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CTH boards: Where can I buy one? should I consider other alternatives?

post #1 of 22
2/18/10 at 5:55pm
Thread Starter 
Hello! Well, the title says it all: Where can I buy a CTH board? My gamma2 build will need an amp (well, more precisely it *will* need if I'm able to finish it)

In Cavalli's site they say that they are available from other sources.. but where???

In case they are not available maybe you could recommend me a desktop amp (hybrid or just tubes) to build that meets these criterias?:
  • Budget below 300€
  • Small: My audio-gd compass is nice, but is too big
  • Tubes easy to find
  • Good SQ

I will use it with my Grado 325is, but I plan to get another phones after these build (I will probably try AKG 702 or any other detailed can). I listen to rock, indie, new age and sometimes others (electronic music maybe).

As a reference let me say I love the sound of:
  • my Fuze with Phonak PFE (Yuin PK2 are not bad at all either, but I miss some detail)
  • My Cambridge Audio 540r with Monitor Audio RS1 or Dali Lektor 2
  • Not so excited with my actual setup (Audio-GD Compass with Earth OPA connected to Grado 325is)

Thank you all!
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post #2 of 22
2/18/10 at 6:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mudo View Post
Hello! Well, the title says it all: Where can I buy a CTH board? <snip>
In Cavalli's site they say that they are available from other sources.. but where???
Boards for the CTH are available from Cavalli Audio under Availability. Probably an email addr on that site for runeight on this one
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post #3 of 22
2/18/10 at 6:06pm
Just shoot runeight a pm, he'll add you to the list.
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post #4 of 22
2/18/10 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
Oh, great. But before I write to him: should I consider another alternative or is CTH my best choice (considering the points I wrote in my first message)

One thing that also makes me doubt is that Mouser is right now out of stock of some parts of the BoM. Probably the solution is easier than I think (I'm not good looking for alternative components).

P.S.: My God... I must be blind. This is copied right now from Cavalli's site:

Availability

Boards for the CTH are available from Cavalli Audio.

SORRY. I thought I read a lot, but I didn't see it.
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post #5 of 22
2/18/10 at 6:17pm
SOHA II is one to consider, it certainly fits your criteria. I have not heard the CTH but by all reports they are quite similar in SQ. The SOHA II board is available here and according to the site Jeff has kits available.
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post #6 of 22
2/18/10 at 6:44pm
I personally think the CTH is the best choice. I've just recieved a wallet killing order from mouser with all the parts for the y1+y2 and CTH and i'm about to order a k701.
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post #7 of 22
2/18/10 at 8:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cfcubed View Post
Boards for the CTH are available from Cavalli Audio under Availability. Probably an email addr on that site for runeight on this one
I have not been able to find an email addr for runeight on his site, and no way to contact Cavalli Audio to obtain any boards for the CTH on the web site.
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post #8 of 22
2/18/10 at 10:22pm
I emailed Alex to get a board. His email is not in fact listed on the site but he did have boards available. While mouser is out of some of the BOM parts, I found easy replacements for almost all of them. The only troublesome part was the heater regulator which I had to order from newark I think. Getting all the parts together just takes a little work.
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post #9 of 22
2/18/10 at 10:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by m_Lowry View Post
I have not been able to find an email addr for runeight on his site, and no way to contact Cavalli Audio to obtain any boards for the CTH on the web site.
I think Alex is very busy w/other things lately & may take a bit to reply.
He just happened to post his CA email addr today in another thread.

BTW there are several threads around discussing the virtues of various DIY amps.

Yep, think the heater reg + main inductor are not that common. Think you can find 220uH 0.8A subs that fit (ferrite core?) & can probably get straight-leaded LM2595 to fit in place of the bent & staggered one if its all you can source.
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post #10 of 22
2/19/10 at 5:33am
Thread Starter 
Thank you for all your responses, very helpful information!
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post #11 of 22
2/20/10 at 8:19am
If you want to save some time building and hassle of sourcing all the bits and importing I have one for sale here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f42/fs...ldwide-469667/

Ready built by Sachu with tubes and a nice PSU.
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post #12 of 22
2/20/10 at 10:25am
Not to discourage anyone, just a heads-up that CTH is an intermediate-level build esp. considering its compactness. Of course the huge majority of CTH build stories are about success, even ones that needed debugging, and can be found here through search.
Kabeer's ping may not be a bad idea - its in Europe, you could try CTH then consider building your own & selling that one, etc.
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post #13 of 22
12/13/11 at 1:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by steven2992 View Post

I personally think the CTH is the best choice. I've just recieved a wallet killing order from mouser with all the parts for the y1+y2 and CTH and i'm about to order a k701.



Hi Steven,

 

Did you have the opportunity to compare the SOHA II with the CTH?

 

Since there are no CTH boards available, and It is not easy to catch a buyer's group, I am considering the SOHA-II. But only if the sound quality is similar to the CTH.

 

Another option: Is the PCB drawing design available, for doing it myself?

 

Cheers!

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post #14 of 22
12/13/11 at 4:38am

Search for SOHA II & CTH, perhaps using google against this site.  IIRC some/someone's opinion was the SOHA II had the tiniest edge in SQ over CTH.  You build a CTH for its size, bang-for-the-buck SQ & tube rolling fun, SOHA II is more of a full-on desktop amp & nowadays I'd consider EHHA.

 

WRT PCBs - Posted about this but do not attempt replicating the PCB.  It'd be painful but possible to proto/perf board it, as I did for 1st proto (see "A Very..") thread, BUT I bet someone with an extra will answer your call for a PCB (you know who you are:).  If not know that we plan another batch, if demand calls for it, in about 4->6 months.  If there are any unclaimed/not paid for from this batch I'll offer them to those who post in the "IC:.." thread.  Subscribing to these & other CTH threads is one way not to miss the next PCB batch.


Edited by cfcubed - 12/13/11 at 5:19am
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post #15 of 22
12/13/11 at 3:17pm

The http://store.garage1217.com/project-sunrise-hybrid-class-a--tube-headphone-amplifier.html amp might be an alternative for you as well.  The price is certainly right..

 

(I am not affiliated in any way..)


Edited by MrSlim - 12/13/11 at 3:19pm
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