Robert built the Nelson Pass designed $327 Class A Amp Camp Amp

Рет қаралды 93,827

3 жыл бұрын

Robert never built an electronics kit before, but even so he managed to built not one, but two DIYaudio Amp Camp Amp kits over a couple of days. More info about the DIYaudio Amp Camp Amp here diyaudiostore.com/products/am... I checked with ACA just before posting, and they said they will have 100 kits available on Sept 7, and another 100 on Sept 20. They sell out quickly, just letting you know.
I will review the $327 Amp Camp Amp (stereo and mono) very soon.
Amp Camp Amp Specs
Frequency response 10 - 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
Power (stereo) 8W into 8 Ohms per channel
Power (monoblock) 15W into 8 Ohms per channel. See ACA operation modes for details on monoblock operation.
Power Measurement Measured at clipping with 3% distortion
Distortion 0.7% at 1 Watt (primarily second order harmonic which being even-order is described as "sweet, tubey" and being low-order as "benign/inaudible")
Input impedance 10 Kohm
Max Gain 14dB
Damping factor 10
Output noise 100 uV
Power supply input Universal 86-264VAC 47-63HZ
Power supply output 24V 5A
Heat dissipation 20 Watts per Channel
The rest of Robert's system:
Schiit Freya preamp www.schiit.com/products/freya-1
Schiit Mani phonp preamp www.schiit.com/products/mani
Rega RP3 turntable www.rega.co.uk/planar-3-2016.html
Dynavector 10x3 cartridge www.dynavector.com/products/c...
Arcam irDAC II www.arcam.co.uk/product,acces...
Music Hall 15.3 CD player
Zu Soul Supreme speakers www.zuaudio.com/loudspeakers/...
Robert's first appearance here on the Daily Show, • Meet Robert, he rolls ...
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#DIY #audiophile #diyaudio

Пікірлер: 262

@aramb 3 жыл бұрын

I love the "adjustable" playing card form for bending component leads!

@rjpwp001 3 жыл бұрын

This video is very timely for me. I attempted to build one of these about six months ago but I ended up with a short that I could not track down. So, I stuck it in the closet and it collected dust. I finally decided to give it away on Craigslist this past weekend. The guy who took it from me noticed that the only problems were a few bad solders (including one at the RCA jack like the gentleman in the video). He fixed it and said I could have it back. So, I got to listen to it for the first time last night. I've got it hooked up to my Omen DW's and it's a clear, punchy little amp. I'll see how it stacks up sound-wise against my Outlaw 2160 after some more listening. For those thinking about building this without any prior experience soldering and tracking down issues with circuits (like me) I'd say it's definitely not "easy". Soldering in particular is a delicate art and it takes some time to do it properly. The community around this amp is definitely helpful, but if you run into trouble it certainly helps to have a more experienced person with you to help out.

@rbhis000 3 жыл бұрын

That was really cool of the person to give it back to you. If anyone else runs into issues, don't forget the DIY Audio Forum that's been mentioned here. Lot's of great help there!

@54tristin 3 жыл бұрын

Robert P If soldering is difficult PRACTICE for a week on some scrap wire

@lhommedieu5489 3 жыл бұрын

There is hope for humanity. Pretty small sample size I know...

@paulm944 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this Robert! I have been considering picking up this kit, and it is great to hear that it was doable for a relatively inexperienced person. Congratulations on your new monoblocks!

@rbhis000 3 жыл бұрын

You should! This is an awesome amp that really isn't very hard to build. 6L6 did a great job with the instructions - lot's of pictures - and you'll love listening to music on an amp that you built!

@Jeton6 3 жыл бұрын

sounds very tempting. looking forward to Steve's review!

@garyharper2943 3 жыл бұрын

When I was young I built a Heathkit radio and a Allied knight kit 5 band shortwave. The shortwave had a bad transformer and my next door neighbor who was a tv repair man troubleshooted and fixed it. I never could have done it without him.

@mrboat580 2 жыл бұрын

I built a set of these boards into a pair of the 8 watt version mono blocks. They're powering a pair of Bagby/diysiundgroup design, Fusion-12 speakers, and it sounds glorious. The speakers have a sensitivity of 98db. Half power will run most people out of the house. That's about as hard as I will push it. Also built the F5 boards. The most valuable aspect of these Pass design projects? Having the designer himself rubbing elbows with us common folks online. I was a fan decades ago before internet. If you had told me then that Nelson Pass would be addressing me or my projects personally, I would have never believed it. Heck of a nice guy. He is appreciated.

