[dogorman]

As I wait for my electrician-friend to come back and check my wiring (see other thread, this circle), I've been reading up on DIY solutions to various types of "audiophile nervousa" and, with a light summer workload now upon me I've decided to take the plunge and try to build something.

Trouble is, I've used a soldering iron once or twice, but I don't actually know *THE* first thing about audio amplification, circuits, or even electricity. I can buy the parts that someone else tells me to, and I can solder those parts to the home-made rails beneath a perf-board in the sequence and layout that someone else tells me to, but I don't actually know -- for example -- what a capacitor is or what it does. "Class-A" means, in my vernacular, "Um, it gets hot while it's running," and "zero negative feedback" means a good seller to do business with on Ebay.

I've already found a couple of books that looked like promising newbie-references, but I was hoping the rest of the room could advise me regarding the best way to wade into all of this (if, for example, the references that I was considering would be over my head). Here are the two I've found:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007069429X/ref=s9_sims_gw_s1_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0KDXH98WG6CTXGQM8FT1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
http://www.amazon.com/Audiophiles-Project-Sourcebook-High-Performance-Electronics/dp/0071379290/ref=pd_sim_b_1

I had it in mind that I would construct a discrete, six-channel analog version of the "Charlie" preamp described by Gallant Diva on Audiogon (no trim settings, no delay, no signal processing), using Walter Jung's recommendations for AD744 FET op-amps driving AD811 op-amps for the output stage -- whatever the heck *THAT* means -- and then add some home-made, input-based ground loop isolation transformers, RF chokes, a DC-blocker, a "felix" common mode choke (as described in AudioCircle), a double-insulated chassis, and a remote-capable master volume pot, just to make the whole dream too impossibly ambitious to merit taking even remotely seriously.

Any *constructive* input would be greatly appreciated: I'm not pre-versed in any of the jargon or technical know-how, but I am graduate-educated, and I live next door to a grad student in electrical engineering who owes me a couple of pretty big favors. I know I should start with something less ambitious but... I don't wanna.

Thoughts?

[TomW16]

Hey Dogorman,

I know exactly where you are comming from.  My exposure to electronics has been from wiring a home and DIY projects that were built from kits.  What each part is used for was unknown at the time but as you get more experience it begins to make sense.  I still don't know a tenth of what others on this forum know but I know more now than I did a few years ago. 

I would definitely use your EE buddy next door when you feel uncomfortable (listen to that little voice) and go for it.  The experience and confidence from making something yourself is priceless.

Good luck!

Tom

[mcullinan]

Hey I saw this and Id like to join this group. I know nothing too!
PEace.
Mike

[Niteshade]

An Op-Amp based preamp isn't a bad idea for something to start with. Discreet components, such as transistors would probably produce a better quality output. Look into the 2n2222's and similar devices. I'd start with a two channel preamp and use a regulated power supply- an easy way to keep noise levels down.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062600&CAWELAID=107590987

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062586

A book: http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=getting%20started%20in%20electronics&origkw=getting%20started%20in%20electronics&sr=1

[dogorman]

Bought the book -- thanks, Niteshade. So far nobody has told me I'm completely out of my mind, which is nice.

[art]

Hate to throw a wet towel, but..........

If your EE grad buddy is a recent student, most schools now do not teach analogue fundamentals. Most have changed their EE programme to more of a Computer Engineering programme.

Sad, but true.

Translation: don't begrudge him if he doesn't have the answers. Won't be his fault.

(I started learning by reading ham radio books. Decidedly DIY-oriented.)

Pat

[Bob in St. Louis]

So far nobody has told me I'm completely out of my mind, which is nice.

I'm with ya' dude.