[geestring]

I have these pcb boards to make cmoys but the parts will add up. I'm thinking I won't like the sound and will want to upgrade right away...

is the sound good enough to last me for months? I would be using it on an ipod classic 160gb the newest model and audiotechnica es7s

 

[kunalraiker]

The sound is nice, until you discover what the commercial amps can do

 

[stingx]

I very much like the sound of mine and it gets a lot of use. Honestly, the only reason I am considering something like an iBasso Mamba is because I have situations where having a DAC would come in very handy.

 

[Uncle Erik]

The parts are only about $20. That's not too bad.

Also, much of the point of a CMoy is learning how an amp works and how to assemble something that actually works. Further, you can always sell it to fund your next project.

I'll take exception to the comment about the superiority of commercial amps, as well. DIY amps are usually better for a number of reasons.

Technically, DIY is better because of the "many eyeballs" phenemenon. DIY projects are offered openly to builders everywhere. If there is something wrong with a circuit or a tweak that can make it better, someone usually notices that and points it out to the designer. If it's good, it usually gets added to the project. Check the revision histories of the more popular amps and you'll see an evolution. Commercial designs almost never get this level of scrutiny. While commercial designs can be excellent, they rarely get the beating and trial by fire that DIY amps get from those who build them. If you go DIY, you're almost guaranteed that the amp's design will be bug-free.

Another argument is that of selection. When you build your own, you can use whatever parts you have on hand or want to substitute in. You get the exact amp you want.

Similarly, price is a huge factor. Without labor and overhead. You can DIY an amp of excellent quality for far, far less than a commercial model.

 

[geestring]

are there further modifications on the cmoy design, such as better op amp? I would feel less guilty about spending money on something I built than clicking and buying a prebuilt amp.

 

[logwed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunalraiker /img/forum/go_quote.gif The sound is nice, until you discover what the commercial amps can do

With the proper skills, a DIYer can make an amp that easily bests others in its price range. For example, the B22 is one of the most highly-regarded amps here, and that is only available as a DIY option. Also, quality-control is likely to be higher, because a builder is going to take a more vested interested in his own amp than a builder that makes 30 of them every day.

 

[andrewmorio]

Yes,do build and try the cMoy amp. Depending on your build I think you will be surprised and shocked at how powerful and clean a cMoy can be. Call me a nut but I have 7 of them.

 

[the search never ends]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif The parts are only about $20. That's not too bad. Also, much of the point of a CMoy is learning how an amp works and how to assemble something that actually works. Further, you can always sell it to fund your next project. I'll take exception to the comment about the superiority of commercial amps, as well. DIY amps are usually better for a number of reasons. Technically, DIY is better because of the "many eyeballs" phenemenon. DIY projects are offered openly to builders everywhere. If there is something wrong with a circuit or a tweak that can make it better, someone usually notices that and points it out to the designer. If it's good, it usually gets added to the project. Check the revision histories of the more popular amps and you'll see an evolution. Commercial designs almost never get this level of scrutiny. While commercial designs can be excellent, they rarely get the beating and trial by fire that DIY amps get from those who build them. If you go DIY, you're almost guaranteed that the amp's design will be bug-free. Another argument is that of selection. When you build your own, you can use whatever parts you have on hand or want to substitute in. You get the exact amp you want. Similarly, price is a huge factor. Without labor and overhead. You can DIY an amp of excellent quality for far, far less than a commercial model.

Amen, many commercial amps, even the very expensive ones, often end up as diy's

 

[krmathis]

Seems like you mean it is a waste, so then I say do not go there.