Babelfish M25, SissySIT - general building tips and tricks

[August]

Did any of you compare a CRC PSU to a CLC version on the SissySIT?
I just upgraded my DAC and the system is performing so well. I wonder if I could squeeze some more out with a better PSU.

 

[Zen Mod]

proper CLC is always better than proper CRC

 

[August]

I thought as much, and think I will change it sometime. The DIY in my system is only the preamp and power amp, but fed with a world-class DAC is really very spooky.

 

[Eric]

Power supply is built, chokes are Hammond 159ZJ (10mH) and caps are all 33,000uF. Caps are positioned so that I can get to the adjustment pots on the PCB without interference. I haven't put this on the scale yet, but it's already pretty darn heavy without sinks and the rest of the chassis. Might need to start going to the gym if I expect to move this around at all

Just waiting on a shipment from Cinemag...

 

[ItsAllInMyHead]

Gorgeous!!!!!

I'm literally laughing out loud. I was going to ask in the other external PSU thread if anyone used threaded rods for raising their boards. I figured I'd just go for it. I ordered a 10 pack of M4 threaded rods and lock nuts a few hours ago.

I am jealous of how easy you made it for yourself to connect the chokes. I went through far too much nonsense. I may redo it...

Congrats on a great looking, and I'm sure a fabulous performing PSU!!

 

[Eric]

Ha, yeah I started stacking some long (15 or 20mm) PCB standoffs and it started getting a little ridiculous (I also didn't have enough), so I picked up some threaded rod instead. I used nylon lock nuts to help keep things from moving around afterward. The leads on the chokes we just long enough to reach the screw terminals - almost didn't make it. I was going to mount the screw terminals on the bottom of the PCB, but then I wouldn't be able to get at them with a screw driver.

 

[Eric]

Just put this on the bathroom scale, the PSU plate weighs in at 35 lbs. The sinks are another 18 lbs. Looks like the completed amp will be somewhere near 60-65 lbs. Maybe I should have built two mono chassis…

 

[Zen Mod]

My Golden one is, by memory, 60-ish lbs

 

[william2001]

That's the big reason I do monoblocks. Between the Skunk Works upgrade lab (spare bedroom) and the proving ground (my living room), is a flight of stairs... One channel is lighter than two...

 

[Zen Mod]

not a problem
I'm moving all of mine with sheer Willpower

 

[chede]

Yup … workshop‘s in the basement … here, handles on the power amps really help …

 

[ItsAllInMyHead]

Just put this on the bathroom scale, the PSU plate weighs in at 35 lbs. The sinks are another 18 lbs. Looks like the completed amp will be somewhere near 60-65 lbs. Maybe I should have built two mono chassis…

That, age, stairs, and me not being anything close to Hercules ... is one of the many reasons I'm now building a separate PSU. I should actually weigh my BA-3. Oooooof.

Great stuff! Keep the pics coming.

 

[Dennis Hui]

I have a (commercial) amp that doesn't get nearly as much use as it deserves simply because it's too heavy for me to move around.

 

[Zen Mod]

 

[myleftear]

This, or a jetpack.

 

[Eric]

Started work on a wooden faceplate for my SissySIT amp. It's maple with some vertical tiger-striping (will be evident once the oil is applied) with added walnut. I didn't have any left over wood that was tall enough to work, so I combined two boards. Dimensions are 18.75" wide and 8.5" tall by 0.75" thick. Need to round the edges and do some more sanding.

 

[flocchini]

Eric - very nice !!!

 

[Eric]

Thanks, Bob! I was looking for something a little different that used materials already on hand.

 

[flocchini]

For me I really like trying different wood faceplates and putting inputs and speaker terminals on the front panels. Easy to quickly switch between amps. Look forward to seeing your build

 

[Dan K]

Can someone please let me know how much current the SissySIT(42) draws?

I've got a LuDEF in a 4Ux400 Dissipante case and I'm intending to swap out the boards for the SissySIT(42). I'll then swap the boards back and forth as I like.

Which amp will run hottest? The LuDEF seems quite moderate / sensible temperature wise, it could certainly occupy a 4Ux300 case

Thanks