[|Static|]

Budget under $100 usd. I've been browsing for over a month now, and I just can't figure out what to build. I don't have any experience, but I'm feeling a bit cocky about my abilities. I can read a schematic XD. Can anyone shed some incite?

 

[johnwmclean]

Decent + $100 = Not Likely.

 

[|Static|]

Thank you for the feedback?

 

[TzeYang]

^definitely plausible.

Build a PIMETA like amplifier with opamps such as AD825, AD744 and discrete diamond buffers.

 

[TzeYang]

edit:double posted

 

[FallenAngel]

Yep, definitely possible.
Pimeta + Sijosae Class-A or Class-AB buffers

Use a simple LM317-based PSU if it's a stationary unit, you can breadboard one for under $10, use a 12V+ wallwart you have lying around, everybody does.

 

[johnwmclean]

Yeah, it's plausible - what about the chassis?

 

[FallenAngel]

D.I.Y!

 

[TzeYang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwmclean /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, it's plausible - what about the chassis?

plastic cases

Go to your local electronics store to get those.

 

[johnwmclean]

Guess my idea of ‘decent’ is way off track... sorry OP for the negativity, I’ve had the week from hell.

 

[FallenAngel]

We all have some of those, and we all lose track of comparable references. Since I've noticed that I answer a lot more question which really fit into the "audio consulting" category, I've noticed that "good" is a VERY relative term. I have known this with wine from years ago, just recently have I really understood that this relates to all matters. With $200 you can have something VERY pleasing, just as you can have with $200,000. It's all a matter of relative judgement and a fine bit of perspective.

I won't go into details, but lets simply say that the road of the audiophile is a journey, it has a start and a progression and sometimes, it even ends. We should all enjoy the journey and the landmarks along the way. I was overjoyed with my CMOY running KSC75 compared to my previous setup and make no mistake, the CMOY is a DAMN GOOD AMP! You may want to replace the input caps with a 1K resistor, but it's a very nice amp for most headphones, especially when the opamps are reasonably close to rail-rail and have decent current output.

 

[johnwmclean]

Nice post FA

 

[nattonrice]

Well Jeff @ GJA offers a mini3 kit which shipped to AU is probably just under AUD$100 thanks to our snazzy dollar at the moment.
I have used the mini3 as a desktop amp (when all of my gear simultaneously had problems) and it was great for what it is.
Boon is that it is portable too =)

EDIT: LOL you're in Utah haha... how did I get AU!? Either way still under USD$100 I'm sure~

 

[smrtby123]

Try a starving student if you want to go that way, you can always point-to-point it since the kits are gone for now, and there are mods to the original design that use readily available tubes.

 

[Juaquin]

The SSMH is an excellent choice for what you're looking for, if you're into tubes or want to try them. Regarding the Mini3 suggestion above, that's not exactly a desktop amp, especially considering that almost half the board space is reserved for a battery. True, any amp can be used on the desktop, but you'll get more sound with your $100 with something else.