Looking for suggestions on what to build next?

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sp33ls

sp33ls

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Joined 2018
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#1
I'm currently in the process of wrapping up a (revised/upgraded) SissySIT build. Of course, I'm already on the lookout for what may come next. ( :

Three main reasons:
1) This forum is turning me into an addict
2) I'd prefer to have a more efficient option for listening during warm months (but not a must)
3) I'd like to use up some extra parts lying around

I've already got an extra PSU (LT4320 PSU, 33mF, 0R11, 33mF), two pairs of xformers (24VAC & 18VAC), and a pair of 2sk180 & 2sk182es. And, it'd be great to stuff everything into my extra 4U monoblock chassis. This is why I was thinking a Class AB with higher PSRR may be more ideal for this monoblock chassis.

Now, I'm not aware of any Class AB builds for Tokinz, but that would be a fun way to enjoy them during summer months, when I'd rather not burn the place down with the SissySIT or vintage Pioneer 50WPC Class A amp. 😛

Also happy to wait a bit if there's some exciting stuff coming soon that may fit the bill nicely. Just wanted to see what folks may suggest when they're not running their amazing Class A Pass builds.
 
#4
not to transform thread in pi$$ing contest, but more likely to increase your level of confusion :rofl:

I wrote of my Buddy - when seeing schematic of Babelfish XA252 he was eager to make full fun of it - (with few of my corrections in process) he made his own pcbs, and eager to finish it ASAP, assembled it in 4U/400 Modushop case; OS arrangement SIT up, mos puck down, so practically Babelfish XA252 SIT iteration

of course, Babysitter was inevitable , Full Monty being 35Vdc rails and 1A8-2A of Iq, so more suitable for Modushop 5U/500

considering that he's having efficient and sensitive speakers, easy to drive, then he came to idea what's going to happen if Iq is decreased; my advice was to keep rails value ( so no changing xformer) and to try 1A as lowest Iq point

now he's happy camper, having Brute cruising with 70W of heat per side, no Babysitter

anyway, ignore amp type (really no nasty commercial plug :rofl: ) ....... point is - in square law DEF arrangement, Tokin is viable and usable even with somewhat lower Iq than we are having habit to put it

of course that's possible ( as few commercial specimens, other than FW, did show) using pair of them (SITs) in quasi complementary AB class ...... but I'm personally not so keen to invest any time in pursuing that
 
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#5
Zen Mod said:
of course that's possible ( as few commercial specimens, other than FW, did show) using pair of them (SITs) in quasi complementary AB class ...... but I'm personally not so keen to invest any time in pursuing that
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Speaking of -- do you ever run Class AB amps, ZM? Pretty sure you get some warm days in your part of the world too. 😛

ItsAllInMyHead said:
A Wolverine might interest you. Plenty of variations to potentially suit your needs.
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This is a very intriguing project. I wonder if I could fit everything in a 4U monoblock chassis tho. Seems like it's possible.

I'd need a new PSU tho, it seems -- or at least new xformers. Seems like most configurations use ~60V rails, is that right?

I wonder how it compares to a Modulus-286, of which I've heard great things. Seems like the wolverine may be slightly more modern in its design?
 
#6
I built a low-THD class D amp (based on TPA3255) into a vintage chassis with meters and added an H2V2 to the input. It sounds great and runs very cool. That may be a direction for you.

Also, I recently built another low-THD, higher-power class D amp (IcePower 300A2) into another vintage chassis with meters (seeing a pattern here?) and paired that with an ACP+ for just a smidge of H2. That also sounds lovely.

I think a Modulus 286 plus an ACP+ might just be fantastic. The Wolverine looks to be a higher power front runner AB amp on the forum, for sure.

Still, I prefer the class A sound of Pass diyAudio amps. 🙂 If you don’t need lots of output power, the ACA Mini could tide you over during the hot months.
 
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#7
I have an old Sansui AU-999 I've cleaned and recapped. Sounds great and runs cool, so I could technically just keep using that for summer months lol.

I wonder if I should just hold on to my spare 4U monoblock chassis and wait and see what Papa releases for the next round of Tokin amps. I'm assuming it'll be low enough power output for a 4U monoblock stereo build.

I've got too many amps... Or, maybe, not enough speakers lol
 
#10
sp33ls said:
This is a very intriguing project. I wonder if I could fit everything in a 4U monoblock chassis tho. Seems like it's possible.
Click to expand...
Stereo build in a double-sinked 4U monoblock chassis? I'm not sure, but my guess is yes for the "smaller" Wolverine, the EF3-3. The EF3-3 is set up for UMS also if the monoblock chassis had pre-drilled UMS sinks. I don't remember.
sp33ls said:
I'd need a new PSU tho, it seems -- or at least new xformers. Seems like most configurations use ~60V rails, is that right?
Click to expand...
Correct. There are a number of options for rails, but ~60V is (I think) the lowest, and I think there are options at ~70V. I overlooked that it would be ideal if you could use your existing PSUs.
sp33ls said:
I wonder how it compares to a Modulus-286, of which I've heard great things. Seems like the wolverine may be slightly more modern in its design?
Click to expand...
I can't be sure. I haven't built one of Tom's Modulus amps (yet).

Another consideration is that my Wolverine builds will likely be the most complex amp projects I've taken on. The build guide is exceptional and VERY detailed, but it's a lot of reading. Also of note - the total parts cost is not inexpensive by comparison to a my typical FW build, but... nothing like SITs. There is some matching involved, and unless some enterprising folks have listed parts in the swap meet, you'd need to buy more than you need and match them. FWIW, I'd estimate that stuffing a stereo set of boards (not including the PSU) + the little heatsinks etc. required will wind up being roughly 4x something like the F5 and maybe 2x something like the F6 (b/c of transformers). Parts shortages have also made sourcing some of the parts a PITA.

Overall, it may be one to keep in mind, but in hindsight, it wasn't a very good recommendation on my part.

Enjoy whatever you choose. I know I'll look forward to seeing the pics and reading your impressions.
 
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#13
codyt said:
Check out Mark Johnson's version of Bob Cordell's GainClone
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Oh, hadn't seen this one either. This would also be an awesome option for repurposing my existing gear for a Class AB build. Thanks for pointing this one out to me, Cody.

Now, to decide whether I want to go that route, or save my existing chassis & trafos for one of Papa's builds, or start from scratch with Papa's SIT build
 
#15
sp33ls said:
Oh, hadn't seen this one either. This would also be an awesome option for repurposing my existing gear for a Class AB build. Thanks for pointing this one out to me, Cody.

Now, to decide whether I want to go that route, or save my existing chassis & trafos for one of Papa's builds, or start from scratch with Papa's SIT build
Click to expand...
Yeah, I know a lot of people really like it, and it certainly fits the build for an efficient AB build. If you decide to go this route, let me know. I should have a set of boards you can have.
 
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