Do It Yourself

I don't know if this will be a good topic or not but what the heck, I'll shitcan it later if necessary. Basically, the idea is to post if you're having trouble sourcing a particular part. Not one you forgot to order, but something new that perhaps you haven't used before and you'd like input on. Example (and the reason I started this thread): I'm looking for an IEC module that contains a voltage selector switch. So far I've found 4 that I like, which I've listed below. #1: Digi-Key - 603-1149-ND (Manufacturer - 10SB3S) Pros: simple all in one, filter could be a plus Cons: voltage selection is not user friendly, don't need the built in power switch #2: Dig…

Just some quick cables I made, 0404 breakout cable, XLR-RCA, RCA, XLR, Digital, mini-RCA, Adapters...

Hi All: Ignorant people like myself and newbies often need various technical advices and assistance when dabble in this wonderful hobby. Many of these are general topics that do not specifically apply to one specific device. These valuable advices and suggestions are scattered in various threads over time and difficult to find. I thought it may be a good idea to have a dedicated thread where these discussions and information reside. So I thought I'll start this thread and see if it gets traction. So here goes my first question - inrush current limiter and fuse. My thinking has always been that the main fuse need to meet two main requirements; 1. provide protec…

hopefully i cleaned this up and its the current versions of everything see updated links on page 5

I'd like to see what cables (make and model) people are using in their DIY's; a good source (store) listing for parts would be nice too.

I bet everybody knew this was coming but we've been moving fast and the board is taking shape. If it's not clear from the photo then this is a massive slab, 16" x 12", so quite a bit bigger then the production version. It will be built like the BHSE with the board mounted to the top of the chassis, with the tubes sticking out of the top and the components on the bottom. Massive heatsinks are needed to keep this beast cool and a single angle bracket is used on each side of the board to connect all the parts together and make assembly just a bit easier. To honor the Stax legacy the following will be printed on the board: "With the utmost respect and admirati…

So for whatever reason a number of different projects are coming together at the same time. This is the latest. http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu/kgsshv.jpg Its the high voltage version of the kgss with higher voltage pnp transistors, a cascode current source for the 3rd stage, the lsk389 part (or singles) and much higher voltage output transistors. The result is something that runs on +/-500 volt power supplies, and is as close as i know how to do to the T2. (except fully solid state, and easy to build) The transistors that go on the heatsinks are already insulated, which makes that part easy. Not a lot more money than an exstata, and much better sound. …

As proposed, I started this thread for all to share your KGSSHV Carbon build experience and to exchange Q&A. This is a natural follow up thread to the Carbon Group Buy thread. Here are the version of Gerber files used for the boards in the group buy: kgsshvcarbonv5.zip (amp board) kgsshvpssicfetdual2new.zip (GoldenReference HV power supply, all-in-one version) kgsshvpssicfetsinglenewrightfat.zip (GoldenReference HV power supply, B+ and bias) kgsshvpssicfetsinglenewleftfat.zip ( GoldenReference HV power supply, B- and 7815/7915 based +/-15V regulator) goldenreference4.zip (GoldenReference LV bipolar power supply) goldenreference4plus…

This one has been brewing for a while now but since I wanted to build a nice balanced amp it moved up in line. Basic setup is the same as the old Dynalo but now with Super Symmetry input, higher rail voltages and naturally a bit more power. Input stage changed to THAT340 which is a quad bipolar transistor array with matched NPN and PNP pairs. It is cheap and easy to source so no jfet drama. The other transistors are new as well and the pinout is different to reflect that. Here is a look at the new PCB design which is pretty much ready: It is 138*86mm. Another thing from the same vein is a fully discrete unbalanced to balanced circuit that we have …

I believe the old thread is gone, so starting a new one. A retrofitted power supply for a JDM Esoteric SACD player

enough people have been asking for this, we finally decided to do it. It was easy from the current layout. Best to stick with +/-400v power supplies http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu/kgst.jpg

updated Megatron schematic. If you manage to figure out what the stax mafia is doing, please let us know. We are having a hard time keeping track of it all

been working on this one a while, with all the popular transistors disappearing, I hope that this one won't go obsolete before the boards are out. I don't think so because Fairchild has said that the bc parts should be available for at least 5 years but onsemi said the same thing. This one is a diamond transistor input set, used as a voltage to current converter. A pair of Wilson current mirrors with input and output cascade as the VAS and a triple darlington output stage. http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu/cfa2.pdf if someone knows of better surface mount parts to replace the bc series, I might as well do that from the start. ft >150mhz, hfe &g…

I think there are enough woodworkers on HC to warrant a thread now. Between Myself, Milo (AKA Al, AKA DOTU), Naaman, Doug, Jeff, Marc and I know there are others. I thought it might be nice to have a thread to keep up to date on various projects, new tools, new accessories and new enovations. For example: A new enovation I find very interesting, is a new blade stop safety system from The Felder Group. Like the system from SawStop, it's immediate, and it drops the blade out of the way before any damage to digits can be done. Unlike the SawStop system, it doesn't use a sacrificial cartridge to stop the blade. Don't get me wrong, the SawStop system was nothing short of …

