Some time ago I built a "passive preamp" for my own use. You can read more about it here: http://stiftsbogtrykkeriet.dk/~mcs/Remote3/index.html
A couple of people have asked me if kits were available, which they aren't currently. But I just wanted to find out if there is any interest?
I could probably sell PCBs at $25-30 each. A complete kit with box costs about $160 at low-quantity list prices in Denmark, but I could probably get the cost down to $130 if I buy parts for more than one kit at a time...
The pictures on the link above are not the latest version BTW. I fixed a couple of things in the PCB layout after assembling the first PCB 🙂
The board also includes two wire links that can be removed if you want to make the preamp active.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
A couple of people have asked me if kits were available, which they aren't currently. But I just wanted to find out if there is any interest?
I could probably sell PCBs at $25-30 each. A complete kit with box costs about $160 at low-quantity list prices in Denmark, but I could probably get the cost down to $130 if I buy parts for more than one kit at a time...
The pictures on the link above are not the latest version BTW. I fixed a couple of things in the PCB layout after assembling the first PCB 🙂
The board also includes two wire links that can be removed if you want to make the preamp active.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
Cobra2 said:
In that case this PCB layout may be better: http://stiftsbogtrykkeriet.dk/~mcs/Remote4_pcb.gif
It's the same circuit, just on a PCB split into two pieces. The complete PCB is still 160*100mm, but with a seperate 103*44mm frontpanel cut-out in the corner. The original PCB layout was made for the box, and it's not very practical in a different sized box.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
A split PCB is a good idea, but not important to have a Vol-pot soldered directly on PCB, or buttons...as these things may differ a lot on existing designs.
Arne K
Arne K
If you want to connect the buttons using wires, then the PCB layout doesn't matter a lot. But I'm too lazy for that 😉 - I like having everything on the PCB...
But the PCB layout you can see on the photo does include two rows of pads where you can solder in headers for connecting LEDs and buttons.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
But the PCB layout you can see on the photo does include two rows of pads where you can solder in headers for connecting LEDs and buttons.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
I'm interested
Hi Mikkel,
Good work. It so happened that I need a passive preamp to test my power amp. So, I can tell you, if your price is right, I'm interested.
Some questions: What sort of relays do you use? gold plated? (Yes, I want gold plated ones) Are your phono connectors gold plated as well? (I couldn't see clearly)
If I do decide to buy your passive preamp kit, then I will want your full kit from everything to everything including case and knobs. (Your case work look great😉 )
Please give me a quote on the full kit
What resistance is your volume pot?
James
mcs said:
Hi Mikkel,
Good work. It so happened that I need a passive preamp to test my power amp. So, I can tell you, if your price is right, I'm interested.
Some questions: What sort of relays do you use? gold plated? (Yes, I want gold plated ones) Are your phono connectors gold plated as well? (I couldn't see clearly)
If I do decide to buy your passive preamp kit, then I will want your full kit from everything to everything including case and knobs. (Your case work look great😉 )
Please give me a quote on the full kit
What resistance is your volume pot?
James
A suggestion
Hi Mikkel,
I read your website again: Perhaps it is cheaper if I source the parts locally and just buy the case and pcb from you. So, please give me a separate quote as well. Please inculde shipping charges.
A suggestion: If there are many people buying your kit, you can go to the parts sales office to get factory prices. In general, the prices are one-tenth of the RS/Farnell prices.
James
Hi Mikkel,
I read your website again: Perhaps it is cheaper if I source the parts locally and just buy the case and pcb from you. So, please give me a separate quote as well. Please inculde shipping charges.
A suggestion: If there are many people buying your kit, you can go to the parts sales office to get factory prices. In general, the prices are one-tenth of the RS/Farnell prices.
James
Re: I'm interested
They are the standard gold plated phono connectors used on a lot of equipment.
A PCB and programmed microcontroller: DKR 200 (which is approx. US$ 34 or AU$ 44).
The box on its own is DKR 150 (US$ 25/AU$ 33).
The complete kit (including PCB and box) costs. approx DKR 765 with the 100k pot and DKR 890 with the 50k pot - the pots are cheaper in Taiwan... Those prices are approx. US$ 128/148 and AU$ 168/196.
The shipping cost is DKR 105 or 150 with insurance - both by airmail. It may be a bit less - I haven't weighed all the parts together.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
Thanks! I don't know if my price is right - the cost does get a bit high when you add up the costs...Praise! said:
The relays are gold plated signal relays. The phono connectors are "yellow" plated - it's probably gold, but don't scratch them too much 🙂
They are the standard gold plated phono connectors used on a lot of equipment.
That's because you haven't seen a closeup of the back panel 😉 High-precision drilling is not one of my top skills... But I do include a template for the front and back panels so drilling isn't that difficult.
50k or 100k - those are the only values I have been able to find. You can get the 50k pot from RS or Farnell, and I can get the 100k pots from Taiwan.
