I've never built anything like an amp before but, having just dropped on a bargain pair of Living Voice Avatars, have decided I'd like a new amp to get the best out of them. I've borrowed a Sugden A21a and a AI S500 valve amp. of the two I marginally prefer the sugden. So to cut a long story short which Pass Labs kit would you build if you were in my situation?
I am ok following diagrams and soldering but design is beyond me. A kit might be the best option or a link to UK suppliers of suitable chassis and components,
thanks in advance
Des
I am ok following diagrams and soldering but design is beyond me. A kit might be the best option or a link to UK suppliers of suitable chassis and components,
thanks in advance
Des
There are no Pass Labs designs in kit form. Only the ASA available here in the store. This is a 5-6w amp. It is a good amp and a is beginners platform.
If your speakers are 90db efficient, your best bet is an Aleph-J, F5 or F6 in the First Watt range. See FIRST WATT for more info. If you need more power, you'll need to look at other Pass Labs designs such as Alephs or X series amps. You'll have to build these from acquired parts.
If your speakers are 90db efficient, your best bet is an Aleph-J, F5 or F6 in the First Watt range. See FIRST WATT for more info. If you need more power, you'll need to look at other Pass Labs designs such as Alephs or X series amps. You'll have to build these from acquired parts.
Speakers are quoted as 94db for efficiency, though I think they were measured at 93db by a reviewer.
I've realised now the pass labs don't come as kits, I'm thinking though of either the F5 or, if it would work, the F4 using pcb's from the store on this site.
I've realised now the pass labs don't come as kits, I'm thinking though of either the F5 or, if it would work, the F4 using pcb's from the store on this site.
Looks like the F5 will be my best bet, seeems to be easier to match with pre amps and I could probably build the B1 to go with it. I've posted in the F5 thread regarding cost of building one including a power supply.
Sorry Zen, what does J signify?
Sorry Zen, what does J signify?
I'm looking to build rather than buy complete. I'm setting myself up for a big challenge but, if I can manage to build a pre and power, it hopefully should then lead to being able to experiment with other amp types for much less further cost. That's my thinking anyway, to save a lot of money long term, learn something new and eventually get the best out of my source and speakers.
to have a bear or tea with , while trying his amp with your sps , so having valuable experience with FW sound and possible choice
😉
Very sorry for the misunderstanding, I'm not always very bright 🙄 That would be great if there is, home made cake, tea and fresh coffee always available...
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you need to put your location under your flag and to make search for DiyA members from Yore E. , active in PL Forum
My best advise to you is to buy a ready built case. Unless you are handy with metal work, have a friend that knows metal work, it's a big waste of time for a beginner.
If you calculate the cost of used heat sinks, plate aluminum and your time constructing a case, you've not saved anything.
However, if it's your joy or want to learn to make such things, then have at it.
Why do I dispense with such advise? Soldering an Aleph J or F5 board will take you a few hours tops, if you are at all proficient at soldering PCBs. Building a case with the incorrect tools and little know-how will take you days many be even weeks.
Case in point, I purchased used heat sinks for $135 and plate aluminum for another $90, not including plate for the front baffle of the case. The heat sinks arrived with dents and bent fins (this from a known surplus electronics seller), then I had to cut the plate. My cuts sucked at best. Why? Wrong tools for the job. I could have saved the $200 odd dollars and waited a bit more to saved a bit more and just bought a case from diyauidio.com's store.
Unless you really want to learn metal case work or know someone whom can knock-out a metal case at a good cost and in little time, just save yourself the trouble and buy a ready made case.
Just my experience and 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Vince
Take a look at this - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/241729-aleph-j-illustrated-build-guide.html
and this - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/234355-guide-building-pass-f4-amplifier.html (I include this one as it has more photos of the chassis assembly, and to illustrate the similarity of the Firstwatt amps)
If it makes sense to you and you have no big questions about how things go together, then Carry on and Build Amps. 🙂 I suggest the Aleph J as well.
A beginner, willing to take his time and proceed carefully and thoughtfully, can most certainly build one of these fantastic amps.
and this - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/234355-guide-building-pass-f4-amplifier.html (I include this one as it has more photos of the chassis assembly, and to illustrate the similarity of the Firstwatt amps)
If it makes sense to you and you have no big questions about how things go together, then Carry on and Build Amps. 🙂 I suggest the Aleph J as well.
A beginner, willing to take his time and proceed carefully and thoughtfully, can most certainly build one of these fantastic amps.
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The Aleph J is my next amp so I'll be interested to see how you get on.
As far as cases in the UK go I'm afraid your limited. Someone on eBay sells a limited ammount (called doukmall) from a UK warehouse with free shipping. I've got one and it does the job. If you want anything sexier you will have to make it or import from China/USA/Italy. Pay special attention to how you will implement the heatsinks as all class A amps get hot.
As far as cases in the UK go I'm afraid your limited. Someone on eBay sells a limited ammount (called doukmall) from a UK warehouse with free shipping. I've got one and it does the job. If you want anything sexier you will have to make it or import from China/USA/Italy. Pay special attention to how you will implement the heatsinks as all class A amps get hot.
I've found a suitable chassis, in anodised black, from italy for Euro 220, now need the pcb's from somewhere and a decent supplier for the parts (if I missed out on the offer in the classifieds). Hopefully won't take too long to build after that.
What are suggestions for pre amp and phono stage? I am tempted to buy an older creek or the like with a decent phono stage whilst I research them and decide on the best options. Would that be a good plan?
What are suggestions for pre amp and phono stage? I am tempted to buy an older creek or the like with a decent phono stage whilst I research them and decide on the best options. Would that be a good plan?
Phono - Bugle2 - Phono Preamp – Hagerman Audio Labs
Guide - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/237627-hagerman-bugle-2-a.html#post3605491
The diyAudio store will have Aleph J and PSU PCB available soon, once the physical location change is complete.
Guide - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/237627-hagerman-bugle-2-a.html#post3605491
The diyAudio store will have Aleph J and PSU PCB available soon, once the physical location change is complete.
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