Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and am looking for some advice where to start with building a DIY amplifier!
I have Avantgarde Duo (103dB sensitive) speakers and I currently run an Audion SET tube amp that can take 300b or 2A3 valves. I love the sound of the valve amplifier but it’s had a couple of wobbles recently that has resulted in gong in for repair.
The first time this was in for repair I purchased an Amptastic Mini-1 and while it didn’t have the wonderful musicality of the Audion I was rather shocked with how quiet it was and how fast the bass was.
This has got me thinking about building something solid state that will give me the fast bass response but hopefully match the lush musical sound of the 300b/2a3
I really have no idea where to start! I am not too shabby with a soldering iron though!
Thank you
I have Avantgarde Duo (103dB sensitive) speakers and I currently run an Audion SET tube amp that can take 300b or 2A3 valves. I love the sound of the valve amplifier but it’s had a couple of wobbles recently that has resulted in gong in for repair.
The first time this was in for repair I purchased an Amptastic Mini-1 and while it didn’t have the wonderful musicality of the Audion I was rather shocked with how quiet it was and how fast the bass was.
This has got me thinking about building something solid state that will give me the fast bass response but hopefully match the lush musical sound of the 300b/2a3
I really have no idea where to start! I am not too shabby with a soldering iron though!
Thank you
Bass is pretty slow moving.
The ACA in the kit section of the store here is a really nice sounding amp! Might start there.
+1!
Since you are starting out, Mark's suggestion of starting with a complete kit makes a lot of sense. After admiring your own success you can then start looking at other projects to tackle. Have fun!!!
Since you are starting out, Mark's suggestion of starting with a complete kit makes a lot of sense. After admiring your own success you can then start looking at other projects to tackle. Have fun!!!
Thank you very much. I must admit I had not even considered the complexities involved with the number of variables and variations! I should have mentioned I am based in the U.K. not that is means the suggested kit is off the table! I guess my only reservation on a complete kit is it doesn’t make it “my” amplifier. A bit like buying a box of ingredients to make a curry, rather than getting a recipe card and refining it. I’m just thinking that the self satisfaction of building your own is relational to customisation and uniqueness to a degree.
Thank you Nelson for the welcome. Simple is good in my book.
Does anyone have any suggestions as a starting point for a simple design that comes close to the SET tube sound without the hassle? I fancy the idea of building someone else’s tried and tested design but maybe changing some of the components (maybe go crazy and use Audio Note capacitors!).
Thanks again to all
Does anyone have any suggestions as a starting point for a simple design that comes close to the SET tube sound without the hassle? I fancy the idea of building someone else’s tried and tested design but maybe changing some of the components (maybe go crazy and use Audio Note capacitors!).
Thanks again to all
One of the attractions of the ACA and its variations is that it uses an external commercial psu. This simplifies things considerably and increases the chances of success first time. You can then build your own linear psu(s) and/or substitute boutique caps or alternative MOSFETS according to taste. You probably already appreciate that the case and psu(s) can account for half or more of the total cost, depending on your metalworking skills.
The M2X is more of a challenge but now has numerous input board options.
(Building is fun - you may well end up with more amplifiers than any sane person could possibly use. Ask me how I know......)
The M2X is more of a challenge but now has numerous input board options.
(Building is fun - you may well end up with more amplifiers than any sane person could possibly use. Ask me how I know......)
For the solid state single ended sound, the Amp Camp Amp (ACA) is a good choice, as mentioned by tjw59 and davidjt.
https://diyaudiostore.com/collections/amp-camp-amp/products/amp-camp-amp-parts-kit-only
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/amp-camp-amp-aca.215392/page-564#post-6962714
https://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_amp_camp_1.pdf
Another simple single ended amp is the MoFo. It is also single ended but it is a follower amp, which requires a preamp with gain. However with your Avantgarde's sensitivity, not a lot of gain is required.
https://blog.audiomaker.tech/download/build-this-mofo/
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/build-this-mofo.313649/
https://diyaudiostore.com/collections/amp-camp-amp/products/amp-camp-amp-parts-kit-only
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/amp-camp-amp-aca.215392/page-564#post-6962714
https://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_amp_camp_1.pdf
Another simple single ended amp is the MoFo. It is also single ended but it is a follower amp, which requires a preamp with gain. However with your Avantgarde's sensitivity, not a lot of gain is required.
https://blog.audiomaker.tech/download/build-this-mofo/
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/build-this-mofo.313649/
If you're interested in a 300B like sound, then try the L'amp series of circuits.
