[diablo9]

Hi, guys, since I am finishing my current projects. I am trying to make a priority list of AMP projects:
I am considering:
M3
http://elvencraft.com/mmm/
http://www.amb.org/audio/mmm/

White Noise MKII
http://www.wnaudio.com/

Millett's Hybrid
http://www.diyforums.org/millett.html

S.E.X.
http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/S.E.X./SEX.htm

Dynalo
http://www.djgardner.com/headphone/gilmore/

Dynahi
http://www.djgardner.com/headphone/gilmore/

I am working on a PPA with STEPS. And plan to STEP the next project, I am expecting the next one sounding at least on the same or higher tie compare to PPA. Otherwise there is no point of "next project", right?

As I have no idea how much is it to fully populate a M3, Dynalo and Dyanhi, please someone give me a rough estimate budget for these 3 projects.

Thanks a lot!!!
any suggestion is welcomed!

 

[Jazper]

An M3 will cost you about 220-230 in basic config, with the sky being the limit really depending on boutique components, opamps, cases and power supplies.

A dynahi will cost 3 times as much (approx)

I say go the bottlehead sex, a good tube amp that is known to perform well and looks just damn sexy - wish the headphone storage rack came with it

 

[Steve Culton]

Two other options: the Cavalli Lovell MkII and the CLP SOHA. The MkII is pricier, but amazing. Check out headwize for details.

 

[Teerawit]

If you're considering tubes, don't forget about the Mapletree Ear+ Purist (HD version if you want to max it)

 

[Teerawit]

$170 will fully populate the M^3 board with standard parts (on amb's website) and 8610 opamps. Add to that the case, power supply, miscellaneous hardware and supplies.

Dynalo will cost alittle less than that...but the question is: Do you have a meter to match transistors? If not, you might want to consider getting one if you are planning to build the Dynahi as well.

It seems like the Millett Hybrid might be a step backward compared to the PPA + STEPS. Dynalo and M3 would be side-steps IMO. Dynahi is...well...an end-of-the-road type deal. Don't forget about a quality power supply!

 

[diablo9]

Yes, I emailed Lloyd about the Ear+, it's about $500 for the HD version of the kit. I am sure it will sound good. That will be on my to-do list as well.

 

[Teerawit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablo9 Yes, I emailed Lloyd about the Ear+, it's about $500 for the HD version of the kit. I am sure it will sound good. That will be on my to-do list as well.

Glad I could help you be sorry for your wallet....errr....help you have fun with your soldering iron

 

[Jazper]

The m3 is technically similar to the PPA which is why I suggested a tube amp. That said, all the amps on your list are plenty capable

 

[diablo9]

So I can safely say, Dynahi is the best SS DIY amp and dynalo, M3, PPA are the 2nd tie?
In tube amp, what's the counterpart of Dynahi, and M3, PPA?

 

[skyskraper]

i like the dynahi and dynalo coz they're solid stage. i havent worked on my dynahi in a while (still collecting parts) but the dynalo gets destroyed by the m3.

Borbely (and welborne) offer a nice borbely designed low voltage hybrid amp design. i like the look of that. there are a few nice hybrid amps being developped at headwize right now.

and Gilmore is working on his Bamaslama all tube amp presently. it's not for the feint of heart though. 3 layer board (iirc, which i probably don't) and lots of voltage.

 

[Jazper]

I agree, I think the best diy SS amps out there are the M3, the dynahi and the Welborne/borbely Mosfet headphone amp(the aural audition seems to be similar to this). All for different reasons.

I think the Bamaslama should be a very good tube amp, but the millet is safer and requires less in the way of exotic voltages (the bamaslama requires 6 different voltages - all regulated)

The bottlehead SEX is a good all rounder by all reports, and it looks easy to make which is why it got my vote.

Edit: I should say that the mig/mig2 (designed by KG) are probably the upper eschelon of tube amps, but border on insanity.

edit2: I heard the ppa and much prefered the M3.

 

[blumenco]

I built six of these sex kits. one of them was the enhanced version. highly reccomended. these things are totally nuts. best HP amp i ever heard (except the HEV90, of course).

the enhanced version is really really accurate and beautiful sounding. the beauty is to be able to tweak it to preference (sonically) as well. we do this by consulting the Bottlehead forum and by trial and error.

 

[adhoc]

i would recommend you work with something solid state (and safer) first. the M3 sounds like a good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Culton Two other options: the Cavalli Lovell MkII and the CLP SOHA. The MkII is pricier, but amazing. Check out headwize for details.

seconded. this seems like a very promising and more importantly, flexible design indeed - customisable gain and variable feedback allow adaptation to almost any headphone out there.