[Folsom]

Hey everyone, the regulated board is now available. Here's a build guide for it. You need a +/- DC supply source for it. This would work if you powered it via USB, even a little wall adapter.

The impedance matching offers noticeable improvements if you're using my amplifier - and reports from others not using it are very good too. It really works well, and easy. It's much, much cheaper and easier than the DCB1.

*When you trim for DC, with the power on, you do it on the inputs and can't have a volume pot connected.

Here's some other guys one he made a bit fancier than I did. Here's a photo of my unregulated one I'm using.

[poseidonsvoice]

Here is more theory, measurements and info: http://fidelityforce.com/keantoken/content/Kuartlotron.php

Big names like Joachim Gerhard have built it so that's good to know.

And BC550/560's are cheap and plentiful 

Best,
Anand.

[Folsom]

Indeed.

It's also strong enough to drive up to 10 amps. I've made mine so I can drive sub amps at the same time. (No crossover, just extra outputs)

[poseidonsvoice]

  Have fun.

Anand.

[sachu888]

I have got few PCbs done for this buffer. It sounds fantastic http://www.hifivision.com/diy/59385-kuartlotron-error-correcting-super-buffer-14.html
It has very few parts, and very cheap.

Regards
Sachin

[DaveC113]

Looks like a transistor-based Aikido circuit to me... 

[DaveC113]

I also think the output of the Kuarlotron needs a DC servo or output coupling cap, depends on the amp it's driving though... it'll have a bit of DC offset. The Aikido can also be designed for a bipolar power supply but same applies. 

With the Aikido, the error correction and PS noise cancellation provides for a sound that isn't instantly recognizable as tube-based, I'd suspect a SS version would perform similarly well and get rid some of the distortions that would make it recognizable as a SS device.






On second thought, if you just need a buffer the tube circuit would be a White cathode follower or Broski's version Aikido CF:

[keantoken]

The schematics have an aesthetic resemblance but the Aikido is actually much more similar to this than to the kuartlotron:

[DaveC113]

The schematics have an aesthetic resemblance but the Aikido is actually much more similar to this than to the kuartlotron:

The central concept is exactly the same with both.

[Folsom]

Notice the output is in two entirely different places. They're actually quiet a bit different when you consider that. (KU is on the other side of a transistor, Aikido and the other the opposite) If you label the emitter, base, and collector and compare to where they connect you find out that they're doing different things.

BTW the Kuarlotron can power up to 10 amplifiers or whatever you want. I've personally ran very long cables off of it for one stereo amp and two subwoofer amplifiers, no trouble. Tubes typically don't have strong current or low Z out unless using a transformer (I'm not saying the Aikido can't drive stuff, just a generalization).

[DaveC113]

Notice the output is in two entirely different places. They're actually quiet a bit different when you consider that. (KU is on the other side of a transistor, Aikido and the other the opposite) If you label the emitter, base, and collector and compare to where they connect you find out that they're doing different things.

BTW the Kuarlotron can power up to 10 amplifiers or whatever you want. I've personally ran very long cables off of it for one stereo amp and two subwoofer amplifiers, no trouble. Tubes typically don't have strong current or low Z out unless using a transformer (I'm not saying the Aikido can't drive stuff, just a generalization).

Sure, there are differences but the overall concept of loading an amplification device with the same device to cancel distortion remains the same, that's all I'm saying. There's definitely some differences in the circuit.

Aikido w/*SN7 has about 500 ohm output impedance and ~8 mA current capability. Not as good as SS specs but adequate for most things...