[heatmizer]

Considering building a CKKK^3 or a M3 wondering what some opinions are about them.
I can see that the ckkk3 is discrete with dc servo and the m3 is similar to a ppa I am wondering about the sound of each. This going to be for computer use only and will most likely run from tascam us122
Headphones will be akg240s and grado rs60
Thank You

 

[threEchelon]

I don't think that the M^3 represents an excellent cost-to-performance ratio. I don't know anything about the Kumisa, though.

You should consider a Millet Max as an option.

 

[Clutz]

Why don't you think that the M^3 has a poor price/performance ratio? I think most people on Head-Fi consider the M^3 to be a very good price/performance ratio. The Millet Hybrid is an okay amp, a good introduction to tube amplifiers- but itself isn't really a spectacularly performing itself; at least not on paper. I had one of the previous generation Millet Hybrid with Steinchen's discrete buffers, and it was okay- but I found it pretty easy to part with.

 

[cotdt]

it's a no-brainer, the CKKIIII is smaller and easier to build. It also sounds more involving to me. I think it is also cheaper, since you can build one for under $140.

the CKKIIII is pretty small for an amp with includes a regulated power supply and has 20Vp-p voltage swing:

That's my standard build. you can make it much smaller, or easily fit it in a 5.25" computer bay.

 

[heatmizer]

I have built a Soha and The Millet Max is on my todo list. Want to do a solid state amp this time. I have b22 boards but putting them on the back burner for now. Have built a pimeta that is the current computer amp. Giving the pimeta and senn hd280 to my father for his ham rig. Just am not sure which one I want to build. It mostly comes down to anyones impressions of the ckk3 and m3 individual sound

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clutz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why don't you think that the M^3 has a poor price/performance ratio? I think most people on Head-Fi consider the M^3 to be a very good price/performance ratio. The Millet Hybrid is an okay amp, a good introduction to tube amplifiers- but itself isn't really a spectacularly performing itself; at least not on paper. I had one of the previous generation Millet Hybrid with Steinchen's discrete buffers, and it was okay- but I found it pretty easy to part with.

Come on, now - just because someone unjustifiably disparages the M3, that's no reason to bring out the Millett-hating. The MAX is definitely a different animal, anyway.

Seriously, this thread topic is a big No-No in the DIY section.

EDIT: Heatmizer, YGPM

 

[threEchelon]

I don't believe that the M^3 has the same parts-to-performance ratio as, for example, the DV 336i. Don't be fooled into thinking that the M^3 blows away everything in the price range.

 

[cotdt]

it's hard to compare the M^3 when you can roll different opamps into it. the comparison will depend on what opamp is used.

 

[tomb]

threEchelon,

First of all, I sincerely appreciate your support for the MAX.

About your performance comment of the M3 vs. the Dark Voice 336i - is that a comparison with a custom-made M3 by a custom builder? The Dark Voice is a commercial/retail amp, while the M3 is DIY. It's true that many DIY amps are available for purchase from custom builders, but it's not apples and oranges to compare one with a truly commercial amp.

Besides, being DIY, the M3 can be built very economically in a number of configurations. A TREAD with a few extra-upsized caps and a 1455 Hammond enclosure can give you a pretty inexpensive amp that out-performs the B22 in slew rate, depending on the opamps.

Just wondering about the context here ... and I still say this thread is a no-no. We shouldn't be in an open discussion about whose DIY design is better than the other.

 

[cotdt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomb /img/forum/go_quote.gif We shouldn't be in an open discussion about whose DIY design is better than the other.

why not? where's the fun in refraining from amp comparisons? i think design comparisons are even more interesting. besides, both these amps (M^3 and CKKIIII) are offered by Ti Kan, so it's not like we're hurting anyone's feelings.

 

[MisterX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotdt /img/forum/go_quote.gif it's hard to compare the M^3 when you can roll different opamps into it. the comparison will depend on what opamp is used.

Replace the word "opamps" with output transistors and the same thing applies to the CK2III

 

[Clutz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomb /img/forum/go_quote.gif Come on, now - just because someone unjustifiably disparages the M3, that's no reason to bring out the Millett-hating. The MAX is definitely a different animal, anyway. Seriously, this thread topic is a big No-No in the DIY section. EDIT: Heatmizer, YGPM

Uhm, excuse me? Can you show me where the Milltt-hating is, because honestly I think you're being overly sensitive here. The Millet-Hybrid does not measure spectacularly well - that's a fact. And I think it sounds okay, but I don't think it sounds nearly as good as the other DIY amps I've built. I don't see how that is disparaging it.

But excuse me for expressing an opinion counter to your own, your majesty.

 

[tomb]

Sorry.

 

[n_maher]

Easy guys, let's try not to get pissed off at each other.

My 2¢, the M³ has an amazing price to performance ratio. It can easily be built for under $300 including a nice power supply and short of spending double that I don't think you'll find better in the DIY realm.

As for the Millett, revMH and the most recent Millett MAX. The first two, built with reasonably priced components can sound quite good, depending on personal taste of course, and the latter, well I suppose I really should get to building one to hear exactly how it sounds but if it's anything like my personal Millett (an exercise is stupidity if there ever was one

) then it really should be considered to be on par with other similarly priced DIY builds.

Now, can't we all get along.

 

[khbaur330162]

Holey moley, what's going on in here, guys? Is this all really necessary?

heatmizer: From what I've read the M^3 (depending on configuration, of course) on average sounds warmer with slightly less air and space, and slightly less detail retrieval. The CK2III looks to sound/perform quite similarly to a PPAv2, but don't quote me on that.

That said, it'd be nice to see someone who owns both that could give us a solid comparison.

Good luck in your search.

Edit: Too late it looks like.