In my mind, DIY Audio as we know it today, started when Nelson Pass published in Feb 1977 Audio Magazine "Construct A Class A Amplifier" As far as I know, this the first DIY project where the builder had to get more involved in the design. There was no kit, save for maybe a PCB. With Dynaco, Heathkit. etc, there were no design choices, just follow the instructions.
https://www.passdiy.com/project/amplifiers/construct-a-class-a-amplifier
So what is with this Holy Grail of DIY Audio?
The amplifier you see in the article in Audio Magazine, is in my possession. I do not mean one like the amplifier you see in article, the exact same amplifier they took the photos for the article in Audio, is in my attic.
I have owned it since about 1986. Around 1993 I called up Pass Labs. I talked to Nelson Pass, asked him about the amplifier. He said there were 4 or 5 people in the Threshold shop that made their own amplifier. He shared with me a couple details that confirm my amplifier and the one in the article are in fact the same.
This all brings me to the point of this thread. What can I do with this amplifier? This seems to me to be a touchstone to the DIY hobby. Being that it is Pass's first published design, (that I am aware of) this is of historical significance among the DIY Audio Community. It belongs in the DIY Audio Hall Of Fame.
I am looking for a new home for this bad boy. I am happy to donate it to any club or organization or somebody that is has an interest in it. Anybody got any ideas?
https://www.passdiy.com/project/amplifiers/construct-a-class-a-amplifier
So what is with this Holy Grail of DIY Audio?
The amplifier you see in the article in Audio Magazine, is in my possession. I do not mean one like the amplifier you see in article, the exact same amplifier they took the photos for the article in Audio, is in my attic.
I have owned it since about 1986. Around 1993 I called up Pass Labs. I talked to Nelson Pass, asked him about the amplifier. He said there were 4 or 5 people in the Threshold shop that made their own amplifier. He shared with me a couple details that confirm my amplifier and the one in the article are in fact the same.
This all brings me to the point of this thread. What can I do with this amplifier? This seems to me to be a touchstone to the DIY hobby. Being that it is Pass's first published design, (that I am aware of) this is of historical significance among the DIY Audio Community. It belongs in the DIY Audio Hall Of Fame.
I am looking for a new home for this bad boy. I am happy to donate it to any club or organization or somebody that is has an interest in it. Anybody got any ideas?
Fun and nice to read your story
For a moment I was thinking - maybe giving it back to NP, but then ....... I'm almost sure that he's remembering it with sympathy, but don't care that much about amp per se
For a moment I was thinking - maybe giving it back to NP, but then ....... I'm almost sure that he's remembering it with sympathy, but don't care that much about amp per se
As I recall the lobby in Auburn had a few amps on display - if it is still there that would be a great place IMHO
Pass Labs have no interest in the amplifier. I talked to a manager the factory, he was cordial but also indifferent.
When I talked to Nelson told me "Well it looks like you have museum piece of history. He did not express any kind of sentimental attachment to it.
It needs some TLC and some spiffing up. I will post photo when I can.
When I talked to Nelson told me "Well it looks like you have museum piece of history. He did not express any kind of sentimental attachment to it.
It needs some TLC and some spiffing up. I will post photo when I can.
https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-Audio/70s/Audio-1977-02.pdf
Browsing this 1977 Audio was a treat!
I subscribed for at least 20 years but probably didn't start until 1980 when I was out of school.
Previously discussed here in 2021.
Browsing this 1977 Audio was a treat!
I subscribed for at least 20 years but probably didn't start until 1980 when I was out of school.
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That is be a great idea. How can I arrange that?
…Bring it to BAF and it will happily take its place as a piece of honor, history, and distinction in the auction. Or maybe we put it out before on swap meet with proceeds to Burning Amp - that would get a bigger audience.
It’s a neat bit of history, no question. Somebody will want to preserve and use it.
It’s a neat bit of history, no question. Somebody will want to preserve and use it.
I will not be attending BAF, so I cannot bring it. Can we arrange to ship to somebody local to Petaluma?
not standing in anybody's boots here, but I think it's still most logical to offer it to Pa
what I wrote first was just a note, as to not be disappointed if Pa refuse that offer, in his always peculiar way
what I wrote first was just a note, as to not be disappointed if Pa refuse that offer, in his always peculiar way
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