How to Build A Tube Amplifier

glynnw · « **Reply #20 on:** 11 Oct 2015, 08:10 pm »

Here is another vote for Bottlehead - I have assembled 3 or 4 of their kits with very little problems. I cannot read a schematic if it gets beyond simple crossovers, but not an issue with Bottlehead. Doc B's other hobby (among many?) is photography, so the DVD pictures are fantastic. You can zoom in until the solder joint fills your screen, if you wish - there is really little guesswork involved, just make it look like the pictures. My first couple of kits I was afraid to poke around testing things with the amps turned on, so I just plugged 'em in and prayed - they always worked. And the forum is remarkably free of jerks - when I have a stupid question I often post it there first because I know I wlll not be mocked by idiots. The one time I ran into a know-it-all who would tolerate no opinions but his own, they banned him from the site. I have an order in for one of their EL84 amps now.

borism · « **Reply #21 on:** 11 Oct 2015, 10:22 pm »

Let me also recommend Bottlehead.

I built the Stereomour 2A3 speaker and the Crack headphone amplifiers. Of those two the Crack is very simple and a great initial project. In addition, it is only ~$300 and as mentioned by the prior posters, the instructions with pictures are great.

Also, the instructions are very clear about the proper and safe way of testing the circuit once the build is complete. I also had no prior experience with electronics before buying the Bottlehead kits.

Good luck!

taipan1013 · « **Reply #22 on:** 11 Oct 2015, 11:07 pm »

Thanks for Borism and Glynnw input on the Bottlehead kits. Appreciate the input.

bregez · « **Reply #23 on:** 11 Oct 2015, 11:30 pm »

I would recommend building the amplifier that DIY people have been building for over 55 years, the ST-70. Here are a few sites that supply clone kits.
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm
http://www.dynakitparts.com/dynakit-products/amplifier-kits/ST-70-KIT
They are fantastic sounding amplifies and are supported by a handful of forums dedicated to helping people assemble them.
If you want a lower power single ended amp and are on a budget try the Budgie SE
http://parksaudiollc.com/budgiese.html

InfernoSTi · « **Reply #24 on:** 12 Oct 2015, 02:05 am »

Another suggestion for Bottlehead. I've built 4-5 of their amps plus a number of other amps (kits and scratch built) and Bottlehead is the way to start. The satisfaction from building your own amp as well as the knowledge you gain is without parallel.

John

jk@home · « **Reply #25 on:** 12 Oct 2015, 10:19 am »

How much power does the OP need? The Bottlehead kits are fun (built a SEX amp myself), but all low wattage stuff.

Brad · « **Reply #26 on:** 12 Oct 2015, 03:03 pm »

Quote from: taipan1013 on 11 Oct 2015, 07:21 pm

Brad thanks for the input. Last year i went to the LoneStar Audio and heard the OddWatt. Seems they have a good reputation. They have kit for around $600 I thought i might interested in purchasing. The bottlehead kits seems more expensive and as you say your are limited regarding the speakers you put with their amp. If it were you would you go with the OddWatt or BottleHead kit?

Did you go to the LoneStar Audio this year. Last year I went and was very disappointed. The year before I went and they had many more vendors and audiophiles.

Good luck with your project and thanks for the help.

Grreg

I didn't go or demo my system at LSAF in 2015. Prior to the show, they were pretty intent on cutting out the DIY guys, which really rubbed me the wrong way. I've been told we are now welcome for 2016, so I'll be attending next year.

As for Bottlehead v. Oddwatt, whichever matches your system best would be my recommendation. I like both the low power SET sound(especially DHT), and the push-pull ~20wpc sound, and I have speakers to match with either. Both are good companies who want to make the first time building experience a good one for their customers.
The higher powered OddBlock is $600/channel.

mlundy57 · « **Reply #27 on:** 12 Oct 2015, 08:00 pm »

Grreg,

I was at LASF two years ago also and spent a lot of time in the Odwatt room. On Sunday I bought the PoddWatt (integrated stereo amp) the were displaying that weekend. I have a PDF copy of the build instructions for the PoddWatt which they say is their most difficult kit to build. Their other kits are said to be quite a bit easier.

This instruction manual is full of detailed pictures. If you would like to look at the manual, PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy.

Mike