The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I have been wanting to build one of these since, Gothover has done one about 3 years ago. To start I am newbie who has all ways dabbled here and there with some diy projects. I have some skill in soldering and once or twice assembled a couple of PC boards again along the diy means but never finished one of the projects which is a tube head phone amp, I just need to hook up the gain control and place a couple of resistors. But on to my recently finished build the kit I have purchased has been changed to be a direct replacement for a Dynaco Pas3, I had a old Dynaco pat 4 pre that was one of my first diy jobs which consisted of replacing the caps, it turned out nice but still had a slight hum in one of the channels. When I was replacing the old board and transformer and power caps, I found a loose wire on the board which I assume was the source of the hum. I had also replaced the selector switch knowing I was going to drop in this kit. Now I was original going to do the whole kit but Roy at Tubes4hifi recommended a up grade regulated power supply and transformer. Once installed the power supply, transformer, and line stage there was no room for the phono stage. Since I have not ordered the phono stage yet, when I do I will all so order a chassis, I know of one that Roy offers but if anyone might know of a better chassis let me know. But ordering a new bigger chassis will give me more room for the phono stage. To not boar you all to death I will not post some pics and come back to some more typing. If any of you knowledge folks want to give any constructive criticism feel free, or any tips let me know.. This is all ready built and working as I am not the type to drag on a long wait for the finished product as sometimes my projects take along time do to funding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 In my experience this kit was fairly simple to build, basic resistors tube sockets, etc, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 Roys instructions were pretty easy to follow, due to the nature of the switch there were some mods done as bypassing some of the old switches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 The only issue I had really had was the wire digram of the transformer seemed to be off, but 1 email to Roy cleared that all up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 Caps installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 Board installed with the power supply, Roy didn't have any kits laying around for the power supply so sold me one that was all ready assembled, and tested[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 I don't know if my last post posted so I will move forward, here a dry fit into the chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 I guess it did, well here it is all hooked up and tested, smoke test pass. Cleaned up some wiring, which I will say still could use a bit of cleaning up but can wait until I get the new chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 As for how it sounds, let me start with this is my first tube audio piece. Somethings I noticed right off the bat is how the sound is much more fuller. Also allot more gain, but other then that dead quite no hums crystal clear music. I think I need to have my power amp serviced, and could use some new volume and balance pots. But all in all it sounds great I love doing new things like this, not that I am not happy with what I all ready have but thanks to the inspiring people from this forum I give new things a try and it opens up a whole new level of audio play back, thanks to all especially you Dave. As for my power amp I am using a Kenwood basic m2a, when I am talking about the higher gain it might just be the right pre/power combo. I have the gain turned all most all the way down on the power amp and volume way down on the pre and can slightly hear music. Thats about all the redbull I have in me for now, after I get the chance to listen some more I will report back. Thanks for all your time Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 One more quick note then I will be done. But as for the rest of the system for now I have a Technics sl-p310 cd player for source, and Heresy 1s updated with new caps and riser from Bob. I must say these things sound great in my 10x10 room. I have never noticed some much bass from this system. I am enjoying very much and cant wait to add the phono stage so I can spin the new wax I purchased last weekend. I think the redbull is taking over again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David H Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 Your project looks great. I am glad you like the gain stage, I was very happy with mine. Nice work! Enjoy. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny's Jill Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 Nice......... Craig 73 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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