bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 25, 2020 22:18:55 GMT
Hi guys as you can probably guess from the title I’m going to be embarking on a Neurochrome 686 build . This won’t just be to show you what I’m doing but for me to pick your brains and get some much needed help. This is my first ever build and the most complicated thing I’ve ever done with a soldering iron is rewire a tonearm😂 (which went well by the way ,so there is hope) I opted for the boards to be populated this time . I had a cash injection from selling my Spendors so though it was wise to do that and save me any headaches down the line .  I have to say the boards are very well built . The soldering is something to behold. Very well done indeed. Excellent work. It’s easy to see and feel the quality straight from the off and having them preassebled like this gives me a bit more confidence as it’s just a case of connecting point A to B with the wiring. Tom has been super helpful and said he’s confident even a complete novice like me can get it over the line with a bit of help. I’m really exited about this build . It will be replacing my top spec Croft monoblocks . My father in law bought one recently on my recommendation and its a really special amplifier . End game, reference level stuff . Amazing to think you can get this type of performance for a couple of grand . |
|
Bigman80
Grandmaster
The HiFi Bear/Audioaddicts/Bigbottle Owner
Posts: 16,399
Member is Online
|
Post by Bigman80 on Dec 25, 2020 22:47:25 GMT
Hahaha, this is becoming a regular occurrence.
Love seeing people build stuff so go for it!
Watching with enthusiasm
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 25, 2020 23:55:58 GMT
Hahaha, this is becoming a regular occurrence. Love seeing people build stuff so go for it! Watching with enthusiasm You might not be so enthusiastic when I’ve sent you 762 DM’s asking for help 😂 |
|
Bigman80
Grandmaster
The HiFi Bear/Audioaddicts/Bigbottle Owner
Posts: 16,399
Member is Online
|
Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2020 0:01:19 GMT
Hahaha, this is becoming a regular occurrence. Love seeing people build stuff so go for it! Watching with enthusiasm You might not be so enthusiastic when I’ve sent you 762 DM’s asking for help 😂 Haha....that's a good point 🤣 |
|
|
|
Post by antonio on Dec 26, 2020 0:48:26 GMT
Good luck with this one Bigbird
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2020 9:02:21 GMT
Having just gone through this, and having had some help, feel free to ask away.
The populated boards will make it easier, as it should remove any doubts.
|
|
|
|
Post by firebottle on Dec 26, 2020 9:21:12 GMT
There's enough talent on here to build it, even at a distance. You'll be fine Karl.
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 9:36:34 GMT
Thanks gents . I think my main worry is getting the transformer wired up to the power 686’s properly so I may need to pick your brains for that when the time comes
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 9:42:25 GMT
Speaking of transformers . I have ordered the supreme audio grade Toroidy . 800VA 2x25V as recommended by Tom to make a true dual mono build. I know buying the fancy one won’t make much difference in a power amp but it wasn’t too much more cost wise and i didn’t want to make any sacrifices on this build, top spec all the way. Plus I do love a nice piece of audioporn. Cor she’s a looker 😂  |
|
Bigman80
Grandmaster
The HiFi Bear/Audioaddicts/Bigbottle Owner
Posts: 16,399
Member is Online
|
Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2020 9:59:07 GMT
Speaking of transformers . I have ordered the supreme audio grade Toroidy . 800VA 2x25V as recommended by Tom to make a true dual mono build. I know buying the fancy one won’t make much difference in a power amp but it wasn’t too much more cost wise and i didn’t want to make any sacrifices on this build, top spec all the way. Plus I do love a nice piece of audioporn. Cor she’s a looker 😂 Yes, that's a proper looking thing isn't it. Epic builds aplenty! |
|
|
|
Post by firebottle on Dec 26, 2020 11:32:39 GMT
A true dual mono has separate transformers for each channel, like Kevin's build.
Are you using one transformer?
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 11:47:12 GMT
A true dual mono has separate transformers for each channel, like Kevin's build. Are you using one transformer? Oh ok. I was just repeating what Tom said 😂but yeah one big traffo with multiple windings on it . Same result apparently but uses less space ? EDIT- ok I just read back and he said mine wouldn’t be true dual mono but it would be so darn close that he doesn’t see any real benefit of using two separate transformers |
|
Bigman80
Grandmaster
The HiFi Bear/Audioaddicts/Bigbottle Owner
Posts: 16,399
Member is Online
|
Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2020 12:24:21 GMT
A true dual mono has separate transformers for each channel, like Kevin's build. Are you using one transformer? Oh ok. I was just repeating what Tom said 😂but yeah one big traffo with multiple windings on it . Same result apparently but uses less space ? EDIT- ok I just read back and he said mine wouldn’t be true dual mono but it would be so darn close that he doesn’t see any real benefit of using two separate transformers Yes, Just spoke to Angus about it and as he says (and Tom) yours has two windings to make a centre tap, it's not dual mono. HOWEVER.....Andy's has SMPS in....so of you think his is good, this one will be stellar |
|
|
|
Post by sq225917 on Dec 26, 2020 12:33:06 GMT
Good to see these popping up everywhere.
