Latest Thread Images

CTHA Schematic.jpg
image.jpg
6N16B_12au7_pinout2.jpg
6N16B_12au7_pinout1.jpg
CTHBoard-pwr.jpg
IMG_0241.jpg
CTH_00.jpg CTH_02.jpg CTH_01.jpg CTH_03.jpg IMG_0281.jpg cth2.jpg IMG_20120204_2054341.jpg IMG_20120204_2055031.jpg alpxjn.jpg 143nvpv.jpg 2dw6ni0.jpg t54m4l.jpg CTH_relay_trace.jpg
See full thread gallery...
the CTH (Compact Tube Hybrid) Rev A thread...
Nov 27, 2011 at 7:28 AM Post #271 of 607
Well it seems that your A/C adapter is holding up the load but not one of your three PS sections (HV, LV, heater) is performing correctly, again they are all too low.  BTW your CRD subs should be fine.
 
Can only think to suggest carefully re-reviewing all the parts/orientations & solder joints from the tube socket to the back of the board.  Something is affecting all 3 PS circuits: http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy/cth/main.php?page=schematics/psschematic    If possible I'd like to know the draw on your A/C adapter but it may not be feasible to make the series amperage measurement.
 
 
Dec 11, 2011 at 2:31 PM Post #274 of 607
Good news, my CTH buildup using the new BoM & PCB from latest batch is working perfectly.  We'll handle mundane payment & shipping biz in the IC thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/581511/ic-cavalli-compact-tube-hybrid-cth-pcbs-rev-1-3-aka-rev-a , keeping this thread as its been for build info/assistance.
 
So we'll forward the new CTH Rev A XLS BoM for hosting on CTH Rev A website, it may be called something like CTHA....Dec2011. 
I'll forward links to a shared Mouser BoM + Digikey parts #s with my request for PCB payment.  You'll still want to make enclosure, pot, knob & jack choices at least, so carefully review things before pressing PLACE ORDER :)  And you'll need the little mounting & wire bits external to the PCB.
 
Here's pics of my new PCB build up:


 
Only variations from the std BoM IIRC are V-R gray C4 box caps (had around) and 20mm height C10P & C5P (necessitated 1000uf -> 680uf) as my planned enclosure needs 20mm max component height.

The latest BoM raises the heater circuit L1H & L2H coils to the switcher's max current - 1A.  This allows safe operation of tube heater draws up to 800ma, since anything > 600ma requires LM2595 to get a heatsink I've added one.  Also, although entirely unnecessary, I've doubled up the 24V reg's heatsink (because my enclosure can support it & I've a thing for heatsinks:)  Note the bottom 2 "teeth" of the inward-facing 24v reg heatsink have been cut off & the heater switcher heatsink is upside-down with it bottom segment snipped off.  Both regulators have been soldered in as high as their leads allow, you'll need to let your enclosure fitment drive these details.
 
Dec 12, 2011 at 7:36 AM Post #277 of 607
IIRC runeight once posted some wattage info here, perhaps dig using google search against this site.
 
As far as gain is concerned, the only issue I recall is one of too much gain for some sensitive IEMs (little volume pot usable range, perhaps very low-level hiss).  CTH's gain is not adjustable it is dictated by the tube's gain/mu/amplification factor, we can only attenuate its gain with the volume pot + R18 resistors.  See my thoughts here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/542279/the-cth-compact-tube-hybrid-rev-a-thread/15#post_7348580
 
Since some have enjoyed CTH w/LCD-2s & orthos I think lack of drive is not a problem.
 
One related update:  We've desensitized CTH's e12 a smiggen more w/latest BoM.  I could not get it's e12 to trip even w/bass-boost EQ & playing my low-bass test track Chevelle's Comfortable Liar, even removed HD650s from my head & using them as speakers:)   So can't imagine how loud or inefficient one's cans would have to be to do so.  Leads me to think only a problem build OR problem source (w/DC offset) OR problem tube could cause nuisance trips.
 
Dec 12, 2011 at 10:20 AM Post #278 of 607
As we've another batch of CTH builders here's some (mostly repeated) info for them.... Other than reading this whole thread & parts of the orig "A Very.." thread:
 
 
   4.   In the event of a bad part or build error see the CTH debugging link in my sig first.
 
* I rarely install the fuse/fuseholder in a finished CTH build... But I do use one in-line (or installed/removable in A/C adapter itself) when its on the bench.  Primarily to avoid popping the adapter prior to case-up, but note the A/C jack ohm test that's part of setup - assuring its not shorted.
 
