Kits that you would like to see built step by step

Niteshade · « **on:** 21 Mar 2010, 02:16 pm »

I've been on Ebay and noticed several boards that can be utilized to make some fine, inexpensive audio equipment. What do you have your eye set on? What would you like to see built step by step? After I'm done with the hybrid amp, I wouldn't mind starting something else.

wushuliu · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Mar 2010, 09:23 pm »

which ones look like decent designs to you so far?

Niteshade · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Mar 2010, 10:27 pm »

I found two more chip amp designs that look promising. There are a couple of tube preamp boards as well that have decent components on them. I find it intriguing how poor and great components are mixed together on all the boards I have been looking at. The capacitors on all models, including the hybrid are pretty good except for the green ones that have a gold colored negative indicator. These always, without a doubt have to be changed.

I've been mostly looking through Ebay's HK based sellers since they offer the best prices.

Some VERY good equipment can be made with the right combination of upgrades and components.

NOTE: I have been contemplating a point to point wired LM3886TF amplifier. It would be nice to locate a socket for it, but it could be done without one.

wushuliu · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Mar 2010, 10:41 pm »

I'm curious about this one. Comes with the tubes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DIY-Kit-ref-Matisse-Fantasy-Pre-Amplifier-Preamp_W0QQitemZ320502639257QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f722a99#ht_3740wt_1019

I like that there's a good amount of info provided, including schematic (FWIW)

Niteshade · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 12:40 pm »

Thanks Wushuliu.

Do others have an interest in saving money[/i, having a good time AND owning unique, high grade audio gear? If you've seen a interesting kit, or have built one- post it here!

Nick77 · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 12:55 pm »

+1 on the tube pre.

doug s. · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 12:56 pm »

wu/bill - i want to see this one, in all its modded glory:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=78737.0

i am still looking for an excuse to upgrade my humble modded art di/o dac. haven't heard anything, yet, to conwince me to do so. cheap or expensive.

doug s.

jtwrace · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 12:59 pm »

Quote from: doug s. on 22 Mar 2010, 12:56 pm

wu/bill - i want to see this one, in all its modded glory:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=78737.0

i am still looking for an excuse to upgrade my humble modded art di/o dac. haven't heard anything, yet, to conwince me to do so. cheap or expensive.

doug s.

Dave from PI Audio is doing some heavy modded kits for these I think. Maybe he'll chiime in...

JackD201 · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 03:42 pm »

Quote from: Niteshade on 21 Mar 2010, 02:16 pm

I've been on Ebay and noticed several boards that can be utilized to make some fine, inexpensive audio equipment. What do you have your eye set on? What would you like to see built step by step? After I'm done with the hybrid amp, I wouldn't mind starting something else.

This looks fun

http://www.hawkaudio.com/amp/HD-702.htm

sts9fan · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 03:49 pm »

How are you guys picking these off ebay? They look pretty? Some of those can barely be called kits. All you need to do is connect the rcas.

JoshK · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 03:56 pm »

My wish...

Ok, ok, its not a "kit"

sts9fan · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 03:59 pm »

I would like to see a step by step of that!

JackD201 · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 04:00 pm »

Trippy Josh, looks like it came from the set of The Fly.

Niteshade · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 04:57 pm »

That is a work of art, but I doubt you'd want it. The 'pie safe' enclosure is unique and something I'd like to try. Sub all those old power tubes for some 572B's or 3-500Z's for a good light show. I do not like making gear out of especially difficult to find tubes. The WE small signal tubes could be subbed for #56's or #37's, which are much easier to come by. 3-500Z's could be driven by 6N7's or 6BL7's. This would be a GREAT project for the super-experienced.

This is off the beaten path, but in the spirit of invention- has anybody ever placed output transformers in series?

Quote from: JoshK on 22 Mar 2010, 03:56 pm

My wish...

Ok, ok, its not a "kit"

Niteshade · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 04:59 pm »

Getting rid of those stinking green caps is the first step!

Quote from: doug s. on 22 Mar 2010, 12:56 pm

wu/bill - i want to see this one, in all its modded glory:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=78737.0

i am still looking for an excuse to upgrade my humble modded art di/o dac. haven't heard anything, yet, to conwince me to do so. cheap or expensive.

doug s.

Niteshade · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 05:01 pm »

That looks like a good, basic structure.

Quote from: wushuliu on 21 Mar 2010, 10:41 pm

I'm curious about this one. Comes with the tubes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DIY-Kit-ref-Matisse-Fantasy-Pre-Amplifier-Preamp_W0QQitemZ320502639257QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f722a99#ht_3740wt_1019

I like that there's a good amount of info provided, including schematic (FWIW)

simoon · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 06:03 pm »

Quote from: wushuliu on 21 Mar 2010, 10:41 pm

I'm curious about this one. Comes with the tubes.

I like that there's a good amount of info provided, including schematic (FWIW)

My friend built one of those Ebay kits about 6 months ago. He bought one of the complete Jadis JP200 kits (comes with power supply, case, remote control, boards, etc) for about $500. Not sure which seller he got it from.

I can't speak on how it sounds compared to the original Jadis, but during a listening party we had a few months ago, it sure did clobber a handful of $2000 preamps we compared it to.

sts9fan · « **Reply #17 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 06:22 pm »

FYI. If you do build one of these kits from ebay and it is a bootleg design please do not discuss it here. I am not sure Jadis is cool with that and I think the same guy sells Pass bootlegs.

simoon · « **Reply #18 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 07:42 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 22 Mar 2010, 06:22 pm

FYI. If you do build one of these kits from ebay and it is a bootleg design please do not discuss it here. I am not sure Jadis is cool with that and I think the same guy sells Pass bootlegs.

The Jadis, Matisse, Mac C22 circuit diagrams have been freely and legally available online for years.

I don't think there's any conflicts with these 'bootlegs'.

If so, I will not mention them again.

Mariusz · « **Reply #19 on:** 22 Mar 2010, 08:43 pm »

would love to see/hear 300b base preamp. With awesome trannies ofcause.

Cheers
Mariusz