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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 16:52:49 GMT
Health warning – If you are looking for quick results and fast updates this thread is probably not for you! 😊 However, if you are in search of unrelated meanderings, futile short cuts, unrealistic optimism and frustrated rantings about electrickery to tunes builds this is the place for you. I have been thinking I should build a power amp or something. I currently run a pair of Firebottle mono s , now don’t get me wrong I am very happy with them and feel no burning need to change them. But I would like to try a new DIY challenge after the BB3, DCB1 and Tannoys (playing but to be finished off). I still have a Lenco to finish and the washing up to do as well, but I reckon I should be able to fit this in on rainy days, albeit longer term. Now before everyone starts shouting “NEUROCHOME!”, “686!”, “MAPLE SYRUP!”, “THE ROCKIES!” and other Canadian related guff, I will say now that I will not go down that route. “For God’s sake, why not you numpty “ you exclaim, well here’s my reasoning. Obviously the Neurochrome is a fantastic bit of kit, of quality build and potentially end game stuff. Also, the way things are designed they lend themselves to a relatively straightforward modular amp build. Now that’s the thing, attractive as that is I would like more of a challenge, something that would force me to think about power supplies, transformers and biasing stuff and other theory type things. It would make me learn a bit more about the principles behind the builds rather than assembling pre-built modules, more of a challenge so to speak. So, looking around I have decided to stick my hand up for some for these boards when they become available - www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/diya-store-wolverine-son-of-badger-suggestions.369758/Woverine Class A/B ampThey are class A/B and are in the testing stage atm,I thought it would be an interesting thing to do. Sounds like potentially great sounding amps too. So, I wait for them to be finalised and we’ll see what comes of it. Anyway this thread will track my power amp numptyness quotient (current rating 3/100) and see where it goes, either DIY sonic bliss or magic smoke purgatory! Of course nothing is ever so simple and after I expressed an interest in the Wolverine like buses, another opportunity came along. A couple of emails later and a set of these arrived today which are a totally different kettle of fish. God knows what will happen now!  (down to 1/100) 
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2022 17:24:42 GMT
They are going to be fun soldering.
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 17:38:29 GMT
They are going to be fun soldering. Yeah, Squintynumpty lol. Have to work that one out. |
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dt79
Junior Member
Posts: 337
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Post by dt79 on Feb 4, 2022 18:10:05 GMT
Health warning – If you are looking for quick results and fast updates this thread is probably not for you! 😊 However, if you are in search of unrelated meanderings, futile short cuts, unrealistic optimism and frustrated rantings about electrickery to tunes builds this is the place for you. I have been thinking I should build a power amp or something. I currently run a pair of Firebottle mono s , now don’t get me wrong I am very happy with them and feel no burning need to change them. But I would like to try a new DIY challenge after the BB3, DCB1 and Tannoys (playing but to be finished off). I still have a Lenco to finish and the washing up to do as well, but I reckon I should be able to fit this in on rainy days, albeit longer term. Now before everyone starts shouting “NEUROCHOME!”, “686!”, “MAPLE SYRUP!”, “THE ROCKIES!” and other Canadian related guff, I will say now that I will not go down that route. “For God’s sake, why not you numpty “ you exclaim, well here’s my reasoning. Obviously the Neurochrome is a fantastic bit of kit, of quality build and potentially end game stuff. Also, the way things are designed they lend themselves to a relatively straightforward modular amp build. Now that’s the thing, attractive as that is I would like more of a challenge, something that would force me to think about power supplies, transformers and biasing stuff and other theory type things. It would make me learn a bit more about the principles behind the builds rather than assembling pre-built modules, more of a challenge so to speak. So, looking around I have decided to stick my hand up for some for these boards when they become available - www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/diya-store-wolverine-son-of-badger-suggestions.369758/Woverine Class A/B ampThey are class A/B and are in the testing stage atm,I thought it would be an interesting thing to do. Sounds like potentially great sounding amps too. So, I wait for them to be finalised and we’ll see what comes of it. Anyway this thread will track my power amp numptyness quotient (current rating 3/100) and see where it goes, either DIY sonic bliss or magic smoke purgatory! Of course nothing is ever so simple and after I expressed an interest in the Wolverine like buses, another opportunity came along. A couple of emails later and a set of these arrived today which are a totally different kettle of fish. God knows what will happen now!  (down to 1/100) You had me at “health warning” |
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Post by sq225917 on Feb 4, 2022 19:27:13 GMT
Well this should be fun. Do you have a hot air station and stencils?