Dec 12, 2011 at 11:40 PM Post #279 of 607
I can safely say that I have successfully completed another CTH (for sphinxvc) and everything works as expected. All voltages are normal and within range. The next step is to wait for an ALPs RK27, drill some holes for casing, and case everything up. The only snafu that I ran into was a reversed LED (green start up instead of red). It was a pain in the arse to pull that sucker out and reverse it. A couple of things to keep in mind with this build and DIY in general. The pads on this thing go quickly so beware. Also, I haven't seen this mentioned before, but it's common sense. Take off all jewelery when powering this thing up and testing. You don't want your metal touching metal and frying anything. Trust me I've done this in the past and had to replace the whole buffer. The other thing to keep in mind is that when powering up and testing and then shutting off to reflow a joint or something -- WAIT! Wait for the CTH to discharge. It takes a while -- like 5 minutes or so. When I was working on that LED, I touched solder accidentally to another part of the board and sparks were flying... actually one. But, it scared the piss outta me. Luckily, nothing was damaged and all was well with the amp.
 
Dec 13, 2011 at 7:29 AM Post #280 of 607
Yes & proper HV safety precautions, since this project has about 100V present, is mentioned on CTH site.  Static safety precautions as well. 
You may carefully use a low-ohm resistor to discharge the PS section caps when pwr up/down during build process.
 
WRT LED orientation - I always brute-force test them, not soldering their leads until they've been tried first.  E.g. using just their leads' pressure to hold 'em in like in my pics above.
 
Edit:  WRT "The pads on this thing go quickly so beware." - Perhaps I've developed a knack for it but I think my very 1st CTH PCB proto build (avatar) had many of it TO92s replaced twice (once for not using spec'd class C/25 BCs, once for a short whilst taking measurements) & I'd no problems w/pads lifting.  But did have trouble w/C4 pads after rolling like 3 different sets of caps, some w/fat leads.
CTH newbies may want to search for my posts WRT building if reading complete CTH threads is too much.  E.g. I tape needles to my probes, exposing only the tips/points, when measuring things on this tiny PCB.
 
Dec 14, 2011 at 12:02 AM Post #281 of 607
It looks like those D1L/R, D2L/R Semitec diodes are available again at Mouser... They strangely disappeared briefly. It's great that they are back being that they are way cheaper than the alternative.
 
954-E-202
and
954-E-452
 
 
 
 
Dec 14, 2011 at 7:03 AM Post #282 of 607
WRT 954-E-202 & 954-E-452 - They look like fine subs for the 1N53* CRDs in CTH, not only are they < 1/2 the price BUT they've closer values to the 1N53*s called for in CTH's design.  It would be great if at least one of the current builders, perhaps that's built a CTH before, give those Semitecs a try.   Again they appear great subs from their datasheet & you'd save about $6 as well.
 
Updates:  Appears Shared Mouser Projects may not retain the CTH parts #s descriptions that were entered for the parts but it seems Shared Mouser Carts do not have this problem.  So I'll be PMing everyone the link to a Shared Cart copy of the Shared Mouser Project.
IOW users of the Shared Project may get its entered CTH parts #s substituted with those from prior project orders (if they've ordered the same part before & assigned it a name).  So if you've ordered from Mouser in the past & assigned parts #s, using the Shared Cart link I'm PMing would be more reliable (customer/CTH parts # wise).
Also note the official CTH Rev A website is now hosting the newest BoM XLS (has "Dec 2011" in its header/title).
 
Dec 14, 2011 at 10:37 AM Post #283 of 607
CF3 ~ I can confirm that those Semitecs work. I just used them for the last two builds and as you already know the build tests fine. I was able to snag 'em before they were temporarily pulled. So I'd say builders can give it a go and save $5.
 
Dec 14, 2011 at 12:35 PM Post #284 of 607
Gents, I just wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate the continued interest in the CTH. As you all can guess I am pretty busy with the new Cavalli Audio company and its new products, but I am still a DIYer at heart and I must admit, particularly fond of this little amplifier.
 
I also want to thank Chris (cfcubed) for collaborating on its design and for taking on the support that is essential when someone has a problem (especially with this very compact and dense board). Thanks!!
 
And I'd like to thank Mullet for doing the last group buy and helping with the support too.
 
I hope you all like your amps. I heard one at RMAF driving a pair of LDC2s. I have to say, it sounded pretty good. :)
 
Good luck.
 
Dec 16, 2011 at 4:39 PM Post #285 of 607
Quote:
runeight said:
Gents, I just wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate the continued interest in the CTH. As you all can guess I am pretty busy with the new Cavalli Audio company and its new products, but I am still a DIYer at heart and I must admit, particularly fond of this little amplifier.
 
I also want to thank Chris (cfcubed) for collaborating on its design and for taking on the support that is essential when someone has a problem (especially with this very compact and dense board). Thanks!!
 
And I'd like to thank Mullet for doing the last group buy and helping with the support too.
 
I hope you all like your amps. I heard one at RMAF driving a pair of LDC2s. I have to say, it sounded pretty good. :)
 
Good luck.
Click to expand...


I also want to express my sincere thanks for giving me the opportunity to build this baby.
Here's to hopes for another group buy for those who follow in the New Year - Cheers!
 
HA!  My CTH PCB from Chris just arrived!  It's a good omen :)
 
 
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top