It is apparent that there are quite a few serial amp builders on the forum. If you are one of them then that is great because you are my target audience 😉. I’m curious to know what is your favourite DIY amplifier? I strongly suspect that the answers will be all over the map and that there will not be much of a consensus, but it might be interesting to find out!
So, setting aside power ratings (in other words lets treat it as given that the amp in question is driving an appropriate pair of speakers relative to its power output), what’s your favourite amp, assuming you have one?
So, setting aside power ratings (in other words lets treat it as given that the amp in question is driving an appropriate pair of speakers relative to its power output), what’s your favourite amp, assuming you have one?
I've built 8 different amps, primarily within the Naim/Avondale world. Of those, my Avondale NCC300 mono amps sound best, although the NCC300 dual mono that I built before that was the most fun.
I'm just about to start on a dual mono Modulus-686 build, so I'm keen to see how that goes (and sounds).
I'm just about to start on a dual mono Modulus-686 build, so I'm keen to see how that goes (and sounds).
After about 5 or 6 diy amps, my DIY Audio F6 has ended my search for an amp. At least for a while. Thank you, Mr. Pass.
I have to say that my Sony V-Fet (#108) takes the crown for me. Thank you Nelson!! And DiyAudio too!!
THAT.
And remember it is not strictly needed to finish one, before starting another.
How do I know?
Oh, well .... 🙁
If you throw bias in there, then it could be one that you actually designed and built yourself.
I am with Nelson, in that the next on the bench for evaluation works as the newest favourite. It is kind of a brain tease in that you are asking yourself, can I hear a difference since the last one? So for me it is BC-1 of late since it is finally making music in the last few weeks. DH-200C gets shut down after a successful few year run. Who knows how long BC-1 will run for or who else gets to try it out.
Favourite amp ? and no pics, I'll show you mine 🙂
I am with Nelson, in that the next on the bench for evaluation works as the newest favourite. It is kind of a brain tease in that you are asking yourself, can I hear a difference since the last one? So for me it is BC-1 of late since it is finally making music in the last few weeks. DH-200C gets shut down after a successful few year run. Who knows how long BC-1 will run for or who else gets to try it out.
Favourite amp ? and no pics, I'll show you mine 🙂
Attachments
The first one (aca 1.6) for the memory of success, then the next one of course, but most of all, the one on the bench (old soul, for the moment)
I've only built 8 hi-fi amps, so my experience is pretty minor. I'm not a designer, just built other's designs. My favorite so far is apex AX-14 with dual ops. The amp is super stable, responds just as intended to adjustment of bias and has very low DC offset, single digit mv. The sound is clear and crisp at all frequencies with no drop-off of the low end. Dead silent with no music playing. Just a simple, easy to build amp with great performance. There are other amps with pretty much imprecievable sound differences, but I just like knowing that I can set the bias adjustments and put the cover back on, not worrying about anything.
There are so many good designs that are being shared here that it really comes down to what you want to physically build. There are literally amps with 6 components up to hundreds, or more. Whatever level of complexity you are looking for. And of course, you don't have to build just one.
There are so many good designs that are being shared here that it really comes down to what you want to physically build. There are literally amps with 6 components up to hundreds, or more. Whatever level of complexity you are looking for. And of course, you don't have to build just one.
Hopefully this doesnt get into the definition of DIY; the "Do" part, the level at which something ourchasable is already "finished" or the "plug" level to get to "play".
Can we pick out our favorite child without hurting the feelings of the others? 🙂
It’s more than the amp design in itself. Sometimes, it’s in the execution, the implementation of the chassis, and the sentimental feelings that come with it. Very much like what makes one child different from the other.
I think it would be my FH9HVX Griddle Amp.
Great sound, one of a kind unique chassis. Fun as heck to build. Great conversation starter. Alas, I no longer have it as I have
gave it to a friend.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...-a-budget-conscious-heatsink-solution.355302/
It’s more than the amp design in itself. Sometimes, it’s in the execution, the implementation of the chassis, and the sentimental feelings that come with it. Very much like what makes one child different from the other.
I think it would be my FH9HVX Griddle Amp.
Great sound, one of a kind unique chassis. Fun as heck to build. Great conversation starter. Alas, I no longer have it as I have
gave it to a friend.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...-a-budget-conscious-heatsink-solution.355302/
I designed and built two audio power amplifiers. Shortly after building it, the emitter resistors of the first one ignited at power on, while the second one (see https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Wireless-World/90s/Electronics-World-1996-02-S-OCR.pdf pages 140 ... 143) has worked reliably since the early 1990's. Obviously, my favourite is the second one.