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 19:50:19 GMT
Well this should be fun. Do you have a hot air station and stencils? Ermm ,nope. Reading about all that now. (-5/100)😑 |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 20:05:30 GMT
I have a GTP file for the board though which can be used for a stencil (I think) and the missus has a hairdryer 🥳!
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Post by lurch on Feb 4, 2022 20:21:11 GMT
You'd be better of with a box of matches and a can of Heinz beans.
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Post by misterc on Feb 4, 2022 21:57:01 GMT
Pre heater would be very useful here as well
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 21:59:36 GMT
Pre heater would be very useful here as well Well I have been asked why I am showimg so much intrest in our double oven.... |
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Post by misterc on Feb 4, 2022 22:17:13 GMT
I would get yourself a couple of practice boards and a quality rework station and a pencil iron some if those micro packages require a vacuum holder and dome quality magno goggles or a good scope and practice, practice should be rewarding they sound like a half decent ncore Dn much better good luck
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 22:25:48 GMT
I would get yourself a couple of practice boards and a quality rework station and a pencil iron some if those micro packages require a vacuum holder and dome quality magno goggles or a good scope and practice, practice should be rewarding they sound like a half decent ncore Dn much better good luck Thanks, I have a lot to think about. 🙂 |
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,088
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 4, 2022 22:30:31 GMT
I have to say, I am really surprised you have gone for the orchardaudio PCBs, as they look like they are very challenging to solder by hand. Leo KNOWS I rate his amplification highly, and had the course run differently, I would have owned a pair. misterc ....... NCore?, Nah. If the Starkrimson Ultra amps are anything like the BOSC I loaned a few years ago now, you'll be dropping those Firebottle Monos in the classifieds with haste! The BOSC were utterly neutral, extremely transparent and in truth, a little bit too far from the sound I had at the time to make me comfortable. The Krell KSA 100 MK2 with its overly rich sound, it's Cadillac like delivery and it's colourations were just too addicting at the time. That sound would annoy the Sh#t out of me now and did not long after, and it would not be to my liking now.....but the BOSC definitely would. Before committing to rebuilding my 686, I gave the Purifi and the Starkrimson serious consideration, and felt I'd probably build one of the two as well, maybe later this year. I really hope you get the soldering done right, Andy. Don't use a SMPS though.....use a proper power supply. Don't cut any corners and I reckon you'll have an amp that will last you a long time. Leo, do you have a Starkrimson loaner in the UK? I'm currently amp-less and would love a listen. |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 22:37:03 GMT
Well Leo had an offer on diyaudio I felt was too good to refuse. TBH didn't realise what I was getting into 🤣 but as they say "He who dares Rodders, he who dares" .
Looking at the size of some of the pads its going to be a challange. But I'm game.