You'll have to source a couple 2sk82 vfets, which are difficult, but not impossible to obtain.
The L'amp with constant current source (CCS) is relatively easy to build and doesn't require a large choke for the current source.
The L'amp CCS will output 5 watts. The choke loaded L'amp is closer to 10w.
You can find some of the articles here: https://blog.audiomaker.tech/articles-projects/
Good luck!
You'll have to source a couple 2sk82 vfets, which are difficult, but not impossible to obtain.
The L'amp with constant current source (CCS) is relatively easy to build and doesn't require a large choke for the current source.
The L'amp CCS will output 5 watts. The choke loaded L'amp is closer to 10w.
You can find some of the articles here: https://blog.audiomaker.tech/articles-projects/
Good luck!
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That reminds me of a slimming machine I tried about 25 years ago….. actually could do with that now post lockdown!Also decreases possibility of electroshock therapy.
In all seriousness, not having to build a power supply at this stage seems like a welcome idea. With the price of the components being so inexpensive it makes sense maybe to invest in a nice pair of large chassis (thinking mono blocks!) and experiment with different components or even build two amplifiers in the same chassis to switch between 😱
Lots of bedtime reading with the links above so thank you to everyone for the warm welcome and suggestions!
Welcome!
You seem to be a bit above a "first-timer". Without a budget / other considerations, it's tough to narrow it down. 103dB speakers widen the number of choices. A few thoughts from what I'd consider least complex to more complex.
A few thoughts to add to the confusion and opinions. 😀
Edited to add - One consideration for the M2x (particularly with 103dB speakers) is hum. Properly built, it should/probably won't be an issue, but it is a consideration; as would any build using a signal transformer.
You seem to be a bit above a "first-timer". Without a budget / other considerations, it's tough to narrow it down. 103dB speakers widen the number of choices. A few thoughts from what I'd consider least complex to more complex.
- You could build an ACP+. Yes, really. It may surprise you, but it's not likely to be the best choice.
- The ACAs are super-fun and scalable. A lot of conversation about premium parts from PSU through to output devices.
- You've mentioned monoblocks and having two to switch between. Always FUN! If that doesn't intimidate you, then I'd start with any of the FW-based clones using the same ~24V rails. It's (to me) very hard to talk about sound comparisons, but there do seem to be trends. I'd consider something targeting your "tubey" desires and maybe something to play with and toy around.
- Tubey... build it first
- Aleph J (boards being updated to be easier to build). Hugely popular choice. Everyone needs an Aleph. Huge support network. Build guides etc.
- ZM's Babel J2. One of my personal favorites. ZM and others will definitely provide support, but a bit less documentation. No build guide, but not a major challenge.
- M2x (tons of input stages to play with) ... add it to the "other side" later. You just can't get bored with it. If toying around with things is your style, then it could be the one for you. If you're handy with an iron, some of the input stages may be truly fun for you to build (Austin / Norwood come to mind). The "original" Ishikawa is about as simple as it can get from a construction standpoint.
- Tubey... build it first
A few thoughts to add to the confusion and opinions. 😀
Edited to add - One consideration for the M2x (particularly with 103dB speakers) is hum. Properly built, it should/probably won't be an issue, but it is a consideration; as would any build using a signal transformer.
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Torment yourself by looking at the gorgeous photos of the (ACA Redux) monoblocks. Eat your own liver after viewing (post #80) and realizing that these may, or may not, appear in the diyAudio Store, at some indefinite & unknown time in the future. Or maybe, not at all.