[jmoore914]

So I've decided that I want to build a headphone amp just for fun. However, this is my first time attempting this as well as my first time soldering so I don't want to spend much money on it given the relatively high likelihood of me completely messing it up. So I was wondering what you all though about the cheap headphone amp kits on ebay? 
Are they at all worth the time and money to build or just total garbage?
 
The ones that I have found that look decent are:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A1-clone-Class-A-headphone-amp-kits-WITHOUT-enclosure-and-transformer-/251024937361?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item3a72409191
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-RA1-Headphone-Amplifier-Kit-Power-AMP-JRC4556AD-C39-/121144802425?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item1c34cafc79
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5W-PASS-ZEN-High-end-Class-A-Headphone-Amplifier-kit-5W-AMP-TRACKING-NUMBER-/151040995421?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item232abeb05d
 
Some cmoys :
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Under-20-00-DIY-Cmoy-Hi-Fi-Headphone-amplifier-KIT-18volt-power-Guaranteed-/200908741891?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item2ec7181d03
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OPA2604-x-2-Headphone-Amp-kits-CMOY-/250905505855?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item3a6b22303f
 
More expensive but looks to be highest quality and comes with everything including enclosure:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Compatible-6xxx-12xxx-6N11-12AU7-ECC88-Tube-valve-DIY-Headphone-Amplifier-AMP-U-/120990700325?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1c2b9b9325
 
 
So my question is which one of those (or other cheapo kits) would be best? Has anybody tried them themselves and can attest to quality?
 
Thanks in advance!

 

[mvrk10256]

I imagine this one is probably the best based on the comparison review:
 
JDS Labs cmoyBB v2.02

 

[jmoore914]

That one already comes assembled and I would like to try my hand at putting together an amp, thanks though!

 

[Avro_Arrow]

Why not just build one from scratch?
 
Tangent CMoy

 

[jmoore914]

I could just get my own but I was trying to simplify the process since it will be my first attempt. 
Also, the price of the kits is comparable if not cheaper than ordering all the components separately.
 
Does anybody have any experience with this seller in particular:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Under-20-00-DIY-Cmoy-Hi-Fi-Headphone-amplifier-KIT-18volt-power-Guaranteed-/200908741891?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item2ec7181d03
 
He has 100% positive reviews and all the comments seem to be very good
 
Edit: I just did a quick search and it seems that Fred Fred is pretty well regarded around these parts. Can anybody with personal experience with his kits confirm this?

 

[Fred_fred2004]

Yes he's great

 

[Avro_Arrow]

From what I've heard, that Fred_Fred guy is pretty smart and
an all round pretty good guy.
 

 

[Zashoomin]

Ya Fred Fred has some really good stuff.  Kinda want a cmoy for my portable rig.  contenplating between that and an mini^3.  Just be really careful with some of the chinese stuff that you see on ebay.  

 

[holland]

Quote:

So I've decided that I want to build a headphone amp just for fun. However, this is my first time attempting this as well as my first time soldering so I don't want to spend much money on it given the relatively high likelihood of me completely messing it up. So I was wondering what you all though about the cheap headphone amp kits on ebay? 
Are they at all worth the time and money to build or just total garbage?
 
The ones that I have found that look decent are:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A1-clone-Class-A-headphone-amp-kits-WITHOUT-enclosure-and-transformer-/251024937361?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item3a72409191
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-RA1-Headphone-Amplifier-Kit-Power-AMP-JRC4556AD-C39-/121144802425?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item1c34cafc79
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5W-PASS-ZEN-High-end-Class-A-Headphone-Amplifier-kit-5W-AMP-TRACKING-NUMBER-/151040995421?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item232abeb05d
 
Some cmoys :
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Under-20-00-DIY-Cmoy-Hi-Fi-Headphone-amplifier-KIT-18volt-power-Guaranteed-/200908741891?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item2ec7181d03
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OPA2604-x-2-Headphone-Amp-kits-CMOY-/250905505855?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item3a6b22303f
 
More expensive but looks to be highest quality and comes with everything including enclosure:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Compatible-6xxx-12xxx-6N11-12AU7-ECC88-Tube-valve-DIY-Headphone-Amplifier-AMP-U-/120990700325?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1c2b9b9325
 
 
So my question is which one of those (or other cheapo kits) would be best? Has anybody tried them themselves and can attest to quality?
 
Thanks in advance!

 
CMoy is the cheapest.  Some of the other amps you linked need transformers and cases and heatsinks.  The Pass Zen clone is going to cost *lots* more than you think.
 
If you really want to learn, build a CMoy using PC/perf board.  Don't use a kit.

 

[jmoore914]

I thought that starting from scratch would be too difficult so based on fred's recommendation I went with this kit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200940914746?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Comes with everything except the power supply and enclosure (which will just be an altoids tin)
 
Can't wait to get it and start messing it up horribly 

 

[tomb]

Yep.  That Fred guy is tolerated around here because his stuff is pretty damn good.

  Good luck on the build!

 

[wiak]

i have built cmoy kits from Fred_fred2004 and i highly recommend him
but i do not think its *to* bad to buy audio diy kits from china, they are good priced, expectedly if you your new to soldering, why buy stuff that cost $100 and destroy it
when you can buy some cheap kits on ebay like volume meter, electronic doorbell kit and this cheap amp to train your self soldering before stepping up to something with more quality and power
 
and a nice warning, use some cheap headphones to test with*