Cost of M3 amplifier

[younglee200]

Does ~280 USD shipped to my house sound like a good deal for a M3 amplifier?

PSU is included along w/ RCA interconnects.

Since it's a DIY amp, I"m really not sure how much these amplifiers cost to make... nor how much they sell for.

Thanks!

 

[Fungi]

That's a good deal, assuming the build is good. If it breaks down or causes problems obviously you don't want it, but otherwise great deal for an excellent amp.

 

[Cankin]

What kind of PSU? wallwart?

$280 seems like a nice price, but you've to consider other things as well. How clean is the build? who is going to take care of it if there's a problems with it?

 

[scootermafia]

Who is selling it? Is it used?
It normally costs $375 from Rockhopper, a professional builder, who uses top quality parts - that's with a 24-volt wallwart.

I'd demand photos and I'd hope the person has a good reputation, check on their previous work.

 

[XXII]

Is it brand new or used? It's a fair price for a used one IMO..

 

[FallenAngel]

That doesn't even cover parts cost for my Sigam11 + M^3 in a nice enclosure. It's a nice deal if you're getting a used one with a good PSU (Simga11 or YJPS). Well, make that a REALLY good deal for those. It's an OK deal with a decent PSU (LM317-based with good regulation like STEPS or a fancy custom).

The M^3 seems to be fairly highly priced amp (over parts cost) so you'll have to say which opamps and PSU is going with it - some PSUs are almost as expensive as the amp.

 

[Vandal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by younglee200 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does ~280 USD shipped to my house sound like a good deal for a M3 amplifier? PSU is included along w/ RCA interconnects. Since it's a DIY amp, I"m really not sure how much these amplifiers cost to make... nor how much they sell for. Thanks!

Isn't the M^3 375$ in parts AFAIK?

 

[a1m80t]

I just ordered all the parts for my M3 and Treads yesterday. Here is a fairly accurate breakdown of cost. The optional high cost factors are choice of opamps, power supply, and if bass boost included ($16),

M3 minus opamps and enclosure = ~$151
M3 Enclosure = ~$28


Op627/637 opamps = ~$54

Or

Default opamps = ~$30

Or Cheapest opamps = ~$7


Treads minus enclosure = ~$27
Treads enclosure = ~10

Shipping = 15 ($5 for AMB Labs/ $7 from mouser/ $2 Tangent for US people)

I’ll let you make the call if it’s a good deal or not.

 

[younglee200]

Cost is actually about 295 dollars (miscalculated the postage,) it's from a reputable Asian company that sells diy products and also sells completed products as well.

I asked them about the PSU and the op amps they used, but my guess is that they used the default one. BTW, what are "treads" in the list you made above?

 

[ttnl]

I think I know what company you talk about. Did you ask them specifically about shipping to US (I assume you are in US)? Last time I email them, they quote me $330 shipped to US with the shipping cost about $40. And the $330 is for the amp only, no PSU. I guess if you go with MisterX, you will get a better deal for the amp +PSU, although you pay a little more.

 

[Shahrose]

That's a great deal, even with stock components (opamps, Elpac wallwart etc). Just make sure the build quality is decent.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Not a bad price if the work is good. I paid more to build one with STEPS in a Par-Metal box.

For the person who asked, the TREAD is a power supply available from AMB.

Also, warranty/service isn't that big of a deal. The M^3 is an open, DIY design without proprietary parts. Any tech can diagnose it, order parts and repair it. You don't have to get factory service - there are excellent techs around who can fix any of this stuff. Look for old-school TV repair shops, hams who build linear RF amps/restore vintage radios and guitar amp techs. Any of those will be more than qualified to work on an amp.

 

[mbd2884]

Ask for internal pictures and post em here, DIY fans here can tell you if the parts and workmanship look good or not, for initial impression at least before buying.

 

[Lil' Knight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vandal /img/forum/go_quote.gif Isn't the M^3 375$ in parts AFAIK?

Nope. That price is for a pre-built one.

 

[MoodySteve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif For the person who asked, the TREAD is a power supply available from AMB.

TREAD is actually available from Tangent.

AMB's power supplies are σ11 and σ22.

OP - DIY amps are the best bang-for-the-buck amps. I say go for it.