[Vargtass]

Hi.
Basically wondering if anyone got a complete parts-list for the KGSS Electrostatic-amp. Really want to exchange my HEV-70 amp that came with the sennheiser he60 phones (fantastic by the way) with something that kicks out alot more.

I live in Norway, but recon I could get just the same parts here as in the US.
So, anyone got a complete list of what I need to build the KGSS?

 

[spritzer]

This is a partslist I found on my computer from when I was working on my KGSS. I don't know who made it but I think I found it here.

 

[Vargtass]

fantastic. Thnx man.
Any hinters on how much building this amp will cost, more or less?
And what should I do with my old Sennheiser HEV70 amp. Do you think I could make any money selling it?

 

[spritzer]

Well in my experience I would probably be cheaper to just buy a KGSS from Headamp. Mine already costs more than the one from Headamp. It is a two box design but it isn't finished so it will cost a lot more. Considering how weak the US dollar is the amp is a bargain.

Doubt you could sell the HEV-70 because of the special connector but you never know.

 

[Vargtass]

good thought, but can`t really see how it would be cheaper to buy them amp from headamp.com. I mean .. 1500 usd + shipping to Norway + 25% tax / customs. I`m on a very tight budget unfortunatly, but still not satisfied with my senn-amp at all. It`s downright weak...
I think buying the amp complete is out of the question, way to expensive.

 

[spritzer]

Well in my case I had to buy everything from either the US or Europe so the shipping costs added up. Also the taxes and customs are same here as in Norway so I know they hurt a bit.

The amp could be built on a budget but I don't know how cheaply....

 

[Jupiter]

There are two parts lists in this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=30015

Which circuit board layout will you use?

Another option could be to buy a Stax amp. Some modifications are probably needed.

 

[teucer]

Spritzer's parts list is for my layout which can be found here:
http://www.utdallas.edu/~grantr/files/kgss

Many people have used this layout successfully. Justin used it for a short while in his amps. AFAIK, he still uses the power supply.

The parts list is here (probably the same as his):
http://www.utdallas.edu/~grantr/file...kgss_parts.xls

The gerber files (to be submitted to the board house):
http://www.utdallas.edu/~grantr/file...s-fabfiles.zip

I would recommend using the "hybrid" power supply (so named because it was developed for the blue hawaii hybrid). Better regulation and not much more expensive than the normal supply. Get a custom toroid from Victoria Magnetics, it's surprisingly cheap.

Pictures of my amp being built here:
http://www.utdallas.edu/~grantr/images/kgss/

The complete amp (minus XLR wiring):
http://www.utdallas.edu/~grantr/images/kgss/kgss.jpg

My guess is you could build the kgss for as little as $500, but few people do because they like to use expensive parts and make pretty amps. DIY builders start out trying to build cheap, but then they think "It would be so cool if I added feature X to my amp!" and it becomes a money sink.

 

[spritzer]

The parts list I posted is the one teucer made and it is a good one. I think that you can also get boards from Justin @ Headamp. His layout has one major advantage. He uses individual heatsinks for the power transistors so the case could be a lot cheaper.

Quote:

My guess is you could build the kgss for as little as $500, but few people do because they like to use expensive parts and make pretty amps. DIY builders start out trying to build cheap, but then they think "It would be so cool if I added feature X to my amp!" and it becomes a money sink.

That’s exactly what happened to me. The project always grew bigger and bigger and alot more expensive so I still is unfinished and I do not have the time to finish it. But I got my self a Blue Hawaii to use until I finish it...