F4 Mono-blocks

[6L6]

You can choose different tubes and configurations with the Aikido to have tons of gain and output swing. Really nice sounding circuit as well.

 

[vdi_nenna]

That's encouraging!

Thx

V.

 

[Bigun]

I was just saying, recently, that Aikido and F4 gives you a nice version of "Moskido", an amp with a good reputation.

 

[vdi_nenna]

"Moskido"

Ha! That's interesting.

 

[PierreQuiRoule]

My tubes are 6N1P all around, running off a 300V B+ supply.
Not exactly a beginners project, but there will be help around if you need it.

 

[vdi_nenna]

This is going to get interesting, for me mostly.
I will update with pics.

Thanks!

Vince

 

[chede]

I'm using an Aikido preamp as well.

I built mine with an overkill (separate and regulated) power supply, and can configure it either as buffer or as a gain stage.

Right now using buffer config with 6N6P tubes driving either a Sony TA-4650 V-FET or DIY 2A3 tube amp, both of which have enough gain on their own.

For my M2, I'm reconfiguring to gain version, using 6N6P / 6H30Pi / E182CC / 5687 or E80CC in the input/gain stage and 6N6P in the buffer stage.
The E80CC provide the most gain and do sound rather nice

This is a very detailed and transparent, but also great-sounding, highly configurable preamp. It can be ultra-quiet and very low distortion as well.

Best regards,
Claas

 

[vdi_nenna]

Tried the Aikido preamp with the MoFo today. Not sure the gain but it's enough to play at a reasonable level. It's a really nice sound.

 

[dady]

Thanks for the info. There are several balanced preamps to possibly try.
It's hard to choose.


I wrote to Glassware Audio last week asking if any of the Aikido preamps has high gain. Didn't get a response yet. Can you tell me which version you are using?

Thanks,

Vince

Hi dear members, I finishing an hybrid of VFET1 with the Bas Horneman Aikido one, with the 6n1-P as voltage amp. I discovering now, realize, that the lower impedance of the amp is better sound, when you connect an amp in bridge, multiplies the output impedance and the damping is lowering. The F4 Beast O/P with 35-40V rails i guess is a better option at all. And the answer is make more followers. Is my humble opinion from my living room.

 

[vdi_nenna]

Realizing I wasn't using the correct outputs on the Aikido I followed up with the owner and connected it correctly. I must have had the tape outs connected. With the proper outs, the Aikido preamp can drive the MoFo very well. I can only see 1 of the tubes label and it's a 6N1P.

 

[Zen Mod]

you need bigger spks there , not bigger amps

 

[vdi_nenna]

I don't like old fashioned looking speakers.
I find them depressing and sad.

 

[Zen Mod]

prior to putting drivers in boxes , buy few boxes of Ice cream and several doses of color sprays , call bunch of kids from neighborhood and let them express on boxes

no boring looking speakers !

 

[schubert]

Balanced F4 monoblocks are in my long-range plans to go after a pair of Hagerman Cymbal amps (6-8W), which can be built to pass a balanced signal. The Cymbals are no longer available from Hagerman, so I'm having to start from scratch. A couple of in-progress pics are below.

 

[Itsmee]

Please let us know what you think of it when done. Pics too...

Not finished yet, been working on Alice, some pics.

 

[Itsmee]

Odd, Pics of Alice should have been between the bias board and the scope shot, can't seem to upload them!
Scope shots are of Alice only, not the Beast.

 

[Zen Mod]

form GND as fat wire bridge between caps , and make exact mid of it as your central GND point

 

[vdi_nenna]

Nice. You're making waves.

 

[Itsmee]

Introducing Alice - it's been done before Voltage Amplifier & Current Buffer DIY
Yellow wires are for feedback from the Beast.

 

[Itsmee]

form GND as fat wire bridge between caps , and make exact mid of it as your central GND point

I had the same thought, been looking for old bus bars or copper strip used for lightning conductors.
My other two chassis built in the same fashion haven't caused any problems.