eXStata DIY Electrostatic Amp for Intermediate DIYers

[runeight]

Well, I'd like to say I had a good reason, but I just prefer leaded units.

Most of the caps at 220u/450V from reputable manuf will be ok in this position. They are not heavily stressed if the transformer secondary voltage is not too high.

So I think that almost anything you could pick from CD, Nichicon, Xicon, United Chemicon, etc. would be suitable. And the holes should be big enough for snap-in units.

 

[pabbi1]

You can also undermount... like so:

Should have used better caps if I was going that way, but, what the heck.

 

[macm75]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabbi1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Should have used better caps if I was going that way, but, what the heck.

Yup, no worries. No room for 2.5"x6" asc oil cans anyway.

 

[paxeaxe23]

Well! Just been adding all my costs up and I really wish parts would have been easily available locally in Germany, but with all mouser orders and a nice case Ordered from Italy (plus most of the extra components including Tubes for the Hybrid I wan't to build once Alex makes another order for boards) will have cost me around 700 Euros! I calculate that as long as I actually do build a Hybrid as well as the Sand version, each will have cost int he region of 400 euros. I'm not unhappy about that, although myBank account will need a nice long rest. Just as well its the season of Lent!

Anyone else want to admit how much they have paid out for their builds?

 

[marcus1]

There are some build estimates here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/exs...ml#post6179679

Quote:

Originally Posted by paxeaxe23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well! Just been adding all my costs up and I really wish parts would have been easily available locally in Germany, but with all mouser orders and a nice case Ordered from Italy (plus most of the extra components including Tubes for the Hybrid I wan't to build once Alex makes another order for boards) will have cost me around 700 Euros! I calculate that as long as I actually do build a Hybrid as well as the Sand version, each will have cost int he region of 400 euros. I'm not unhappy about that, although myBank account will need a nice long rest. Just as well its the season of Lent! Anyone else want to admit how much they have paid out for their builds?

 

[Beefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paxeaxe23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Anyone else want to admit how much they have paid out for their builds?

Not really..... I'm always afraid the missus will find some of my posts on this forum!

The actual electronic components didn't cost me a lot, but for the rest of the build I have nickel and dimed myself to death. Custom transformer, HV wire, jacks, casework, panels, tools...... it has all added up to well beyond my initial budget.

Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end though

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Not really..... I'm always afraid the missus will find some of my posts on this forum!

Roger that, I'm very much a "she doesn't ask, I don't tell" type of guy.

 

[Emooze]

Hmmm electronics and boards: ~$250 shipped
Nabu case: ~$30 shipped

Adding in all the jacks, wire and other hardware, right around $300 USD

 

[pabbi1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif Roger that, I'm very much a "she doesn't ask, I don't tell" type of guy.

Mine asks, but nothing good can come from being completely forthcoming. So long as more (and bigger) boxes go out than come in, life is good, and, somehow, the small boxes with tubes now have a blanket exemption (just in time for the incoming 1979 & 1986 pairs of 6h30-DR).

Never to worry, lads - HF is a naturally cultivated 'better half' repellant - strongest known to man. Mine just asks me how much life insurance I have every time a new project (or major gear acquisition) gets discussed.

 

[les_garten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabbi1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Mine asks, but nothing good can come from being completely forthcoming.

A Truer statement has never been uttered!

 

[paxeaxe23]

I suppose I should count myself lucky then, my ex "she who must be obeyed" lives several thousand Miles away in Kansas so I only have to answer to my Bank balance!

 

[studeb]

i do not know if you have given up yet but, i was looking at some bent plexi and the manufacturer cut down along the bend line before bending. The cut was quite deep.

You could try that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomytank /img/forum/go_quote.gif More bad luck. Second perspex top has broken. I think bending it at the sides introduces too much stress, and any additional working causes it to crack. Or I need more experience, or more skill. (Or more Perspex! ) Maybe I should go all wood? (Wood is good. I've got lots of it, and it's easier to work with.)

 

[tomytank]

Quote:

Originally Posted by studeb /img/forum/go_quote.gif i do not know if you have given up yet but, i was looking at some bent plexi and the manufacturer cut down along the bend line before bending. The cut was quite deep. You could try that.

I haven't given up, just other things getting in the way. This is useful-thanks I'll give it a try at a later date. Boilermakers comments (thank you!) about handling helped as well, but I'd already started on an alternative route before I'd read them.

As Michgelsen said earlier, it's very à la Stax. Still need to do some tidying up. Looks good, but it doesn't have the bling factor a single bent plexi piece had, IMO. This amp puts out a fair amount of heat, especially around the valves and Q13 and Q14. For the last week I've been testing the heat dissipation. Up to now, the heat issue looks fine.

 

[pabbi1]

Very nice - question is, how is the sound?

 

[Sathimas]

The exstata is the first project where I exactly listed my costs

Never did that before.

Tubes (2 sets!): 17€
Tubesockets and "spacer" 17,50€
Boards: 22€
Transformer: ~40€
Parts from Mouser: 137€
More parts(wires, pot etc.): 64€

Case: 106€
Casework/cnc: 60€

In Total:
463€
(all prices contain shipping/tax and so on)

The case/casework became more expansive than I thought, but since the case was one of my christmas presents ...
I always hoped to keep that amp under 500€ which is definitely sucessful.

The smallest STAX-amp costs about 500€ new here in Germany ...

Btw, here's what it's gonna look like: