[rb67]

I'm looking for a tube amp project to work on that will cost me less than $500. I would prefer something in the 250-400 range (including power supply). Under consideration are the Aikido and the new Cavalli Jones Futterman Bijou amp (from what I've been able to find). How would these two amps compare to each other sound wise? Also, are there any other recommendations?

I will be using Grado's and Sennheisers. I currently have a CKKIII and I am looking for something to compliment that in terms of sound. Any direction will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a whole bunch.

 

[dsavitsk]

http://www.ecp.cc/less-pressivo.html

 

[Blooze]

May I recommend the BH SEX amp. Very well documented build, lots of help if you need it, room for experimentation/upgrades, and you can run your speakers with it as well.

http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/S.E.X./SEX.htm

 

[n_maher]

What other projects have you completed? Tube gear isn't a great way to break into the DIY hobby unless it's with something well supported like the Bottlehead design linked to above. Of course if you're some grizzled soldering slinging veteran either project you mentioned in your original post would likely yield great results.

 

[Nebby]

I've slung some solder....though I'm not too grizzled. Do I count?

 

[MrSlacker]

what about a very maxed out new Millett MAX?

 

[n_maher]

In my opinion it's a great choice but I try not to push projects I'm involved with all that much. The MAX is a wonderfully integrated project and packs a lot into a pretty tidy package. There are those, of course, who will always argue that the amp is limited by the tubes that it uses. I would wager they've never spent much time with any Millett.

 

[MisterX]

Quote:

I would wager they've never spent much time with any Millett.

What are you wagering?

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterX /img/forum/go_quote.gif What are you wagering?

As usual you're the exception to the rule.

To clarify my above statement, what I should have said is that "there will always that the Millett is nothing but a compromise, low-budget amp and ultimately limited by the tubes that it uses." I'd never argue that it's the end-all in headphone amplification but at the build price of the MAX I think you're getting great bang for your DIY buck.

 

[tomb]

You could have said, "I would wager they've never spent much time with a MAX."

 

[rb67]

First I would like to thank you for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

As a quick answer, I've made a CMOY, CKKIII, USB DAC, SOHA, and a nixie (tube) clock. I'm fairly confident in my soldering and high voltage safety.

Now in terms of circuit analysis and design, I've only got basic experience with circuit analysis from my tech elective in college. I can calculate circuit responses of RLC circuits, KVL, nodal analysis, basic transistor operation, etc., but I'm not really familiar enough with amplifier design to say that I would be able to debug a circuit without help.

For pure sake of interest, I will avoid hybrid amps since I already have a SOHA. Also, something that is pretty showy (ie more glowing tubes = better) would be nice because it will be on my desk. Of course, sound is of primary concern.

I'm trying to find comparisons between the amps mentioned and those already under comparison. However, I am not having much luck.

What are your opinions between those mentioned in this post? (excluding the Millet due to above reasons)
Thank you.

 

[MisterX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif As usual you're the exception to the rule.

What rule?

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rb67 ... What are your opinions between those mentioned in this post? (excluding the Millet due to above reasons) Thank you.

I like the SOHA very much - it's a lot of fun. However, sound comparisons with the MAX are pathetic, not to put it too bluntly. The basic Millett Hybrid w/DB's sounds better than a SOHA, and the MAX is easily better than a regular Millett - even with DB's.

Ordinarily, I don't like still-on-the-market DIY amp comparisons on an open forum, but you say you are excluding the Millett MAX on the basis of building a SOHA - just thought you should know the two are not comparable.

 

[Mazuki]

Quote:

http://www.ecp.cc/less-pressivo.html

Do you have a BOM in excel for this amp dsavitsk?

 

[Blooze]

The basic Millett Hybrid w/DB's sounds better than a SOHA. - even with DB's.
QUOTE]


I don't know about that, but that's your opinion

I much prefer the tubey sound of the SOHA over the Millet w/DB's for my listening. Just like I like the sound of most 45 amps over the 300B's I've heard. I like a little more 2nd order harmonics. To each his own I guess.