Thanks Danger Mouse - and appreciate the 'more relaxed' observation. I definitely like my audio more laid back and on the warm side of things, so that would be a benefit.
I have the ACA already (driving my computer speakers) and that was a fun build and sounds great in this application.
I have the ACA already (driving my computer speakers) and that was a fun build and sounds great in this application.
vdi_nenna - that also looks cool. I have a McIntosh C53 preamp which I think has a 'healthy' output. Interesting concept!
I'm mid way through my first Build. I chose the F5. So far, so good.
I didn't have any prior experience. I've spent a lot of time reading, though.
But that's part of the fun. One thing that really helped me: I read the build guides
for lots of amps because not all the helpful tricks are explained in each guide.
I didn't have any prior experience. I've spent a lot of time reading, though.
But that's part of the fun. One thing that really helped me: I read the build guides
for lots of amps because not all the helpful tricks are explained in each guide.
Thanks, good call on reading all of the guides. You are right, I notice slight different angles (literally and figuratively) in each that can apply across all builds.
No matter which one you choose, there are a bunch of folks local to you that would be happy to help out if you ever have questions. 😀
Ha ha! I appreciate that and am willing to provide bribes for help as needed!
I just pulled the triggered and ordered all the stuff for the Aleph J build from the DIY Audio Store!!!
So I guess that kinda concludes this?
I just pulled the triggered and ordered all the stuff for the Aleph J build from the DIY Audio Store!!!
So I guess that kinda concludes this?
They are all easy if the chassis (pre-drilled and tapped) and boards are included.
I have this strange attraction to building the chassis from scratch. The hardest part.
Dan
I have this strange attraction to building the chassis from scratch. The hardest part.
Dan
Well for my first 'real' build trying to minimize the drama as I have plenty to figure out.
My first big question is exactly which transformer to get, I have seen people using both 18 and 20 volt ones...and not sure if that would dictate a change in the power supply components. And 300VA seems to be the default choice, but would I be better served with a 400VA (or larger...but seems beyond 400 is it just a waste...maybe) one in terms of improving either the sound quality, minimizing noise, or anything else that would be a benefit.
My first big question is exactly which transformer to get, I have seen people using both 18 and 20 volt ones...and not sure if that would dictate a change in the power supply components. And 300VA seems to be the default choice, but would I be better served with a 400VA (or larger...but seems beyond 400 is it just a waste...maybe) one in terms of improving either the sound quality, minimizing noise, or anything else that would be a benefit.
Echoing another poster, but these guys did an amazing job with an extensive build guide for the AJ. It answers a lot of questions you may have.
I'm not sure if they mention that 400VA is the largest available in Antek's shielded (AS) line. I would not recommend a 500VA for your build, but others may.
DIY Aleph J: A Build Guide
I'm not sure if they mention that 400VA is the largest available in Antek's shielded (AS) line. I would not recommend a 500VA for your build, but others may.
DIY Aleph J: A Build Guide
IAIMH is spot on —
300 or 400VA
18 or 20V
Whatever is in stock.
Bigger than 400 is not better.
I highly recommend the AS- series from Antek, they are the ones with the shield and the purple wire. They are, in my experience, less prone to hum.
300 or 400VA
18 or 20V
Whatever is in stock.
Bigger than 400 is not better.
I highly recommend the AS- series from Antek, they are the ones with the shield and the purple wire. They are, in my experience, less prone to hum.
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One option is to buy your way to an easier start.
I've been building amps for a decade already but I recently purchased a fully completed Class A amplifier from AliExpress, one of the JLH69 amplifiers. It's not perfect, it will be undersized in terms of heatsinks and power supply but it's a ready to go platform for me to experiment with, I can replace the amp boards with something of my own design, I could build a low power ACA into it if I wanted to. This can really make it easier and for me to have some fun on the bench and (everyone has their own threshold and situation) it was inexpensive, I think the whole thing was less than US$200. Building from scratch is better of course.
Hood 1969 Class A power amplifier with FET BRZHIFI 1969 2020 tube amplifier sound quality|Amplifier| - AliExpress
I've been building amps for a decade already but I recently purchased a fully completed Class A amplifier from AliExpress, one of the JLH69 amplifiers. It's not perfect, it will be undersized in terms of heatsinks and power supply but it's a ready to go platform for me to experiment with, I can replace the amp boards with something of my own design, I could build a low power ACA into it if I wanted to. This can really make it easier and for me to have some fun on the bench and (everyone has their own threshold and situation) it was inexpensive, I think the whole thing was less than US$200. Building from scratch is better of course.
Hood 1969 Class A power amplifier with FET BRZHIFI 1969 2020 tube amplifier sound quality|Amplifier| - AliExpress
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That's a really attractive piece at the price.
Too bad the shipping is expensive...
Too bad the shipping is expensive...
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If bigger than 400 is not better, is it worse? I ended up ordering a 500VA because of inventory issues.
Thanks, IAIMH sent me a very nice note (we are local) and playing a few angles here to get something sooner rather than later. My chassis and DIY store parts shipped...it is getting real!
Any comments on getting the CA-400 (the steel case) for the transformer? The cost does not bother me if it either helps...or could help keep noise away.
Unless you are building an M2x, the steel case for the transformer isn’t really necessary. The Edcor signal transformer is somewhat susceptible to picking up magnetic fields. The Aleph J, on the other hand, has good power supply ripple rejection.
Perfect, thanks! I would be happy to add it if it helps...but also happy to omit if a waste. With my basic understanding, I know you want to keep signal wires routed away from the transformer, and sounds like there is PLENTY of room to do so.
Of course, the extra 5 pounds of weight makes it more...high end? 😀
Of course, the extra 5 pounds of weight makes it more...high end? 😀
I have started building my power supplies in their own cases I can use them in different projects. Also most of the First Watt designs use the same voltage and wattage. If you use the diyaudio store cases with their amp circuit boards you can swap out the amp boards and reuse the power supply and case. Be ware once you start it is very addictive .
Bill
Bill
When I was considering my first build, I was scared of doing a power supply. “Fearless” is was not. So the ACA was my choice. And the size is great, too. A First Watt clone is BIG!
Almost every one of mine has the 500 VA, its fine as 6L6 says. 400 VA has that shield, which isnt available in the 500VA.
Bubba