@tomlu1816 3 жыл бұрын

Nice recording Steve, really enjoyed how you placed the mics on this one.

@christophcremer7053 3 жыл бұрын

Love the Hasselblad scanner at the back!

@edmondj03 24 күн бұрын

Thanks Steve and Robert. Very informative

@MikeDawson1 3 жыл бұрын

I built one as well, was lots of fun It's 100+ degrees outside right now though, will probably wait to run it in the winter :)

@ttownscott 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool Robert. I'm building the Decware ZKit1 because of Steve's Decware Zen review and a Transcendent Sound preamp to go with it.

@rothschildianum 3 жыл бұрын

I used to build kits like this when I was in junior high school. It was a lot fo fun. I have not built anything in 38 years! Hhmmmm.... This is really tempting. The price is not expensive too.

@Drackleyrva 3 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't have the time or patience to do this---God bless him. I agree that it would be more satisfying knowing you built it yourself.

@franciscorompana2985 3 жыл бұрын

Nice, Kudos for all. Congratulations from Portugal.

@dell177 3 жыл бұрын

Nelson Pass is a Godsend for people who love great sound and have limited cash.

@HandbrakeBiscuit 3 жыл бұрын

He's also a godsend for people who love great sound and have UNlimited cash - have you seen the price of a pair of Pass Labs XS 300s??? But yes, he is very generous with his advice and help, and very supportive and encouraging of DIY dweebs such as myself...

@BwanaJesuasifiwe 3 жыл бұрын

will insurance still cover your house if it burns down due to this DIY invention?

@mikevincent6332 3 жыл бұрын

@@BwanaJesuasifiwe House no doubt filled with many made in China electronics too

@dilbyjones 3 жыл бұрын

dell177 big YES

@KarmaElectronics. 3 жыл бұрын

i found nelson pass on diyaudio back in the day. nice to see theres still kits for sale. $327 is a good deal!

@jlmain5777 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Now I have something fun to put on my “to do” list.

@mikelm222 3 жыл бұрын

I also built 2 ACAs and I concluded that probably they are more suited to high efficiency speakers. Mine are about 88db / W / M But still I loved the dynamic bass and enthusiastic sound and it inspired me to moved onto a MOSFET version of the John Linsley Hood Simple Class A - which is Awesome :-)

@noth606 3 жыл бұрын

Isn't it obvious they are for high efficiency speakers? Not trying to be an a$$ but it was obvious to me from the power ratings of them...

@mikelm222 3 жыл бұрын

@@noth606 Not necessarily. Had it been same low power but with higher damping factor & lower distortion, then it would have just been usable. But no complaints it steered me onto the MF JLH which quite ideal for me.

@MrDGPhoto 3 жыл бұрын

They even look great! :)

@user-od9iz9cv1w 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. I started my DIY audiophile hobby in just the same way and it has led to years of enjoyment and a very good system that costs maybe 10% of commercial equivalent. Must say, those amp camp kits are an awesome value.

@mraudioguru 3 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of these also. VERY fun build and they sound great with the "right" speakers. I've tried quite a few and IMHO, you need at least a 90db rated or higher, (preferably).

@cedrickjmackniddle3861 3 жыл бұрын

Great editing

@harrisedgar 3 жыл бұрын

What a lovely video... Thank you.

@christianjforbes 4 ай бұрын

I built two of these a year ago, paired to 87db Pure Audio Trio 10. This is the first amp I’ve owned that sounds great but gets better at lower volumes … perfect for apartment living. Using only 1 or 2 watts of the available 15watts gives it more headroom on the lower db side for dynamics.

@freezerburn6454 3 жыл бұрын

Makes me want to build this amp, and a system around it.

@justinmurphy2227 3 жыл бұрын

I've just received my car audio D50 and D100 Soundstream Class A amps as well as the Class AB models. It's my understanding that he probably had a lot to do with all the models. I simply can not wait to start my car audio from the couch sessions! I'm recovering from my 4th spinal surgery that I had in August so working on the cars are out of the question! When it comes to Mr. Nelson Pass (or NP as he signs his emails lol), he is true to his word when he said he responds to all his emails! He's also helped me with a few projects that I've been working on. I now know what Class A means.....when it come's to Nelson it stands for "Class Act"!!!!

@laquintana8290 3 жыл бұрын

I grew up in the days of Heathkit :-) I used to love doing this stuff and became an electronics guy because of it. Got a job as a Biomedical Engineer and almost never used what I learned for the next 40 years 8-|

@zogzog1063 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Robert! Greetings fly out from New Zealand! (PS I also own a Pass Labs Amp - great stuff!)

