The Aleph30 PCB layout

[Peter Daniel]

Yes, it has started and I'm accepting payments for Aleph boards now.

I don't want to turn it into another group buy, that's why all the payments are done by contacting me personally. The price of one board (containing two Aleph channels) is USD$20 and includes all additional fees (shipping, packaging, handling), as well, any proceedings will be gladly donated to the support the forum fund 😉

Upon e-mailing me (with mail subject stated as A30 boards) I will provide paypal info, or other, alternative methods of payment can be discussed.

PS: I'm still working on a DAC offer, and it should be available soon as well.

 

[Peter Daniel]

I just received the call that the boards are ready for pick up today. I don't have to tell you that I'm quite excited 😉

 

[Peter Daniel]

So this is how it looks:

 

[Peter Daniel]

Here's the bottom side:

 

[DocLorren]

I am glad I ordered a pair. This looks solid!

 

[BrianGT]

So this is how it looks:

Boards look great! Can you put one next to a gainclone board, to provide an idea of the relative size? (separated would be good also)

--
Brian

 

[jleaman]

Looks Good Peter..

 

[Peter Daniel]

Boards look great! Can you put one next to a gainclone board, to provide an idea of the relative size? (separated would be good also)

--
Brian

Thanks, here how they compare, pretty close in size actually.

 

[MikeW]

Look good

Nice work

 

[Peter Daniel]

Yeah, it came out pretty nicely. There is something about building a discreet circuit, I feel like I'm moving back in time 2 or 3 years😉

PS: Where is that guy who said the components are located without any particular order? 😉

 

[Peter Daniel]

I did not install all the components, as I don't expect them to be really needed. However, one can built with that board the exact Aleph30 replica.

 

[Peter Daniel]

Will try to run some test tomorrow. The spread between devices is about right, and I don't imagine the heat dissipation could be a problem (with a right heatsink).

 

[Peter Daniel]

I'm geting swamped with orders. For the info, this board is presently available. I ordered only 50 pcs. and it seems like I will be running short soon. This is not a problem and I can get another 100 made before the next Friday.

One board, containing two channels is $20, shipping and handling included (worldwide).

IMHO, this is a particularly good layout, and I have great expectations with regards to performance of this little (class A) amp. I will build the final version with Mills and Caddock resistors and Black Gates N type caps 😉

 

[jleaman]

Will try to run some test tomorrow. The spread between devices is about right, and I don't imagine the heat dissipation could be a problem (with a right heatsink).

AH OH!! Jason likes that : O ) Wonder how big of heat sinks you need : O ) HUmmm.. now i should re-think my mini a's : O )

 

[grataku]

PS: Where is that guy who said the components are located without any particular order? 😉

I'm here sweetheart. 😉
I think I did play a part in pushing you to remove those few 'compromises' as you called them a few days ago. I still have a different vision for the whole think something with really-real short signal path.
I am looking forward to your measurements and listening tests, I seem to remember Brian interesting square wave ringdown findings when comparing his smd layout with the newer version.

Hopefully, you remembered to put the fuse and the zobel in this time. 😉

 

[Peter Daniel]

The only concern I have is if input differencial can run without a heatsink. I borrowed the layout from Aleph-X here, so Paolo, what do you think?

PS: We had this discussion one day, and apparently Aleph do not need a Zobel😉

 

[zygibajt]

The only concern I have is if input differencial can run without a heatsink.

I think they can, but one can always put a long and thin strap of copper in between them

 

[Peter Daniel]

That what I was also considering, like for instance a copper foil strip from inductors. There is enough space around to implement it.

 

[Peter Daniel]

Somebody asked me if I will come up with a PS board. Well, personally, I don't see a need for such a board. Presented below (F1 amp) is a best example of an efficient implementation, so learn from the Master himself 😉

All AC wiring is done p2p, with receptacle, fuse holder and power switch mounted directly to a rear panel. The bridges, attached to the bottom, don't need any extra heatsinking, and because bridges are used, wiring is very simple as well, so no need for additional PCB traces. The capacitor's bank, consisting of 4 caps per channel, can be easily mounted on protoboard, or any board for that matter, with heavy gauge wire undeneath creating connections. 5 resistors (I'm guessing 1ohm ea.) do the filtering, and those can be wired p2p as well. Worth noticing is that the PS output is not taken after the second caps bank, but directly after the resistors. This creates shorter and more efficient path.
More info here: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/firstwatt/firstwatt2.html

So by doing it in this way, you save your money by not paying for PCB, extra heatsinking, and shipping. That money could be invested into better bridges, like those IXYS available from Percyaudio. 😉

 

[AuroraB]

Peter-- very nice work- indeed..!

Would you concider putting the final version up for download..??