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Help with a Starving Student amp  

post #1 of 14
12/6/09 at 4:41am
Thread Starter 
So I've just recently got into the world of audio recently with my xtrememusic (x530s and EH150s). I want to build an inexpensive and good quality amp. So far I've seen the Starving Student amp. The problem is that I've seen a wide range of price for parts. One parts lists I saw was upwards of 100, while others say it can be done under 50. Is it possible to be done under 50? So far, I've only done basic soldering (LEDs and the like), so would this be a difficult project for me? Also, are there any other amps that I should consider besides the SS?
post #2 of 14
12/6/09 at 5:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by McStuff View Post
So I've just recently got into the world of audio recently with my xtrememusic (x530s and EH150s). I want to build an inexpensive and good quality amp. So far I've seen the Starving Student amp. The problem is that I've seen a wide range of price for parts. One parts lists I saw was upwards of 100, while others say it can be done under 50. Is it possible to be done under 50? So far, I've only done basic soldering (LEDs and the like), so would this be a difficult project for me? Also, are there any other amps that I should consider besides the SS?
Costs you've seen over $100 are for an all inclusive kit. It includes a custom-machined case, a major expense for any amplifier project - unless you use a mint tin or similar. There's also a PCB in that amount and a multitude of connectors plus a knob - all expenses that are often left off of a typical DIY BOM, as opposed to an all inclusive kit.
post #3 of 14
12/6/09 at 5:34am
The kit is a great value (I know, I have one!), especially considering that the case is already custom machined for those of us who don't have casework tools (or metal-working skills). You can build one for less than the cost of the kit if you really want to, but you'll have to figure out your own case.
post #4 of 14
12/6/09 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Juaquin View Post
The kit is a great value (I know, I have one!), especially considering that the case is already custom machined for those of us who don't have casework tools (or metal-working skills). You can build one for less than the cost of the kit if you really want to, but you'll have to figure out your own case.
Where did you get the kit? All I've seen is a spreadsheet of the parts. I'll be more than willing to spend 100 bucks if it improves the sound quality of my setup. Plus, it looks like a lot of fun to make.

EDIT: I'm looking to buy a set of z2300s after Christmas. I was wondering if there's a way to plug both my speakers and headphones into the amp and have some sort of switch? Or is the Millet SS only for headphones?
post #5 of 14
12/6/09 at 7:32pm
The kit's can (sometimes) be found at beezar.com.

The SSMH is for headphones only.
post #6 of 14
12/6/09 at 8:42pm
This should really be going to the Starving Student thread...

The case I used for my second p2p build is $7 (and something similar can be found on eBay for that w/ free shipping). You still need to get hookup wires (I used the teflon coated wires that tomb recommended in my 2nd one, but went with cat5e ethernet cables with my first). If you go for the 12SR7 version, you can put together one for maybe not much more than $50. The 19J6 tubes used in the original design is hard to find now, and if you can find them, not exactly cheap.
post #7 of 14
12/6/09 at 9:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by n_maher View Post
The kit's can (sometimes) be found at beezar.com.

The SSMH is for headphones only.
How much is the beezar kit?
post #8 of 14
12/6/09 at 10:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by McStuff View Post
How much is the beezar kit?
Unfortunately beezar.com is out of kits for the time being. More may be available after the holidays. You'll have to keep an eye on beezar.com and on the Starving Student thread in this forum for availability and price.

There's also the option of buying one (already built amp) from the 'For Sale' forum, they pop-up from time to time.

cheers!
post #9 of 14
12/6/09 at 11:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by the_equalizer View Post
Unfortunately beezar.com is out of kits for the time being. More may be available after the holidays. You'll have to keep an eye on beezar.com and on the Starving Student thread in this forum for availability and price.

There's also the option of buying one (already built amp) from the 'For Sale' forum, they pop-up from time to time.

cheers!
About how much are they generally when they're in stock on beezar? And I'd rather build it because I'm guessing it's cheaper, and it would be more fun.
post #10 of 14
12/6/09 at 11:44pm
I'd suggest doing it point to point. It's easy to do with a little planning and it's really the only choice if you have to use different tubes.

Edit: It's also your only choice right now since there are no kits available.
post #11 of 14
12/7/09 at 12:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scompton View Post
I'd suggest doing it point to point. It's easy to do with a little planning and it's really the only choice if you have to use different tubes.

Edit: It's also your only choice right now since there are no kits available.
Is there a parts list for it with different tubes? Is there one place where I can get all the parts?
post #12 of 14
12/7/09 at 2:28am
Parts list? Yeah, use the normal BOM on the diyaudio SSMH website, and replace some of the resistors as per the instruction in the Starving Student thread.

Everything except the tubes and sockets should be available at Mouser or Digikey.
post #13 of 14
12/7/09 at 9:26am
The BOM is in the OP of the tread. Here's 2 posts that describe using other tubes.

12AU7
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/mil...ml#post6024902

12SR7 - 2 posts in a row really.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/mil...ml#post5584504
post #14 of 14
12/7/09 at 11:20am
Ok, that's enough.

To the OP, spend some time looking through the big build thread. Every question that you've asked can be found there and yes, DIY takes a little research and time. If you want the easy way out you're in the wrong place.
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