|
|
Bigman80
Grandmaster
The HiFi Bear/Audioaddicts/Bigbottle Owner
Posts: 16,399
Member is Online
|
Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2020 12:35:54 GMT
Good to see these popping up everywhere. Yes it is. It's your fault too 🤣🤣 |
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 12:37:08 GMT
Oh ok. I was just repeating what Tom said 😂but yeah one big traffo with multiple windings on it . Same result apparently but uses less space ? EDIT- ok I just read back and he said mine wouldn’t be true dual mono but it would be so darn close that he doesn’t see any real benefit of using two separate transformers Yes, Just spoke to Angus about it and as he says (and Tom) yours has two windings to make a centre tap, it's not dual mono. HOWEVER.....Andy's has SMPS in....so of you think his is good, this one will be stellar Maybe I will ask toroidy before they make it to do 4 windings instead of 2 to make it dual mono? Actually I suspect that will increase the overall size which won’t work as I’ve ordered my chassis and the holes are pre drilled for the traffo plate . I’m not too fussed anyway if Tom reckons it will be close enough for it not to matter . |
|
Bigman80
Grandmaster
The HiFi Bear/Audioaddicts/Bigbottle Owner
Posts: 16,399
Member is Online
|
Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2020 12:43:09 GMT
Yes, Just spoke to Angus about it and as he says (and Tom) yours has two windings to make a centre tap, it's not dual mono. HOWEVER.....Andy's has SMPS in....so of you think his is good, this one will be stellar Maybe I will ask toroidy before they make it to do 4 windings instead of 2 to make it dual mono? Actually I suspect that will increase the overall size which won’t work as I’ve ordered my chassis and the holes are pre drilled for the traffo plate . I’m not too fussed anyway if Tom reckons it will be close enough for it not to matter . Leave it be mate. Too late now or you'll be drilling extra holes It's better than the SMPS. |
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 12:52:44 GMT
Maybe I will ask toroidy before they make it to do 4 windings instead of 2 to make it dual mono? Actually I suspect that will increase the overall size which won’t work as I’ve ordered my chassis and the holes are pre drilled for the traffo plate . I’m not too fussed anyway if Tom reckons it will be close enough for it not to matter . Leave it be mate. Too late now or you'll be drilling extra holes It's better than the SMPS. Ok mate all good. Cheers |
|
|
|
Post by sq225917 on Dec 26, 2020 14:52:10 GMT
They might be able to squeeze it into the same size can, as it'll be 2x400va on the same core as an 800va. There will be some wriggle room.
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 20:54:37 GMT
They might be able to squeeze it into the same size can, as it'll be 2x400va on the same core as an 800va. There will be some wriggle room. Thanks . I’ve sent them an email to enquire so let’s see what they say . |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2020 21:34:46 GMT
Did you get the perforated baseplate for the Dissipante?
If so, you can easily change the layout.
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 26, 2020 21:41:57 GMT
Did you get the perforated baseplate for the Dissipante? If so, you can easily change the layout. No I didn’t . Tom organised CAD drawings for holes to be drilled on the bottom plate and use standoffs to mount the boards . I asked him about having 4 windings over 2 for a true dual mono build and he just said that it would make it easier to hookup the PSU’s but apart from that it’s no big deal really, so i won’t dwell on it . |
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 28, 2020 21:25:53 GMT
Ok so I’ve had some news from Toroidy that they can do my transformer with 4x25v windings so it will now be as good as dual mono 👌
Also the case is now in Australia so hopefully I can start to assemble a few bits by Wednesday if the delivery estimate is met .
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 29, 2020 0:01:47 GMT
It’s here. And Jesus it weighs a ton. What a beast  |
|
|
|
Post by sq225917 on Dec 29, 2020 13:41:07 GMT
Your pics remind me that I've totally failed to purchase the modushop cases I wanted for stock before Brexit, buggery.
|
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 29, 2020 13:52:45 GMT
Your pics remind me that I've totally failed to purchase the modushop cases I wanted for stock before Brexit, buggery. Oh no what a shitter . Hopefully it’s not too painful for you when you get round to it . |
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 29, 2020 13:56:48 GMT
Ok so after a few headaches with holes not lining up etc I’ve finally got it assembled ready to take the boards . Not the kind of thing you expect when you spend best part of 500 sheets . What Dyu reckon ? I think it’s ace    |
|
bigbird
Regular
The Racing Snake
Posts: 200
|
Post by bigbird on Dec 29, 2020 14:14:23 GMT
Not sure what’s happened to the pictures? The writing looks all wobbly now I’ve uploaded them. It is definitely straight though in real life 😂
|
|
|
|
Post by karma67 on Dec 29, 2020 14:16:13 GMT
Not sure what’s happened to the pictures? The writing looks all wobbly now I’ve uploaded them. It is definitely straight though in real life 😂 they look fine to me:) |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2020 14:22:03 GMT
Not sure what’s happened to the pictures? The writing looks all wobbly now I’ve uploaded them. It is definitely straight though in real life 😂 They look fine to me. |
|
