is going to be fun *THANKS TO SHANE! clearing the path,
during our ascent. Building this will be "the easy part"
*not excluding others.

 

[Ozark HiFi Doctor]

1845s. I bought them up last time they were in stock. If you need them, for this, just let me know.

JT

Thanks JT, I will order some (to stock) feel good knowing that you also have some... just in case.

 

[Bonsai]

You should be able to buy the LSK389's directly from Linear Integrated Systems website - used them on a phono amp.

 

[Ozark HiFi Doctor]

You should be able to buy the LSK389's directly from Linear Integrated Systems website - used them on a phono amp.

Thanks Bonsai!