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Originally Posted by scootermafia /img/forum/go_quote.gif
T
I still know that if commercial builders
perceived value
Just a mountain of cheap blue resistors and small signal transistors.
I respect Gilmore for making damned attractive enclosures, and very clever designs, but he could have spent more on the guts, and there's no way in hell that a Lite can swing the same currents that the 17A mosfets in the M3 can.
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DIY isn't about money. Money is what corrupts many designs. In audio, rarely do almost perfect designs sell. What makes money are things that are absurd when you think about it. Open designs should be compared with each other and commercial amps on the merits of the design and sound. To think about it, everything should first be scrutinized first for their design, then their sound, lastly the cost/parts cost ratio.
To me, I would rather have a well designed and great sounding amp no matter the parts and the parts/price ratio. Don't get too caught up on whether you are getting ripped off or not. Because when you buy an amp that you believe is worth it because you are paying for premium priced parts, you sometimes miss the point. The goal is to do the best with the least possible, not do the same job with the most "cool" parts. Unless you want the bling factor. Can you honestly say you can hear differences between premium resistors and the blue crap? What about capacitors? But wait if there are capacitors, even film in the signal path, then fail. If they are in the power supply, illinois capacitor and low esr nichicons don't really cost much.
For me, I can't tell the (sonic) difference between the panasonic "10 cent" pot you mention and a blue velvet. Ive used steppers, down to the rk97 and they all do their job at the ranges I need.
Explain to me what nice parts would be worth it in your mind for the kicas and the gilmore lite.
By the way what opamps are you using in your m3? is the the ad8610? They are pricy arnt they? Are they worth it to you? do you think they are better for this application than something like the ad843 or ad825?
Go through your m3 bom carefully and see what you are paying for. You might be surprised how much cheaper you can make it, and still have it sound better than the "canon" config.
just my measly 2 cents.
edit: blah most of its alreayd addressed above lol.