A new amp is not in the cards. Not for a while anyway.
(But out of curiosity, how much would such an amp run me?)
There's never a need to hold back from telling me an idea is stupid. I'm not that sensitive. 🙂
I'm thinking that might not be such a bad thing, since the CHR would be directional and the EL is, well, up top.
Depends on how big your junk box is or how good a salvager you are.
We have some pretty nice amps here cost <$100 out of pocket.
But an all new PP EL84/6V6/6AQ8 could be done for <$200 (or much more)
I know someone whoed probably part with his Dyna SCA35 OPTs which is one of the expensive bits
Search on El Cheapo or TubeLab simplePP
An SE amp (RH84) could be done for even less (if you did a drive by, i could pull most of the parts (sans caps & Rs) out of the junk).
dave
Is the assumption that I could do it myself? If so,
I would never attempt to build an amp. I know my limits.
Is the assumption that I could do it myself? If so,
I would never attempt to build an amp. I know my limits.
that's what I thought my first couple of times around, but after a few attempts and no magic smoke (this is the RH84 variant to which Dave referred above)
the metal chassis bashing is the toughest part
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Hmmm. Well, if there was a complete kit available with explicit instructions, or at least a PDF with a complete parts list, schematic, and explicit instructions, I might have a chance. Maybe.
The issue for a newbie like me is that most of these DIY kits are designed with certain assumptions in mind; one being that the DIYer already knows a lot about electronics, which I do not. I have no idea, for instance, what the difference is between an inductor and a capacitor.
Another issue is (I assume) that these amps are just that, "amps"; ei. I would need to buy or build a pre-amp as well.
I think I would need to do a direct comparison of this type of setup with what I already have and decide if it is worth the cost and effort to build a pre-amp and tube amp. I have looked briefly at what it would cost for a pre-built tube amp of this caliber and I am looking at at least $400. Hard to justify that one with the wife.
Don't get me wrong, I have heard plenty of tube amps before and I can appreciate them (just never thought/knew I could afford one). If I had to do this all over again, I wouldn't have bought my receiver and tube buffer; I would have spent the same money on a pre-built tube amp. The fact of the matter is that I have already spent that money. Going back in time is the only option... While I wait for the time machine to be invented, the Yamaha and the B-283 tube buffer are going to have to do. I suspect this combination sounds much better than some might assume. Perhaps it is that I don't know what I am missing; but alas, that is a "good thing", IMO.
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And after the latest ugrade
dave
Beautiful. I really do wish I had taken more time to research amplification options before making my purchases...
(on the other hand, I am extremely happy with the way my system sounds, so I'm not beating myself up too badly)
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There are some excellent kits that meet all of your criteria - Bottlehead. Indeed it was my success with first Foreplay pre-amp and minor modifications to Decware Zen amps a few (9?) years ago that gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone.
Now, I have heard the B283 buffer, and while it can add some tubiliciousness to an otherwise dry SS system, there is an entirely other level of transparency and dimension of soundstage that you might not have heard yet.
Now, I have heard the B283 buffer, and while it can add some tubiliciousness to an otherwise dry SS system, there is an entirely other level of transparency and dimension of soundstage that you might not have heard yet.
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Funny you should mention that. I was just saying to my wife last night how it would be nice to take a trip to the island next August (knowing full well that DIYfest is typically in August 😀 ).
She eventually figured out that I was up to something, so when I admitted DIYfest is in August she started going on about "oh sure, get us out to the island and then take off to listen to music and get hammered/stoned with a bunch of audio nuts..." something to this effect, anyway. I just laughed and acted innocent. Man, I love her. 🙂
sounds like a hall pass to me
participation in drum circles and sensory enhancement is entirely voluntary - just bring enough to share
sounds like a hall pass to me
participation in drum circles and sensory enhancement is entirely voluntary - just bring enough to share
If I start working on it slowly, gently, over the next many months I just might be able to make it happen.
18th or the 25th. I have to coordinate/negotiate with Terry O. If i can get the latter date i'll get the opportunity to go to my 40th high scool reunion.
dave
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