[mrdon]

I've built the Millet, the Morgan Jones, the SOHA P2P, the SOHA PCB, and a Grado RA-1 clone. The MJ and the 2 SOHA's are still in my collection. I love them but I've been toying with the idea of building a Solid State headamp. Out of the collective wisdom of head-fi.org, what can my DIY friends recommend? BTW, my HD-650's would be connected to this one as well. Thanks ahead of time.

 

[mminutel]

The one that sticks out in my mind would be a PPA. Those 650s will hog just about anything you build. If I had a pair, that is what I would use.

 

[DigiPete]

Build the best -- Dynahi (balanced=Dynamite).

The beta22 seems interesting but have not heard it,
so I can't say if it beats the Dynahi. One report says it does not.

 

[Slaughter]

Why not the almighty M3? That's going to be my next build....

 

[JackH]

I just built a CKKIII... one of the nicest amps I've heard. Quite economical, too -- but you'd never guess this by listening. What I like best is its uncolored sound. Highs sparkle without being shrill or harsh, and lows are solid and well-defined, not muddy or booming.

 

[grasshpr]

I second the Dynahi suggestion. It might hurt your wallet, but your ears will thank you for it

 

[MASantos]

The most popular "high end" DIY solid state amps are the PPA and M3 if you want to use IC's and the DYNAHI and the newly born B22 which both use all discrete topologies. The M3 and PPA should be less expensive than the DYNAHI and B22 but the later should sound better due to better circuit topology and discrete circuitry.

 

[tomb]

I second the CKKIII for an amiable, exceeds expectations economical discrete design.

For an all out discrete version, I would definitely select the B22. As for a Dynahi beating it, I doubt that it was on equal terms. I'm not sure a balanced B22 has been built yet, much less whether anyone has heard one or not. The B22 is extremely flexible in that regard, though - 2-channel, 3-channel amplified ground, and balanced operation are all possible. What may swing the decision is the outstanding support that Amb provides, plus the fact that the build process is still in its infancy. There are a lot of active builders communicating about the B22 building right now.

Finally, there's a portable version just beginning an interest check for boards: PPL's LISA III. (PPL is Phil Larocca of the amps of the same name and the PPL) It's a complete package, metal Hammond, Bass-boost equipped, 3-channel amplified virtual ground, opamp first stage, fully discrete Class A diamond buffer second stage. It's a complete design with all parts specified down to the connectors, onboard 2-9V batteries and trickle charger. PPL has an interest check thread for the LISA III in the DIY section of Headwize.

If you relent on your idea of going solid state next, you could go for an all out tube amp: the Cavalli-Futterman or commonly known as the Bijou. Runeight is running an interest check for boards right now, and has the complete build article submitted to Chu Moy for publishing in the Headwize Library. There is a thread in the Marketplace, and one in the DIY section, too.

 

[hugz]

Firstwatt F1 or F2

A highly specialised speaker amp (only works with single driver speakers.... such as headphones!) that costs $2500 new but can be cloned with the full permission (and schematics) of the designer. I use mine with sennheisers

edit: its just a power amp though.

I heard garbz' dynamite and loved it too

 

[cotdt]

Another vote for the Dynamight. I've started building mine.