Both Birgir and I have wanted one of these for quite a while, and they never seem to show up. So with a little help from one of the members here we were able to reverse engineer this one. http://gilmore.chem....rn.edu/ksa5.pdf http://gilmore.chem....rn.edu/ksa5.jpg still have work to do on the power supply. All the parts are still available, but identical and compatible parts also available. mpsw06 and mpsw56 and lsk389 I think this one is fairly cheap to do. And easy to assemble. Single channel is 10 x 3.65 inches. Single ended not really a HE6 killer, but balanced, a HE6 heavyweight for sure. If you replace the servo opamp with opa445, then you …

Now that the PCBs are finding their ways to us -Balanced Dynahi Builders-, I think that it's time for starting a build discussion thread for this beloved amplifier. The purpose of this thread is to create a place for builders to discuss all topics related to the build of this amp (parts, constructions, troubleshooting...), to share experiences and to consolidate the information and discussions about this project. Schematics of the Balanced Dynahi and the associated Power Supply by KG. Background information about the original KG Dynahi can be found here. Based on the preliminary BOM posted by Lil Knight earlier, an updated version for the Dynahi and the assoc…

I'm happy to report that the goldenreference low voltage dual power supply works as designed, and tests less than 1 microvolt of noise. Going to have to take it to work and put it in a screen room to really measure the noise. http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu/goldenreferencedual.jpg however there is one silkscreen error seen by the extra + near the 47uf cap on the right side. I will update the files shortly. All 4 of the 47uf caps need to have their plus sides pointing to the left. very happy with this

So, gathering interest for collaboration on KG's Dynafet. The way this would work is quite simple. There would be a group buy on parts as well as the boards. The parts would be supplied by myself and we'd work a deal out for people contributing in the matching efforts and various aspects of specing and acquiring parts. The boards would be the Hitachi version with external heat sinks, using KG's latest board files. Front end would be constructed from devices matched from a pool of 500 2SJ74BL and 500 2SK170BL matched to 20uA accuracy. All devices were pulled from original Toshiba packaging. Actually matched to 10uA with +/- 20uA measurement uncertainty added on t…

Who needs low distortion and high power? What about some high distortion, high noise and very limited power output. Apparently some people want that in an amp... This has been a long time coming but this one will bear a striking resemblance to certain production amps but combine dynamic and electrostatic output in one amp. More to come...

kgsshv-carbon with the sic-fets turned into 6ca7 was going to be next year

Like i don't have enough projects going on at once I'm tired of waiting for someone to release boards that do this right. so here is mine in progress http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu/attenuator2.jpg Because i don't like any standing power on the relays, and i don't like the resistive drive either, this had to be a bit bigger. board is 3.4 x 10 inches. stereo single board, or two for balanced.

So after a successful T2 project, it is time to tackle something i've been playing with on and off for quite some time. The KGITSOJC The Kevin Gilmore in the style of John Curl preamp. Now if you want to read over 700 pages of babble and bullshit, you can go over to diyaudio and read the two threads. But suffice it to say that the Blowtorch circuit sounds very good, but JC is of the opinion that only 2 people in the world are capable of building and getting the thing to run. I kind of disagree with that because i have one exact copy of the blowtorch amplifier running right next to my version. He has some reason to say this, parts matching is ultra critical,…

I am starting this thread for all that are or will be building JoaMat's mini T2 to share information, ideas, thoughts and experiences. The attached schematic is an updated one .The resistors in the BOM are thick film ones and can be replaced with thin film ones for likely better outcome. The power supply requirements for this amp are +400VDC, -460VDC (EL34 output stage), +220VDC (6922/6DJ8 front end), +15VDC, -15VDC (servo, cathode current source) and 6.3V filament supplies for the 6922/6DJ8 and EL34 tubes that can either be AC or DC. I also plan to use the +15VDC for the CPC1117N high tension delay. EDIT (Feb. 2020): updated schematic and BOM (Thanks Joa…

Hi all, I'm going to do a board run for Dr Gilmore's latest projects (KGSSHV, Dynahi Rev A and DynaFET) so if anyone is interested, please sign up here. The KGSSHV will be the latest revision. Board set would be 2x amp boards and 1x PSU board. The amp boards are now mounted on side heatsinks. http://gilmore.chem..../kgsshvps8e.jpg http://gilmore.chem....gsshvampv7s.jpg The Balanced Dyhahi Rev A and DynaFET will share the same PSU. One PSU is enough but due to the symmetry, 2 would surely look better Board set would be 2x amp boards and 1/2x PSU board(s). http://gilmore.chem....u/dynahibal.jpg http://gilmore.chem....ynahifetbal.jpg http://gilmore.chem....…

I am moving Kerry's mini GRHV\GRLV GB discussion to its dedicated thread here. I also included JoaMat's mini T2 here to see if we have enough interest for a GB. The table will be updated periodically as more people participate. Apologize if I missed someone or something - just let me know so I can correct the data. I put down one set for those that have not decided on the number of sets they want. The plan is to have assembled GRHVxxx boards, rest of boards will be PCB only. See discussions on the PS in this thread. mini T2 build discussion in this thread. Construction notes: R3 and R2 determine the regulated voltage for GRLV. The …