Suggestions on the next DIY amp?

[Qsilver 0]

Hi all,

 

I am new to diy amps.

Just finished a CMOY2 with help from the tutorial link from here. "Thanks!"

 

I do not understand schematics. I have in mind the SOHA, M3 or PIMETA.

The M3 and PIMETA have boards available and parts list.

SOHA board need to diy, but I am benting more to start on a SOHA.

Is it adviseable for me to start a SOHA 1st? Or maybe a M3/PIMETA?

I have visited the Headwize site and there is so many version of SOHA that it confused me to start with which version.

 

Thanks in advance, guys.

[squalle 0]

hold up on SOHA

 

me and siriuz making a PCB

 

1st prototype was done. but hmm we decided to come out with 2nd rev

with different method of making the PCB too

so yea, just wait for news of it

 

btw, SOHA is relatively cheap and easy even to do ptp.

 

EDIT: just saw that M3 has mosfet output stage, but it's push pull. so it's worth a try

PIMETA uses IC packaged buffer. so you might want something better

 

if you should have to get another ss amp, why not try dynalo. a lot better, a lot more robust, macho amp

but it'll cost more than a SOHA I'd say

 

SOHA at its current state is rather weak. the output buffer is only an OPA2134, with max current delivery of 40mA only

but, as of all DIY thing, you can mod it. like, putting MOSFET power stage there

Edited February 17, 2006 by squalle

[Qsilver 0]

hold up on SOHA

 

me and siriuz making a PCB

 

1st prototype was done. but hmm we decided to come out with 2nd rev

with different method of making the PCB too

so yea, just wait for news of it

 

btw, SOHA is relatively cheap and easy even to do ptp.

 

EDIT: just saw that M3 has mosfet output stage, but it's push pull. so it's worth a try

PIMETA uses IC packaged buffer. so you might want something better

 

if you should have to get another ss amp, why not try dynalo. a lot better, a lot more robust, macho amp

but it'll cost more than a SOHA I'd say

 

SOHA at its current state is rather weak. the output buffer is only an OPA2134, with max current delivery of 40mA only

but, as of all DIY thing, you can mod it. like, putting MOSFET power stage there

Haha was hoping that you will pop in. Saw ur post at headwize.

 

I was interested in trying out tube amp just to listen for myself to have a compare with cmoy2.

reason for SOHA as my choice. Anyway I know nuts about the technical terms you guys or headwize site were saying.

 

I am more of a diyer or hands-on guy. I am eagerly waiting for you & siriuz with the new rev.2 of SOHA. Btw you guys diy your own SOHA pcb board?

 

Thanks again

[siriuz 0]

rev.2 of the soha pcb board btw, no changes to the schematics.

 

yea diy-ing the pcb, should be testing it sometime next week or maybe sunday

[heady 0]

I think if you are more interested in getting good sound for minimal investment in time and money, you can't beat the Pimeta. After I got it working, I just could not get motivated to finish the PPA board I've got. Too busy enjoying the music.

 

[squalle 0]

errr

 

PIMETA cheap?

 

IIRC, it costs more than a SOHA

and it's still made of wimpy ICs, small and weak

 

 

[Qsilver 0]

Well, I couldn't say any thing about PIMETA as I have not hear it yet. But still its individual hearing preferances.

 

As for cost, for SOHA is it still cheaper even using gd quality parts?

 

But was quite interested in SOHA<bcos its tube> and M3<dun know why>.

There is still alot of dummy questions I need to ask along the way.

 

Btw the SOHA board is diy etching or using breadboard?

Edited February 17, 2006 by Qsilver

[siriuz 0]

diy etching

[squalle 0]

PIMETA n PPA cost estimates : http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=164019

 

whereas SOHA, using non boutique stuffs, can be had for around 60-80

sound wise, whether you like it or not, depends whether you like tube sound

 

but yea, I support you doing M3. it seems to be of superior design compared to PIMETA.

btw, you're not thinking making it portable, are you?

[Qsilver 0]

Siriuz : I can do diy etching.. office have laser printer

 

squalle : no, not portable for M3. Was thinking of for speaker<bkshelf> and headphone use. Have a switch for dual purpose.

[heady 0]

errr

 

PIMETA cheap?

 

IIRC, it costs more than a SOHA

and it's still made of wimpy ICs, small and weak

Sorry, I have no idea re: SOHA. I have no desire for tubes cos, I don't want an amp where I have to worry about the vital part wearing out. You get a solid state amp and pair it carefully with the headphones, then it is down to music.

 

And it will probably last for years, I guess. I have a solid state power amp which is more than 20 years old and still singing sweetly to my ears.

 

Ah well, one man's meat is another's poison.... I guess that reveals my age beside the fact that I own a 20 year old hifi set.

[squalle 0]

hmmm

 

IIRC, electrolytic caps would die earlier than the tubes. and to change tubes is a simple matter

 

Qsilver if u wanna power up a pair of speakers, then you cant use PIMETA. go for M3, maybe tweak it for higher power.

 

from here: http://headwize.com/ubb/showpost.php?fnum=...=47239&fpage=21

I have 12AU7s with 50,000 hours on them, working fine.

Edited February 17, 2006 by squalle

[Qsilver 0]

hmmm

 

IIRC, electrolytic caps would die earlier than the tubes. and to change tubes is a simple matter

 

Qsilver if u wanna power up a pair of speakers, then you cant use PIMETA. go for M3, maybe tweak it for higher power.

 

from here: http://headwize.com/ubb/showpost.php?fnum=...=47239&fpage=21

I have 12AU7s with 50,000 hours on them, working fine.

Ya that is why I was leaning towards M3.

Please let me know when the SOHA rev2 is ready.

Can't wait to get my hands on 1 board.

 

I will still tryout SS amp, but for now SOHA & M3 is my diy attempt.

[av98m 0]

errr

 

PIMETA cheap?

 

IIRC, it costs more than a SOHA

and it's still made of wimpy ICs, small and weak

1. Yes the Pimeta costs more in parts compared to the SOHA

 

2. Small and weak? A completely uninformed and ignorant statement. Have you even listened to one?

[squalle 0]

errr

 

PIMETA cheap?

 

IIRC, it costs more than a SOHA

and it's still made of wimpy ICs, small and weak

1. Yes the Pimeta costs more in parts compared to the SOHA

 

2. Small and weak? A completely uninformed and ignorant statement. Have you even listened to one?

yea I got a friend who got a PIMETA

 

and yea it's weak as compared to power mosfet

 

how many amperes can it put out? :D

hmm wrong question.. shd be, just how many mili amperes can it put out?

 

remember, the thread starter said something abt bookshelves.

which in this case, the buf634 is obviously too weak to power that

 

but, if you would say to put a power amp after the pimeta, then that doesnt count anymore

as pimeta, as what it's designed for, is too weak to drive a pair of speakers

 

ADD: for SOHA, you can easily change its output stage to be buffered by a power mosfet.

whereas pimeta, as it comes from tangent, how can you put a power mosfet in?

or you would rather put 4 buf634? 11 bux each.. and can only give you about 1A

so I hope you get where I'm getting at

 

and that's also why I suggest M3 rather than a pimeta. IMO, pimeta is just a 3 channel CMOY with output buffer.

Edited February 18, 2006 by squalle