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With the F6 I preferred Bud Purvine's (Onetics transformers) - unfortunately Bud has retired and they are no longer available.
ZM is right - what sound character suits you and your system. Personally I look forward to a Sissy with active FE so I can compare it to Cinemag Sissy in my system.
It will be interesting because the IP pre has a world of organics. Which one will I like ??? It may depend on the day, the music played ..... Guess I haven't lost the experimentalist in me.
As always thanks to Nelson, ZM, Botte and all those who have helped me along the way.
Botte was gracious enough to have me over for a listening session. Anyone that's read any of my listening impressions knows that I think everything should be taken with a grain of salt. We likely all have different gear, and we definitely have different rooms, ears and brains... so...
In this case Botte and I were listening to the same things at the same time. I had trouble putting my thoughts into words even in the moment.
We listened to the SissySIT "standard"; the SissySIT with the VFET-2 driver; and the Singing Bush.
I think it's important also to note that Botte (IMO) tweaks and optimizes everything for each and every build. Experienced DIYers may find tweaking an operating point here, swapping a capacitor type/value there, second nature. I don't have those skills yet. These aren't "from the factory". Each DIYer may build it just a bit differently. He also knows enough about his speakers and the amplifier interaction to tweak the load to suit the amp. Believe me, it makes a difference with his system.
tl;dr YMMV.
Onward!
To me, the differences between the two SissySIT iterations was apparent. I've been fascinated with driver boards, buffers etc. since I built the M2x. It's fascinating, and b/c of my lack of knowledge, it borders on magic. Botte explained the science and showed me some measurements comparing the two driver boards. Very cool!
I think I called the SissySIT a "detail machine" or something similar when I first built mine. I still stand by that. With the different driver board, it was everything +1 with no noticeable detractions. The most apparent differences to me were what I perceived to be better control of the bass and more clearly defined space around each singer / instrument. Better "attack" on a rim shot or that first ping on the bell of a ride. No changes in "tonality" or "air" or to its overall character. It's what it was +1. There's just more "it". If anyone's seen the Claritin ad when they peel the sheet... think that, but more subtle. Things come into just a bit sharper focus.
Here's where it gets tricky. I don't think Botte and I disagree, we may just phrase things differently. I think the Singing Bush has a different presentation 'style' than the SissySIT. I think the SissySIT (with V2 driver) provides more detail than the SB. I think the Singing Bush has more "air" and dare I say "grace". The SissySIT gives you a perfect 100 megapixel image. The Singing Bush gives you a perfect film print. Analogies are tough, but you get the picture (groan).
I was joking that when listening to Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson (VH1 Storytellers, check it out), they sound younger with the SissySIT. They sound a bit more gravelly and gnarly with the Singing Bush. With a Mark Knopfler tune, he's "right there" with the SissySIT. His voice appears from the ether and floats in space with the Singing Bush. I think that might relate to what ZM might refer to as "spooky". It is.
Which is "better"? In his system... They're both insanely good. My toes were tapping, and I had a big grin the entire time. If forced to chose under the threat of 50 lashes with a wet noodle, I preferred the Singing Bush. They call me Mellow Yelloooooow... Ah!
Back on topic - The things that circuit designers can do with these devices to make us smile (and maybe learn a bit) is incredible.
To paraphrase Ferris Bueller... "They're pretty choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking some up."
ItsAllInMyHead,
Great write up. I enjoyed reading your description. Now what to do with my 2 pair of THF51s.
Botte,
I really like your chassis implementation. It reminds me of the Bottlehead kits I’ve built.
I wish I had the knowledge to do the types of tweaks you and other do to you builds.
Great write up. I enjoyed reading your description. Now what to do with my 2 pair of THF51s.
Botte,
I really like your chassis implementation. It reminds me of the Bottlehead kits I’ve built.
I wish I had the knowledge to do the types of tweaks you and other do to you builds.
I read “SIT follower” somewhere in the last few pages. Can ZM or someone else point to a follower SIT schematic? PCBs would be awesome.
Currently enjoying 01a pre driving the F4.
Currently enjoying 01a pre driving the F4.
DEFiSIT is sort of SIT follower
dunno what Pa is having on mind
did blow up my regular amount of Papamails on other things, so can't ask (though, didn't even think of that)
though, plain follower for me, comparing to DEFiSIT , somehow is not overly interesting
dunno what Pa is having on mind
did blow up my regular amount of Papamails on other things, so can't ask (though, didn't even think of that)
though, plain follower for me, comparing to DEFiSIT , somehow is not overly interesting
Is defiSIT a proper design ZM? Forgive me for I am not fully up to speed on the lates developments.
Someone else here has also done a Luminaria-like pre driving a VFET amp.
Someone else here has also done a Luminaria-like pre driving a VFET amp.
I built a 2SJ28 follower amp (2SK82 -2SJ28 SE Amp), and although it is not exotic, it was a fun build and I like the sound of it.
The great thing about DIY is that you can build whatever you want. Don't worry about what your neighbours will think.
The great thing about DIY is that you can build whatever you want. Don't worry about what your neighbours will think.
Tested some Ns today. Seems like they have roughly double the transconductance of the S. Will have to do some more testing, but these devices are definitely different.
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@ ra7
proper enough that Mighty ZM is having a thread about it
Most Greedy Boy, of them all... or (there is no) DEFiSIT of Papa's Koans
proper enough that Mighty ZM is having a thread about it
Most Greedy Boy, of them all... or (there is no) DEFiSIT of Papa's Koans
Interesting. The Lundahl LL1544A is an amorphous core with a PCB available for mounting. I’m having problems hearing back from Cinemag so I was thinking of going this alternative route.
Thank you!
I only had one of those two, plus a third from about ten years ago when I last placed an order with them. I must have used the old email address. Just re-sent to all three 😉
I only had one of those two, plus a third from about ten years ago when I last placed an order with them. I must have used the old email address. Just re-sent to all three 😉
Brinkman - also call cinemag. I have gotten frustrated waiting for email expecting instant response. Too used to ordering Amazon, digikey, etc? Old school phone call worked like a charm.
I'm gonna go with these pads, have used Al₂O₃ ceramic pads for MOSFETs before, very good thermal conductivity, love them, just don't tighten the screws too hard.