[Niteshade]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Excellent-2-X-LM3886-6N11Tube-Audio-Amplifier-Board_W0QQitemZ190377477809QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c5361c6b1

Looks very interesting!

[Atlplasma]

How do you think this preamp stacks up against the Nelson Pass B-1? I realize that one is solid state and the other tube based.

Steve

[sts9fan]

Apples to oranges but I would put my money on Pass. 

[Mariusz]

Blair
if you want to give it a shot.(or anyone else)
I can cover the parts cost.
One requirement tho:
Need to post pics from build and instractions so
 junior DIYers can benefit.
If DAC kit and input selector could be integrated into design EVEN BETTER. 

Cheers
Mariusz

[srb]

Does this board really have an active preamp stage, or is it basically a power amp with a tube input driver to which you would add a passive volume control or a preamp?
 
Steve
 
 

[Atlplasma]

Since we're throwing out DIY ideas...

Any opinions on this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tube-PreAmp-PCB-upgraded-design-for-Matisse-Fantasy_W0QQitemZ300404665927QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45f1836e47

[sts9fan]

What's your skill level?  If you are looking for qualitative listening recs I would be surprised if you get any hits.

[JoshK]

Does this board really have an active preamp stage, or is it basically a power amp with a tube input driver to which you would add a passive volume control or a preamp?
 
Steve

What's the difference, in this case? Usually the only difference between the two is the amount of gain.

[srb]

What's the difference, in this case? Usually the only difference between the two is the amount of gain.

Exactly.  So can my active preamp be used with it, or will there be too much gain?
 
Steve

[Atlplasma]

What's your skill level?  If you are looking for qualitative listening recs I would be surprised if you get any hits.

Hi. I guess you're right that it's unlikely anyone would have first-hand experience with both boards, but I thought someone with extensive experience could review the ebay photos and draw some conclusions about design and/or build quality.

As for my skill level, it's pretty limited. I can de-solder and use a volt meter and a soldering iron. With the help of some very knowledgeable friends, I was able to restore my father's old Eico ST-70, which was a lot of fun BTW. 

[sts9fan]

If you want to use your pre why not just go with a chipamp.com, audio sector or Twisted Pear chip amp?

[Niteshade]

Very nice Tripath board:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-100W-4-TK2050-Class-D-Audio-Amplifier-Board-improved_W0QQitemZ350326302225QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5191132611

I know what this one sounds like since I own one. You can't beat it for the price! It is very close to Class D Audio's sound, which I really like.

The fan cooler needs to be replaced with a passive one, or just try it without the fan installed. The fan makes a buzzing noise in the speakers. A seperate supply could be made for it. There is hardly any mechanical noise from it. (It's a good fan!)

What is required: A 25+ volt power supply for best performance. I'd recommend as close to 30 volts as possible. It's not bi-polar.

NOTE: Power output @ 8 ohms is around 45 watts per channel. Mine is using a custom 26 volt power supply. You can get more out of it with a supply doing 30 volts.

NOTE #2: I haven't used the first board posted in this thread.  So- as to how it sounds, your guess is as good as mine.

[Niteshade]

NOTE:

Take a look at the Tripath board link in the above post. These things sound GOOD! 

Has anybody tried this yet? I have and love it. Can't beat the price for what it does.

[wushuliu]

NOTE:

Take a look at the Tripath board link in the above post. These things sound GOOD! 

Has anybody tried this yet? I have and love it. Can't beat the price for what it does.

I had one for a little while last year. There's a *massive* thread on modding them at diyaudio. It sounded ok stock, but w/ some basic mods (input/output caps and inductors, power supply caps) it becomes a whole new amp. The best combo appears to be the tk2050 w/ those mods powered by a meanwell smps. The meanwell comes to about $50-55 shipped, so tack on $30 for the mods (or higher depending on how boutique you go) w/ the tk and you have an arguable giant killer for $135. Eventually I'll put that combo together and compare w/  my classdaudio amp.

http://cgi.ebay.com/27V-DC-13A-351W-Meanwell-Switching-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ220566021444QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335ac26544#ht_2249wt_957

[srb]

Take a look at the Tripath board link in the above post. These things sound GOOD!   

They also have a 4-channel version (4 X TP2050) which has a finned heat sink and NO FAN.
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-100-watt-4ohm-TK2050-D-class-Audio-Amplifier-Board_W0QQitemZ350326577199QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item519117582f
 
Then there is a 2-channel version of the 4-channel board, which for some reason still has the 4 RCA input jacks installed, but only 2 of the 4 - TP2050 installed.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-100W-4-TK2050-Class-D-Audio-Amplifier-Board-New_W0QQitemZ250591914429QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a587129bd
 
Steve