I really need to learn to solder/build stuff.

I really need to learn to solder/build stuff.

+1

I really need to learn to solder/build stuff.

+1

I really need to learn to solder/build stuff.

Perhaps this is a good place to start? 

I wish I had the time!

Perhaps this is a good place to start? 

I'm not sure Torpedo 3 is a good place to start.

It is a pretty easy and straightforward build. The hardest part about assembling an amp is generally the casework, and that is already done.

^^^ This, with the one caveat that I'm not sure I'd recommend a project this complex (from a cost standpoint) for someone who truly doesn't know how to solder.  Soldering isn't really difficult, but you definitely get better with some practice.  To that end, just buy a piece of perfboard from RadioShack and practice on that for a few hours prior to starting the project and then you should be good to go.

 

I thought RS went out of business? I guess not.

It is always a good idea to find someone who can teach you to solder, and who can teach you smart practices for working with electricity. This is a high voltage project, so having a person around who know what he or she is doing is a good idea.

Oh, and I have piles of bad boards around for anyone who wants to practice soldering on something.

Edited November 5, 201510 yr by dsavitsk

A large number of Radio Shack shops have closed but there are a few open now operating under a new company who has purchased Radio Shack's assets and name.

To my surprise, there are still two RadioShacks within 5 miles of me.  Now I need to look for soldering iron.

Do you like the sound of the Torpedo 3 better than the L2 Doug?

That's like asking someone which of his children he loves more? Or in Doug's case, which cat?

I don't know, I kind of like the T3 better. It is hard to compare as I have not heard a L2 in a while, but I could happily live with the T3 + HD650 as my end game setup. It doesn't mean better isn't available, but that this is an immersive and Hippocratic (does no harm) setup for me.

I don't know, I kind of like the T3 better. It is hard to compare as I have not heard a L2 in a while, but I could happily live with the T3 + HD650 as my end game setup. It doesn't mean better isn't available, but that this is an immersive and Hippocratic (does no harm) setup for me.

Oh, crap.....I think I'm in trouble.....

[looks inside virtual wallet]

Should I say that I am working on the L3 which combines aspects of both?

Should I say that I am working on the L3 which combines aspects of both?

Oh, crap.....I think I'm in trouble.....

[looks inside virtual wallet]

(Rinse....repeat)

Several people had asked about "built" Torpedo III's being available.  I'm almost finished constructing four new Torpedo III's.  I'll put these and a couple of others on sale in the next few days.

Hey Doug and Tom!  Any idea if/when a fresh stock of Cinemag transformers might be available?  I'm weighing the pros and cons of purchasing a finished amp vs. making my own, and the availability of the recommended trafos seems material.

They are on order. We were told to expect them late January to early February. Hopefully I'll hear a bit more specificity in the next week or two.

 

That is just lovely!  Amp?  DAC?  Un-drilled something-else?

DAC

Wow. 

Really, really nice. Would purchase for aesthetics alone. Capable of any pre-amp functionality?

Beautiful!

21 minutes ago, Aura said:

Would purchase for aesthetics alone.

It sounds pretty good, too

21 minutes ago, Aura said:

Capable of any pre-amp functionality?

I can add an analog shunting volume control.