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help me pick my first DIY project guys :D

post #1 of 31
5/2/09 at 7:06pm
Thread Starter 
I'm getting AKG 272 HDs and I want to build an amp (no tubes since it will be moved a lot). I'm from Europe so it needs to ship there. Also what tools do I need. Any tips are appreciated!

Thank you!
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post #2 of 31
5/2/09 at 7:53pm
Basic Tools:
GOOD soldering iron. Or at least not crap.
Solder
Flux
Desoldering braid
Hobby pliers
Hobby screwdrivers
A cordless drill for working on the case
A stepped drill bit (up to 7/8" is a good idea)
Other random drill bits

First project:
Cmoy is always a great place to start, but it sounds like you want a desktop amp. I would recommend checking out the M3 over at amb.org. I've never built one, but it doesn't have any SMD parts, which is a big plus, and it gets a good rep here.

Someone else can probably recommend a better non-Cmoy 1st project than me, though.
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post #3 of 31
5/2/09 at 8:26pm
> Also what tools do I need

Tangent has an informative page on the topic.

> A cordless drill for working on the case

Why cordless? What's wrong with a corded one? Yo will very likely need to be near wall power for the soldering iron anyway.
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post #4 of 31
5/2/09 at 9:31pm
Because I hate corded drills. The cord always gets in my way. Although, the added weight of the battery doesn't help the accuracy of my holes, I'm sure.

On that note, corded drills are fine too. Just choose your favorite.
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post #5 of 31
5/2/09 at 9:49pm
I only use corded drills. More power and I don't like having to deal with a proprietary battery.

One item you should buy is an auto-centering punch. They're about $10 USD and the only way to really get holes to line up. I also use a t-square and a scribe to mark off where I want my holes and cuts to be. Where the lines intersect, I use the auto-centering punch to make a dent. Then, I use a small drill bit to make a pilot hole there. Use a small bit that won't wander in the dent. Once you have the pilot hole, then you can use bigger drill bits.

You might want to think about buying a kit that comes with a case and everything else you'd need. Those cost a little more, but the time you'll save on casing will be worth it.

Also, tube gear is not difficult to move. I've toted quite a bit halfway across the country and back without incident. The key is removing the tubes and packing them into padded boxes. After the tubes are out, the gear is every bit as durable as solid state is. So go for tubes if that's what you really want.
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post #6 of 31
5/2/09 at 10:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post
I only use corded drills.
Weirdo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post
Then, I use a small drill bit to make a pilot hole there. Use a small bit that won't wander in the dent. Once you have the pilot hole, then you can use bigger drill bits.
Excellent advice.
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post #7 of 31
5/3/09 at 8:50am
Thread Starter 
Erik I wan't to make my own wooden case
Also I might go with tubes later. Whats a CMOY amp anyway, is it easier for me to build? Also are instructions on where to place a certain component bundled?
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post #8 of 31
5/3/09 at 9:11am
CMOY = tiny pocket amp

If you have no gear and have never DIY'd anything befor, I would start small. Tube amp is probably not a good first project (ditto M3). I'm pretty experienced with basic DIY and I still haven't build anything like an M3 before.
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post #9 of 31
5/3/09 at 9:55am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scootermafia View Post
CMOY = tiny pocket amp

If you have no gear and have never DIY'd anything befor, I would start small. Tube amp is probably not a good first project (ditto M3). I'm pretty experienced with basic DIY and I still haven't build anything like an M3 before.
thanks for reply scooter. whats your suggestion? I have soldered before (built my own subwoofer and made my own speaker cables) but the soldering tool has oxidized.
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post #10 of 31
5/3/09 at 10:49am
I usually agree with Uncle Erik in most things, but I haven't owned a corded hand drill in 20 years. I also disagree that one will have an outlet nearby because you're using the soldering iron. The soldering iron is typically in a different place altogether - on a desk or table indoors, with plenty of light, etc. On the other hand, drilling is for outdoors or in the garage, where all the flying metal chips and sawdust don't get you into trouble with your wife.

The comments about building a CMoy are always sound. Just pretend that whatever amp you decide to build must have a CMoy built to make it work, first.
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post #11 of 31
5/3/09 at 11:44am
Thread Starter 
ok tomb thank u. How would this work: Portable Headphone Amplifier CMOY AMP HEADAMP HI-FI on eBay, also Other Amplifiers, Amplifiers, Home Audio Hi Fi, Consumer Electronics (end time 22-May-09 09:46:15 BST)

good components used?
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post #12 of 31
5/3/09 at 12:06pm

If you want to buy an amp instead of build one, it looks OK. However, I'm not sure why it has all the extra film caps compared to the basic Tangent cmoy
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post #13 of 31
5/3/09 at 12:16pm
I second Earwax's link to Tangent's CMoy Tutorial. We call it a tutorial after the originator of the design, Chu Moy, webmaster of Headwize.com. The original link to the CMoy can be found here: HeadWize - Project: A Pocket Headphone Amplifier by Chu Moy. It's the amp that everyone starts with, except for the crazy few. If you can't find the resources you need from tangent's site, you can certainly get the help you need here. The project is so popular because it forces you to touch on every part of DIY audio in a very easy package: understanding schematics, figuring out layout, compiling a bill of materials, soldering, troubleshooting and asking for help, and casework (among many other things). It is highly recommended for beginners.
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post #14 of 31
5/3/09 at 12:53pm
Here's a cmoy Kit you can build, with a nice PC board. New Headphone Stereo Amplifier Kit DIY OpAmp Cmoy Amp on eBay, also Other, Headphones, Headsets, A V Accessories Cables, Electronics (end time 01-Jun-09 17:28:03 BST)

I've done perf board stuff before, and in my opinion, starting with something that has a PC board will be much easier for a beginner. You'll get a nice little pocketable amp, with decent sound.

If you want to take on something that will be a little more of a challenge, but will give you considerably better sound look at the Jaycar amp Kit here: Stereo Headphone Distribution Amplifier - Jaycar Electronics . The amp board, power supply and transformer will cost you about 23Uk pounds, plus a decent case, volume control, connectors (another 20 at the most) and you would have a very nice desktop amp, that you can do all sorts of tweaks and mods on to make it even better. There are threads on here, as well as a very long thread on RockGrotto about the Jaycar.
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post #15 of 31
5/3/09 at 1:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSlim View Post
Here's a cmoy Kit you can build, with a nice PC board. New Headphone Stereo Amplifier Kit DIY OpAmp Cmoy Amp on eBay, also Other, Headphones, Headsets, A V Accessories Cables, Electronics (end time 01-Jun-09 17:28:03 BST)

I've done perf board stuff before, and in my opinion, starting with something that has a PC board will be much easier for a beginner. You'll get a nice little pocketable amp, with decent sound.

If you want to take on something that will be a little more of a challenge, but will give you considerably better sound look at the Jaycar amp Kit here: Stereo Headphone Distribution Amplifier - Jaycar Electronics . The amp board, power supply and transformer will cost you about 23Uk pounds, plus a decent case, volume control, connectors (another 20 at the most) and you would have a very nice desktop amp, that you can do all sorts of tweaks and mods on to make it even better. There are threads on here, as well as a very long thread on RockGrotto about the Jaycar.
I like the Jaycar. Where would I buy the PSu then? Also the diagram of the first CMOY you posted is unclear to me. Does that mean I won't manage to make my own amp?

Edit: wait, it doesn't have volume control :|
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