I know. I buy some of the parts (the ones I use for work as well) from parts distributors. The microcontrollers for instance cost only about a fifth from a distributor...
Here are the prices...
A PCB and programmed microcontroller: DKR 200 (which is approx. US$ 34 or AU$ 44).
The box on its own is DKR 150 (US$ 25/AU$ 33).
The complete kit (including PCB and box) costs. approx DKR 765 with the 100k pot and DKR 890 with the 50k pot - the pots are cheaper in Taiwan... Those prices are approx. US$ 128/148 and AU$ 168/196.
The shipping cost is DKR 105 or 150 with insurance - both by airmail. It may be a bit less - I haven't weighed all the parts together.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
Prices acceptable
Hi Mikkel,
Thank you for your prompt and detailed reply.
I'm happy with your prices!
In regard to method of payment, do you take TT or bankdraft? I can electronically transfer funds to your account. Please don't give your bank account details here, it's not secure. From now on, please quote all the prices in $AU.
Let me have a few hours to make a final decision.
If I do go ahead, I might want to source the components locally. (except your PCB and that program stuff) So, I also need to see your bill of materials so that I can be sure I have all the parts needed. Australia is not a good place to source electronic components.
I don't want pots from Taiwan and I want the 50k one. But my local RS does not stock 50k with motor and Farnell sells it @ AU$85 = DKK$385.
I'm not sure which is cheaper.
So, give me a few hours to study your preamp thoroughly and also look at your bill of materials. You can always email me!
James Yung😎
mcs said:
Hi Mikkel,
Thank you for your prompt and detailed reply.
I'm happy with your prices!
In regard to method of payment, do you take TT or bankdraft? I can electronically transfer funds to your account. Please don't give your bank account details here, it's not secure. From now on, please quote all the prices in $AU.
Let me have a few hours to make a final decision.
If I do go ahead, I might want to source the components locally. (except your PCB and that program stuff) So, I also need to see your bill of materials so that I can be sure I have all the parts needed. Australia is not a good place to source electronic components.
I don't want pots from Taiwan and I want the 50k one. But my local RS does not stock 50k with motor and Farnell sells it @ AU$85 = DKK$385.
I'm not sure which is cheaper.
So, give me a few hours to study your preamp thoroughly and also look at your bill of materials. You can always email me!
James Yung😎
Re: Prices acceptable
I buy the same type of Alps pot from RS/Farnell and Taiwan (Alps RK27112) - they are just cheaper in Taiwan. The difference is that RS/Farnell both stock the 50k version and the place in Taiwan stocks the 100k version... The pots cost about AU$ 62 from RS in Denmark (or AU$66 from Farnell).
I will send you an e-mail with the rest.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
Just a small question - why don't you want pots from Taiwan? Do Alps pots get bad if they spend a few months in Taiwan?Praise! said:
I buy the same type of Alps pot from RS/Farnell and Taiwan (Alps RK27112) - they are just cheaper in Taiwan. The difference is that RS/Farnell both stock the 50k version and the place in Taiwan stocks the 100k version... The pots cost about AU$ 62 from RS in Denmark (or AU$66 from Farnell).
I will send you an e-mail with the rest.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
Re: Any news?
I just want to assemble one of the new boards myself to make sure they actually work before sending them to you, but my work has kept me from doing that. I'll get it done tomorrow or tuesday and let you know the outcome.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
Yes, I have the boards now - it took the customs people two weeks to figure out the duty is 0% 🙂Cobra2 said:
I just want to assemble one of the new boards myself to make sure they actually work before sending them to you, but my work has kept me from doing that. I'll get it done tomorrow or tuesday and let you know the outcome.
Best regards,
Mikkel C. Simonsen
I have bought several kits from Dantimax and have always been satisfied with the service provided, however some experience or logical thinking is required.
The passive preamp I bought is top quality the PCB's are multilayer and throughplated and very good quality.
Assembling the kits are straight forward and quit simple.
The Preamp is remote controlled and consist of a Input1 board, Control2 board and a volumeboard and a display
The sound of the preamp is almost non exsisting it provides a natural, crisp and clear dimention to my system.
I have modified the passivpreamp into an active one by using the Chipvol board from Dantimax as well, the have now moved thing onto a higher lever, providing much more detail and depht to the music, voices are more live and natural sounding.
The passive preamp I bought is top quality the PCB's are multilayer and throughplated and very good quality.
Assembling the kits are straight forward and quit simple.
The Preamp is remote controlled and consist of a Input1 board, Control2 board and a volumeboard and a display
The sound of the preamp is almost non exsisting it provides a natural, crisp and clear dimention to my system.
I have modified the passivpreamp into an active one by using the Chipvol board from Dantimax as well, the have now moved thing onto a higher lever, providing much more detail and depht to the music, voices are more live and natural sounding.
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