DIY desktop amp options - Overclock.net

Firestorm252 · 09-19-09

Introductory random contextual info
Yup. getting that DIY itch again.
figured this time instead of random electronic things or another iteration of a portable amp, i'd try something for my desktop PC (using it for audio CDs as i've not even started my re-ripping everything to FLAC and foobar moving project).

Actual question
Anyway, i'm off on a tangent again...
I'd just like to know what my options are for an entry DIY desktop headphone amp and just a basic idea of costs involved. solid-state or tube, doesn't matter although I don't currently need anything terribly high-end
I noticed in the HD555/HD595 discussion thread that the Millet Max/MiniMax were listed and can be DIY. And tUDJ's minimax thread nudged me over the fence i was straddling.
but as I've really no idea what options are available I'd like opinions from those that do ^_^

possibly pertinent info

I'm competent with an iron; wiring, through-hole, surface-mount.
matching stuff like transistors can be a pain as my DMM doesn't have the capability, but I can borrow friends' ones that do if need be or purchase one that can. resistor matching is fine, if enjoyably tedious. (edit-albeit not terribly accurate, but you get the idea lol)
also have a basic breadboard for prototyping/testing, although i need a dedicated power supply to pair it with.

in all honesty, i'm in no real rush in it. I'll probly spread the project out as funds become available.

tUDJ · 09-19-09

Build a Minimax

Soloz said it's about $250 for the standard one.

If $250 is too much, be sure to consider a Starving Student, the cost is around $110.

Firestorm252 · 09-19-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by tUDJ

Build a Minimax

Soloz said it's about $250 for the standard one.

If $250 is too much, be sure to consider a Starving Student, the cost is around $110.

haha actually your latest thread got me off my butt and look into the Millet hybrid amps.

and I was looking into the SS verison. If i go that route i may include the e12 subsection that the Maxes impletent to keep the DC spikes in check. for $4.00 on the Max/minimax BOM, it's well worth the peace of mind.

**soloz2** · 09-19-09

there isn't a SS version of the minimax? You can go all out with some really expensive Max's. My box has/had a DAC and source selector but I stopped adding when I got past $1k in parts cost

but anyway, for amps that are amazing for the price, not too hard to assemble and won't break the bank I'd probably go for either a Millet Hybrid Max/minimax or M3

chinesekiwi · 09-20-09

Choose your poison:

http://www.amb.org/audio/

Really depends of course on how good or confident you are.
Building yaself a CKKIII, M^3 or even a Beta22 = fantastic.

Firestorm252 · 09-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by soloz2

there isn't a SS version of the minimax? You can go all out with some really expensive Max's. My box has/had a DAC and source selector but I stopped adding when I got past $1k in parts cost

but anyway, for amps that are amazing for the price, not too hard to assemble and won't break the bank I'd probably go for either a Millet Hybrid Max/minimax or M3

thanks. also,

on the cost of your box! i don't think i'll let my budget accrue to that high just quite yet

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinesekiwi

Choose your poison:

http://www.amb.org/audio/

Really depends of course on how good or confident you are.
Building yaself a CKKIII, M^3 or even a Beta22 = fantastic.

and thanks. I feel kinda stupid right now since 1) i check out AMB pretty often and 2) didn't even think to check all the DIY designs

but more options are always good. now to put together prices and see which one(s) I wanna give a whirl

gurusan · 09-20-09

I built a mini3 and used it as a desktop amp for my HD 580s and it sounded great....incredible value for the money.

Firestorm252 · 09-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurusan

I built a mini3 and used it as a desktop amp for my HD 580s and it sounded great....incredible value for the money.

that's what i've got now; i don't even think it's been 6 months since i put mine together haha. what's annoying is that I also use it all the time on-campus as well as home

i drain it in a day at that rate and while it's not a big hassle, i'll give a dedicated desktop amp a try. i've been keeping my old cmoy with me for when I do drain it partway through the day while i'm away from home.
while my current headphones setup isn't anything to write home about, i do plan on walking down the audiophile line at some point it seems

that and I'm getting antzy. idle hands syndrome lol. gotta keep 'em busy

Firestorm252 · 10-14-09

sorry for the double post, but figured it'd be better to bump this than make a pointless "thanks again" thread

anyway, thanks again for the help

i'll be getting parts in and matching them for a millet minimax over the next few weeks (or rather paychecks... after budgetary concerns anyway).

the other designs required a separate power supply and I have limited power supply design experience beyond knowing the difference between linear and switching. The minimax had a linear supply designed into it which simplified the decision process.
I believe the CKKIII only needed a power transformer and was feasibly in my budget to boot, so one of those may be down the line if my hands stay idle too long.

i'll probably be going with 2SA2344/2SA1011 transistors on the output with either 12AE6 or 12FM6 tubes. but that's yet to be decided

tUDJ · 10-15-09

Good choice

It'd be great if you could do a work log w/ pics

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DIY desktop amp options

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