@HareDeLune 3 жыл бұрын

Chur to the Freddy's!

@cartilagehead6326 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, you should totally get your hands on an Elekit TU-8200R. Bonus points if you put it together yourself!

@TheCobra65427 3 жыл бұрын

I built Hafler DH220, DH110 & DH 500. later bought a pair of 2nd hand SA-1's. I like the idea of this...

@dennisdickey2267 3 жыл бұрын

Built Heathkit stuff years ago. Fun.

@johnlebeau5471 3 жыл бұрын

I have one of these. It was not my first project although I am far from an expert. It took me a few hours. I'm sure Steve will review this amp but it is stupidly good, especially for the money. The biggest limitation is the low power, 8 watts I think. I have mine in a tri-amp setup paired with two single ended triode tube amps. It powers the tweeters, they are the least efficient of the drivers in my home made speakers and the ACA has four times the power of my other amps.

@ianforfun1 3 жыл бұрын

Never heard it but great reviews and Class A wins every time, with a good power supply and sensitive well built speakers with a deep bass potential like floor-standing types!

@scottyo64 3 жыл бұрын

Like my RF-7 IIs?

@SuperMadpom 3 жыл бұрын

@@scottyo64 101db per watt should do it! :-)

@alonzosmith6189 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, brings back memories built Heathkits, Radio Electronics magazine, Radio Shack kits

@DeAudiofilosyLocos 3 жыл бұрын

@scottbrown4534 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve. Nice work as usual. I built my first ACA (Amp Camp Amp) about 4 years ago as two monblocks, and my second, in one box, about 2 years ago. Now I'm going back through the amps cleaning up wiring, revising switching, etc. I love the way they sound, and it is really cool to make fairly radical revisions whenever I feel like it. I'm still designing my ???? - Is it a preamp? Or a mixer? Well not a mixer, more of a 3 in 3 out switcher that can fan one input to three outputs at a time. I'm also adding effects inserts to all of the in-outs, sort of like the old tape monitor loops we used to have, but way more flexible. DIY is not for everyone, and contrary to popular belief, making equipment from scratch can get very expensive very quickly. Sometimes it pays off, and I am very thankful that Papa Nelson made ACA so easy for so many people, and it appeals to me because I can tear it apart and make revisions any time I feel like it. And, about that, my first ACA is sitting on the bench waiting for me. Thanks again, Steve, and the best to you and yours.

@EliasTheHunter 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting! How did you combine the two monoblocks into one?

@rbhis000 3 жыл бұрын

@@EliasTheHunter The older kits were mono blocks. If you find pictures, you'll see a heat sink only on one side of a small enclosure. The newer kits are dual mono in one box. One power supply, though, for both channels.

@EliasTheHunter 3 жыл бұрын

Ryan Hart ah, thanks! I see now. I thought they were saying that they did something custom.

@scottbrown4534 3 жыл бұрын

@@EliasTheHunter Although I didn't say it, I do intend to make one box out of two. The basic plan is to join the top and bottom panels with screws and a steel plate, then the back panels are available separately from DIY Audio. I'm on the fence about front panels, and I may go with bookmatched flame maple faces for both (all 4?) amps. I also need to change out some parts on the old boards to bring them up to the latest specs, and switch the power supply from 19v to 24v. One particularly heretical design decision made by our benefactor, Nelson Pass, is the prescribed use of a (GASP... OMG!!!) switching power supply. I've tried every measurement I can make to chase down any measurable noise on the speaker outputs from these supplies, and I'm not seeing it, and more importantly, I can't hear it, YMMV. I would also like to build in a se to balanced converter, but there are a lot of other ways to get these amps to swing both ways... It sounds like a lot of work, but to me it is pure bliss!!!

@motorradmike 3 жыл бұрын

The Amp Camp Amp is a wonderful kit to build. The only caveat might be for some is the 8watt pch is only for an 8 ohm speaker. In the bridged mode the power rating is closer to 10 watts into a 4 ohm speaker, not 16 as one might guess. Still a satisfying piece of kit that sounds very, very good!

@SuperMadpom 3 жыл бұрын

cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1006/5046/files/ACA_Monoblock_Operation_RevA.pdf

@ecyfoto 3 жыл бұрын

Clever use of the Manfrotto clamp. Every shooter has at least one.

@TheCobra65427 3 жыл бұрын

I said "Hey that's a super clamp!"

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

I said "that's a Maffer!" :)

@patkoss1945 3 жыл бұрын

Love mine. Built one in July. The ACA changed me to a Class A bigot. The only downside I see in my small room is the heat in the summer here in the south. It will be lovely in the winter.