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 22:38:45 GMT
These aren't the ultra boards btw but the BOSC revamped I believe.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,088
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 4, 2022 22:52:40 GMT
These aren't the ultra boards btw but the BOSC revamped I believe. Oh, ok. Well the BOSC are very excellent amplifiers and I am sure that if you get stuck, there will be someone on hand to give you a pointer, or maybe even loan you a bit of kit. Well done on taking the plunge! |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 4, 2022 23:28:30 GMT
These aren't the ultra boards btw but the BOSC revamped I believe. Oh, ok. Well the BOSC are very excellent amplifiers and I am sure that if you get stuck, there will be someone on hand to give you a pointer, or maybe even loan you a bit of kit. Well done on taking the plunge! Well I wasn't planning to go this route at all, but saw the offer of some free boards and took Leo up on it. So low fiscal risk I guess. lol. But a chance to try something completely different and learn new skills. You never know if I like the sound I might graduate to some Ultras in the future. |
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,088
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 5, 2022 8:11:59 GMT
Oh, ok. Well the BOSC are very excellent amplifiers and I am sure that if you get stuck, there will be someone on hand to give you a pointer, or maybe even loan you a bit of kit. Well done on taking the plunge! Well I wasn't planning to go this route at all, but saw the offer of some free boards and took Leo up on it. So low fiscal risk I guess. lol. But a chance to try something completely different and learn new skills. You never know if I like the sound I might graduate to some Ultras in the future. Free makes sense. I'd have had them too lol |
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Post by misterc on Feb 5, 2022 13:13:11 GMT
right readyb the bloody post ARHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
I said NCORE BUT much better, Ncores are fit for midfi even with the better psu that company does for them but 50Khz -3db really? come on
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,088
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 5, 2022 13:46:38 GMT
right readyb the bloody post ARHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I said NCORE BUT much better, Ncores are fit for midfi even with the better psu that company does for them but 50Khz -3db really? come on Hahaha, no, you're right. That's a fair point. |
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optical
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Post by optical on Feb 6, 2022 16:36:45 GMT
I completely lack the skill or indeed the time required to undertake something like this so for that you have my full admiration.
Definitely good to see undertakings in a different direction even though as you say the Neurochrome does seem to remain top dog for DIY anyway.
Best of luck, look forward to some updates.
PS those boards do look tricky, but I'm sure will be well worth the effort, as you know plenty of chaps here with the knowledge to see you right.
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 6, 2022 18:33:34 GMT
I completely lack the skill You might not be the only one!  |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 8, 2022 11:14:43 GMT
Ok so can get a hobby pre heater for about £130 and air gun for anything from £50 to thousands . Decentish maginifying glasses from about £40. Think I'll price up the BOM and take it from there.
Meanwhile the Wolverine boards are now in stock. 🙂
Oh yes practice smd kits are dead cheap like 4 quid.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 8, 2022 11:27:24 GMT
Ok so can get a hobby pre heater for about £130 and air gun for anything from £50 to thousands . Decentish maginifying glasses from about £40. Think I'll price up the BOM and take it from there. Meanwhile the Wolverine boards are now in stock. 🙂 Oh yes practice smd kits are dead cheap like 4 quid. Price it all up before you go too deep into the project. |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 8, 2022 11:42:19 GMT
Thats my aim, mini feasibility study,lol. Won't pull the trigger until I have a good idea of tooling up costs etc. Not surs id be doing many smd projects.
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Post by misterc on Feb 8, 2022 12:14:52 GMT
If you decide it a bit much let me know and I can assist you with this task EN
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 8, 2022 12:24:07 GMT
If you decide it a bit much let me know and I can assist you with this task EN Thank you that's a very kind offer, much appreciated. 🙂 |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 16, 2022 8:41:23 GMT
So priced up the BOM and with tooling up will cost about 5-600, that's without power supplies and cases etc. Think I will see how much the Wolverine is costed before making a decision on what to do 1st.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 16,088
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 16, 2022 10:11:34 GMT
So priced up the BOM and with tooling up will cost about 5-600, that's without power supplies and cases etc. Think I will see how much the Wolverine is costed before making a decision on what to do 1st. Thats provided you make it through the build without melting the PCB. Then you gotta start again or get a repair done. These are tricky PCBs mate. I like the OA stuff. It's very very good, but you may be better off just buying the populated Ultra boards. You can still build a really nice power supply for it and do all the case work etc. |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 16, 2022 10:53:43 GMT
So priced up the BOM and with tooling up will cost about 5-600, that's without power supplies and cases etc. Think I will see how much the Wolverine is costed before making a decision on what to do 1st. Thats provided you make it through the build without melting the PCB. Then you gotta start again or get a repair done. These are tricky PCBs mate. I like the OA stuff. It's very very good, but you may be better off just buying the populated Ultra boards. You can still build a really nice power supply for it and do all the case work etc. All of which has crossed my mind plus a few other things. Still it's only cost postage so far and opened my eyes to a few possibilities that I hadn't considered before so all good.🙂 I did say this would not be a quick process! 🤣 |
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(down to 1/100) 
(down to 1/100) 
