Ya that was my reasoning. Sure it's easier and cheaper to just change some resistors to get more gain, but where's the fun in that? People like the iron in projects like the M2X, I figured why not try it with the BA 2018 (with it's low output impedance) to get some of that character?
It’s astonishing how good this preamp sounds and dead quite.I built mine stock with Gaza’s power supply. I did splurge and use a TKD potentiometer however I went with 10k and it gets to loud to soon wish I used 50k. I may go back and lower the gain. However I like it so much I am going to build another one with Mark Johnson’s VRDN and a remote controlled relayed attenuators with display and really nice case.
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Some pics, really like DIY audio store case with pan with holes made building a snap however 10 mm front was a little challenge learned you can use forester bits on aluminum and comes out quite nice to recess volume and selector knobs.
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Wayne's 2018 parts kits are now available at the diyAudio Store
Wayne's Burning Amp 2018 Linestage – diyAudio Store
Wayne's Burning Amp 2018 Linestage – diyAudio Store
May I ask which chassis that is from the store? For the purpose of getting a sense of scale.
Thanks,
driving the F4. Are you simply looking to add gain? If I recall, you had pretty efficient speakers.
Do you need additional gain?
perfectly happy with a phone input and will reach volumes that are comfortable for listening.
F4s built and then decide what you may need to drive them. My < $0.02.
To be more helpful with potential solutions... If you're only looking for gain, you could consider Mark's comment in post #1233. It would be far simpler.
In addition - From ZMs post re: 10k nominal: A choice like the JT-11P-1HPC may be something to consider. I have these and will be using them (as specified by Tom C - I cannot take credit) in the front end of a couple amps.
IAIMH, apologies for replying so late—already answered teice but obviously missed the send-button [emoji51]
You got my situation pretty much to the point—except for the speakers, kef reference 101/2, 86dB, KEF - Reference Series Model 101/2 (1990-92) - United States
Of course I catched mark‘s comment on getting mo‘gain, will try it too but playing with iron is fun I guess (a new toy to play with, woohoo!)
And as was said further down, I now have plenty information to digest. Would like to understand why this and not that, and be able to convert it to,say, an appropriate lundahl model or so.
In the meantime, I managed to smoke a little xformer (for speaker-protection) by hooking it up on the secondary despite having looked up three times how to do it . It luckily wasn’t an expensive part but jeezes!
No worries at all. Thanks for taking the time. I love learning how others modify and how things fit into the overall gain structure of their system. Can't wait to see you post your experience / thoughts.
So sorry to hear re: your transformer. 🙁
So sorry to hear re: your transformer. 🙁
A little „DOH!“ moment. Luckily a cheap mediocre one which had to go „over the cliff“!
My progress will show up in the f4-thread , then here, then BA3, then attenuators...
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One thing I've noticed when playing this preamp, compared to others I have, is that it sounds great at low volumes. I followed Mark's advice and bumped up the gain 6 dB feeding my F4 into 97 dB speakers. It sounds great overall, but the nicely percussive low volume stands out for me. This preamp deserves a lot of respect.
...it gets louder. 😀
But I'm not actually trying to be a wiseguy with that comment. The preamp sounds the same at all volume levels, the thing of note is that BA2018 sounds very good at low levels... and that's actually quite difficult to do.
Plenty of systems sound good turned up. Not all sound good when playing softly...
But I'm not actually trying to be a wiseguy with that comment. The preamp sounds the same at all volume levels, the thing of note is that BA2018 sounds very good at low levels... and that's actually quite difficult to do.
Plenty of systems sound good turned up. Not all sound good when playing softly...
That looks great!! 
Well done! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I have used that exact Jameco PSU, it absolutely will get the job done nicely with zero fuss!
Lastly, with RCAs remember to connect - IN to GND at the input. Just a short bit of wire. Check DC offset after you do that.
Well done! 🙂 🙂 🙂I have used that exact Jameco PSU, it absolutely will get the job done nicely with zero fuss!
Lastly, with RCAs remember to connect - IN to GND at the input. Just a short bit of wire. Check DC offset after you do that.