What amp kits are available currently?
Mar 29, 2006 at 6:07 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 25
hell0un1verse

hell0un1verse

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Hi there, I am wondering what headphone amp DIY kits are currently available? I am now considering to DIY an amp out of kit instead of buying an assembled product. Specifically I have two criteria of selection for the kit, 1) It is better that the kit comes with case, 2)Proven synergy with K701.

BTW, generally is tube amp a good match for K701?

Any replies appreicated.
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Mar 29, 2006 at 4:03 PM Post #3 of 25
I, too, have some interest in this. As you no doubt know, there are several kits out there, but none have proven synergy, or are even likely to have.

However, as the Millet Hybrid has been shown to have some synergy, it's possible to make one of those - though I'm certain it's an advanced project. There is a thread on this subject

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=124945

and I'm sure that by contacting on of these members, they'd be more than willing to show you the way to enlightenment.
 
Mar 29, 2006 at 6:05 PM Post #6 of 25
Mar 30, 2006 at 5:18 AM Post #10 of 25
Is it the case that you're really concerned about? If it is, then search the DIY forum and threads here. You can find all sorts of information and more than a few photos.

Sure, sourcing a DIY might take a little longer, but you're still going to have to build and troubleshoot it, whether you source the parts or not. Also, you're going to get a lot of help here if you do a DIY amp.

Take a look at the Dynalo, Dynahi, Millett Hybrid, SOHA, and probably half a dozen others I can't think of right now. You should find that more than one of these will meet (and exceed) your needs. And you'll also learn how to case it up just how you want it.

Speaking of which, the PCB for my Millett Hybrid just arrived today! I should have it sourced and ordered this weekend. I'm not sure how I'll case this one. Maybe wood for a change.
 
Mar 30, 2006 at 3:58 PM Post #13 of 25
Yes, well, there are those esoteric audiophile fanatic amps.
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Uncle Erik gave some good suggestions. As for the truly DIY amps out there, I'm not sure that any of them are really "kits." The better ones might as well be, but most of the DIY designers enter into diminishing returns very quickly if they try to actually offer full-blown kits. There are too many variations on cabinets and connectors, some want botique parts, some want inexpensive parts, and then there's the whole issue of suppliers and which is in stock with this item or that item.

You will find that most DIY designers definitely carry the PCB board, the documentation, and then a few critical parts - matched transistors, etc. Pots are a big item, because it seems hardly anyone makes stereo-audio pots anymore. Even then, a critical part may run into shortages, like the BUF634, for instance.

Besides the ones that Uncle Erik mentioned, there is the M3 and several that Tangent offers - PPA, PIMETA, and a couple of power supplies. He also has the new PINT for smaller, Mint-tin portables. Amb and Morsel (M3) are also working on a Mini3. Of course, there are about as many variations on the CMoy as there are types of Mint tins. Tangent also has a great tutorial for a basic CMoy Mint tin amplifier on his website.

There is another source that summarizes all of these amps, but it is a competitor and against the rules to mention it, I believe. (hope that doesn't get this post deleted)

I'm sure I missed a bunch, but these are definitely the ones I'm looking at besides the Millett Hybrid, which Uncle Erik already mentioned (my boards are on the way).
 
Mar 30, 2006 at 5:38 PM Post #14 of 25
Quote:

Originally Posted by tomb
I'm sure I missed a bunch, but these are definitely the ones I'm looking at besides the Millett Hybrid, which Uncle Erik already mentioned (my boards are on the way).


I mention this only as a point of clarity, the only Millett PCBs currently available are Pete's original boards which are sold through DIY Cable. The boards commonly known as the "revised Millett Hybrid" are no longer available. As with both of these projects the gerber files required for board fabrication are available for download from Pete's site (here) so anyone and everyone can do with them as they please.

Nate
 
Mar 30, 2006 at 6:55 PM Post #15 of 25
the guy seems to want a full kit,not a bare pcb board with a "you figure it out" instruction sheet and a variable parts list

The S.E.X. and Mapletree mentioned are good examples.these are both full kits with every single part you need from start to finsh.As is :

http://www.diyhifisupply.com/diyhs_chazz.htm

This is a ridiculous bargain but I would serously consider an opamp upgrade though it would raise the total cost

http://www.paia.com/hda.htm

Then there is the total amp minus the housing type kits :

http://www.welbornelabs.com/classa.htm

http://www.welbornelabs.com/hyb.htm

http://www.wnaudio.com/headamp.html

There are a couple of borbely designs kicking around

http://www.borbelyaudio.com/

White noise audio has just come out with version 3,see the DIY forum here for details

somewhere the is a JLH headphone amp kit though I can't remeber exactly where it is available

The above are all "kits" and not a bare bones pc board which if you want that then i could wear you out with links
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