Build a headphone amplifier (and/or DAC) in the $75 to $150 range

[PurpleAngel]

There seems to be lots of designs (solid state, tube, hybrid) for build your own headphone amplifiers
In the $150 (or more) cost range, what are the ones that are easy to get all the parts for?
Like there are PCBs boards currently available.
I already have 2 EH 6922 tubes.
Maybe something in the same league as the Schiit Valhalla class.

 

[particleman14]

my favorite..  http://glassjaraudio.com/

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

my favorite..  http://glassjaraudio.com/

Website does not really offer any real details, kind of turned off.
 
 

 

[dorkvader]

I'd recommend a CKKIII, which should be pretty easily in budget depending on potentiometer and casework.
 
Glassjar audio sells kits for many popular DIY projects. There are LOTS of details on AMB's website for his projects.
http://www.amb.org/audio/
 
Cavalli has info on his website:
http://www.cavalliaudio.com/do-it-yourself/
 
Just for example.
---
I dunno about the schiit valhalla case, but from the picture I googled real quick, I'd have to say: custom machining on that much metal will be super expensive, likely more than your budget. Maybe look into par-metal for the enclosure? Hammond sometimes tend to be plainer and less futuristic looking than your schiit example.

 

[cobaltmute]

I haven't built one, and it is a bit outside your listed budget, but a complete kit is the Minimax

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I haven't built one, and it is a bit outside your listed budget, but a complete kit is the Minimax

At that price range, it's only $20 more to mail order a Schitt Asguard (I know it's not tube).
 
 

 

[cobaltmute]

At that price range, it's only $20 more to mail order a Schitt Asguard (I know it's not tube).
 
 

Are you expecting DIY to be cheap? A case alone can run you much more than your budget.

 

[jdkJake]

You might want to go through some of the links on this post to see what is out there:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/537398/list-of-diy-headphone-amplifiers

 

[nikongod]

I would reccomend designing your own thing. The experience is extremely rewarding.
Alternately, a Morgan Jones clone or a Van-Warde OTL can be built in your budget if you dont go crazy with foofy parts. Schematics for both are on Headwize. 
It is very easy to make an amp for $75, and even easier if your budget is $175. You stop counting $5 before you reach your budgeted ammount, and lie about the rest. 

 

[tomb]

 
Quote:

At that price range, it's only $20 more to mail order a Schitt Asguard (I know it's not tube).
 
 

As cobaltmute implied, it's not really a valid comparison.  You could've named dozens of other amps that will cost less, too - but they're not the same.
 
The MiniMAX is the latest refinement of the Millett Hybrid headphone amplifier.  It's intended as a complete kit (even includes DMM) for a 2nd DIY project (always do a CMoy, first!) for someone interested in getting into tubes without any lethal voltages present.
 
P.S. There's a very rudimentary design for the 6DJ8 tube (I believe the 6922 can be substituted) available.  Search for "A Super-Simple 6DJ8 Headphone Amp."  I'm not sure it would be within your budget by the time it's all said and done and again, as cobaltmute said - the case cost can often equal or exceed the entire amp.
 

 

[Armaegis]

Quote:

It is very easy to make an amp for $75, and even easier if your budget is $175. You stop counting $5 before you reach your budgeted ammount, and lie about the rest. 

Nah... it's easy to stay within your $75 budget... the trick is to just hit your budget multiple times

 

 

[cobaltmute]

Nah... it's easy to stay within your $75 budget... the trick is to just hit your budget multiple times

It is easy to build an amp for $75. Then you build another one for the other channel for $75. And your power supply , case etc are all extras.

Good practice for anyone to evaluate the overall build cost of an amp would be to look at something like the Mini-Max (or any kit for Beezar or Glass Jar) and figure out the cost to do that as a one off. Especially something like the case. Both shops offer excellent value for the money.

 

[nikongod]

 
Quote:

Nah... it's easy to stay within your $75 budget... the trick is to just hit your budget multiple times

 

I like this method more than my own as it does not require lying. A very elegant solution to an otherwise difficult problem. 

 

[Armaegis]

Plus another $75 for extra parts "just in case", and then another $75 on tools and supplies that you don't need right now but "might be useful for future projects"... and then a year down the line you're staring at your worktable and thinking "maybe I could just convert the garage into a mancave" and then you start shopping for power tools...
 
Ok so I'm not quite there yet, but my neighbour did (actually built an extension off his garage) and I am very envious.