My MOSFET MAX Build

[ovrclkd]

For those interested I offer some pix of the MOSFET-MAX I just finished.

Let me begin by thanking TomB for his patience and guidance while I stumbled thru this, I take full responsibility if anyone received a mailbox full message while trying to contact him!

Although I've only had a few hours of listening time and at present the sources (or lack of) are ZEN & iPhone with LOD first impressions are very good. To my ears the MOSFET-MAX is "clean" sounding, bass impact is definative, vocals seem forward and the highs are beginning to peek through. (I'm using the FM6 tubes at present).

The amp itself is silent, no hiss, no hum just pure listening pleasure. One surprise was how nice the AKG702's sound, the MAX really rounds them out, not to mention how well the Grado 325i's perform under it's signal.

I have the Bantam parts coming this week & will try the Grub as well once everything's available and update this post because I know the MOSFET-MAX will fully shine once given a decent source.

Here's a link to more pix of the MOSFET-MAX, cathair and dust .... for painless viewing choose the slide show option above the images

 

[tomb]

Very cool! You're the first one to finish building one with the new PCB. It looks great - gorgeous job on the case!

Another MOSFET-MAX lives!!

 

[Forte]

Very nicely done!

How does it compare to the BJT version?

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forte /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very nicely done! How does it compare to the BJT version?

The BJT version will have a slightly greater voltage swing that's more suited to high impedance phones. Although both versions perform admirably with high and low impedance, the MOSFET-MAX utilizes much higher currents and is optimum with lower impedance phones as the OP mentions - Grados and K701's, etc. It can even drive some small flea-speakers.

 

[dbfreak]

Sweet! Just got my board in the mail. The red color reminds me of an ATI graphics card. Has an official build thread been started for the new board?

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbfreak /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sweet! Just got my board in the mail. The red color reminds me of an ATI graphics card. Has an official build thread been started for the new board?

That's a good idea - I'll work on it.

 

[ovrclkd]

Tom, (Jude) can we get these posts moved into it?

Thanks,
Jay

 

[n_maher]

As soon as there's a build thread I'll move the posts over.

Also, you guys and your fancy Millett's, I'm still rocking the classic that I recently re-cased.

 

[ovrclkd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif As soon as there's a build thread I'll move the posts over. Also, you guys and your fancy Millett's, I'm still rocking the classic that I recently re-cased.

Thank you .... nice work! I like the feet and have been thinking of ordering a set for my case. You may have helped me make the decision.

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrclkd /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thank you .... nice work! I like the feet and have been thinking of ordering a set for my case. You may have helped me make the decision.

They were mostly on there as a joke, they're a bit on the tall side. I was really just checking to see how my 1/4-20 tap worked in the thin panels of the Hammond extrusion.

I've got something much smaller on there now and wouldn't recommend cones like that for this project.

 

[MASantos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif They were mostly on there as a joke, they're a bit on the tall side. I was really just checking to see how my 1/4-20 tap worked in the thin panels of the Hammond extrusion. I've got something much smaller on there now and wouldn't recommend cones like that for this project.

You need MOAR BIGGER FEET!!

 

[ovrclkd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif They were mostly on there as a joke, they're a bit on the tall side. I was really just checking to see how my 1/4-20 tap worked in the thin panels of the Hammond extrusion. I've got something much smaller on there now and wouldn't recommend cones like that for this project.

yea they are a wee bit on the tall side .. I was thinking something along this line for the MAX. They would go nicely with that "little" knob growing out of the front.

Here's what it's currently wearing, stick on's by 3M:

And the siblings shot!

Hard to believe I just dusted ... next case is clear!

 

[ovrclkd]

I just received the 12AE6's for the MOSFET-MAX and I've got two words for you ..... HOLY CRAP!
Between the Elna's burning in and the AE6's I'm loving this amp more and more.
For those building or thinking of it be sure to get all three tubes offered on the BOM and matched. They do make a huge difference in sound.
Almost finished the Bantam DAC but I dropped a cap and well, it's in the carpet somewhere

. I've ordered a pocketfull to finish this and for the next one. I don't know about the rest but in looking at my Bantam thru the magnifing lamp I could probably submit an image to CNN as a small town earthquake and they'd air it. Can't wait to get it in and run my PC into the MAX.
Good gawd this amp sounds awesome ...

BTW Tom .. I'm still running the tubes at 15v, DB's at 273mv & power at 27.5v. Temps are good & no clipping. Thanks for a great build! Very Happy!

 

[tomb]

Glad to hear it! The 12AE6's have quite a bit of slam and when combined with the high current impulse capability of the MOSFET Diamond Buffer, it can really make the Grados and K701's bounce off your head.

Those Elna's are really special, too. They don't take nearly as long to break in as Black Gates, are about 1/4 the price, and sound just as good, IMHO - what's not to like, IOW?

 

[ovrclkd]

Just finished the build and installation of the Bantam DAC including a micro switch for the source relays and an UV LED that illuminates when running thru the DAC. (thanks TomB)

I must reiterate that this is getting better & better with time. To say I'm pleased with the overall quality of the of the build is an understatement and I'm not speaking of my work.

The Bantam has brought a new dimension to the MOSFET MAX in that the overall character has changed .... everything is fuller & well rounded.
The music is articulate and the listening easy.

Here's a few images with the switch and LED installed. I chose to mount the switch on the rear to keep the front clean.

Can't wait to try the GrubDAC in this amp!