@ronniefranks4351 3 жыл бұрын

I also built two ACA’s and I think they sound great for $327 each. I’m a bit envious of yours since mine didn’t come with the silkscreened rear panels. That makes them seem more finished and less of a kit.

@ronniefranks4351 3 жыл бұрын

Bullwinkle Eats Vegemite It turns out the panels are different than the ones I have.

@ronniefranks4351 3 жыл бұрын

Bullwinkle Eats Vegemite The mounting is pretty much the same. However, I think the toggle switch is different and it’s wired differently. The way I understand it is it includes the parallel mono version internally and my version doesn’t. diyaudio told me there is an upgrade kit in the works.

@kennethiman2691 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Notice the main expense is the case. Which is understandable. Great components are still crazy cheap. Which is why high end audio prices are out of line. A custom board can be had for under $10. Many plans available on the Internet. If you can do basic electronic construction, you can save a bundle.

@steveluck9541 3 жыл бұрын

You still need big heat sinks - If you buy the kit with the case all the holes are drilled and tapped ready to go. Supplied power supply is good quality low noise too.

@mpitogo 3 жыл бұрын

I built a pair as monoblocks 2 years ago 4 boards, 2 chassis as a weekend project. Perfect on the first try for both. v1.6 and thankfully did not have that silk screen print on the back plate since it’s monoblock only operation balanced/bridged. The silkscreen is pretty cool though.

@EliasTheHunter 3 жыл бұрын

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. What’s the benefit of not having the silk screen on the back plate?

@fzesgru 3 жыл бұрын

5 stars for the time lapse assembly video! How the heck did you do that Robert?

@steveluck9541 3 жыл бұрын

It's much more than another class A amp - it's so simple it's much more like a single ended valve amp - If your speakers are sensitive enough - recommend full range driver, they sound stunning. Not enough bass add a plate amp to drive the subwoofer and remove some of the load from the ACA.

@h.kurnia8175 3 жыл бұрын

Nice film scanner back there

@Unker_Spunkanathan 3 жыл бұрын

Nice kit. I tried building a DoZ but gave up after seeing how hot it could get

@twochaudiomg2578 3 жыл бұрын

thay are a great price and looks great

@exif6839 3 жыл бұрын

Love mine diy HiFiAkademie Poweramp P6. Class D. Excellent soundquality. Maximum Power 250W/Channel / 4Ohms. No Pass needed. 😁.

@manjsher3094 3 жыл бұрын

This is a assembly by numbers so if you can paint by Numbers....

@charleskingReal 3 жыл бұрын

DIY audio is fun. The most important part is to buy a good, high-wattage, temperature-controlled soldering iron. _Do not_ skimp on this, as a low-wattage iron is just asking for endless misery and frustration, and extra expense when you end up messing things up with dry joints or excess solder. But for real DIY audio fun you need to do a valve amp, with all that yummy 400V on the HT rails ;).

@mkfmkf55 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not a flea watt amp fan so I'd say this is best suited for a desktop or small office systems, but it looks like a lot of work. But there will always be some diy guys, and I would think they'd enjoy the challenge.

@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac 3 жыл бұрын

Not true, the baby amp sounds seriously good with my 100 pound Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. Any high sensitivity speaker, over 92 dB for example.

@steveluck9541 3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Using a pair to drive my 105db/watt Carfrae Little big horn replica horns. No cross over but plate amp to drive integrated subwoofer as per the original speakers. It's the First watt that counts. Try them with the Korg Nutube preamp for massive sound stage.

@edwardbalboa5528 3 жыл бұрын

Superb.... A 40w version would be great too

@NoMoreRadioMyths 3 жыл бұрын

I have a lot of respect for Nelson Pass and his products and his efforts to get people involved in DIY, which is what this amp is all about. This is NOT a Pass First Watt or any of his other amps. Its a very simple kit to introduce people to DIY. I bought an assembled version on ebay because I had never tried a class A amp and have Klipsch Forte speakers which are highly efficient. Compared to my 200 watt per channel amp that I use all the time this sounds like a little table radio in comparison. It also cured my curiosity about class A amps. At 5 or 8 watts per channel it generated a lot of heat. I can only imagine how hot more powerful class A amps run. I live in Florida and we have enough heat already. After hearing an amp with a lot of power, even on my highly efficient speakers, I could never go back to low power again. The dynamics and slam are no comparison. I also have a 30 watt per channel amp that sounds weak in comparison and I listen at low power levels.

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

Steve might have something to say in his review so no spoilers but this amp does not have a lot of gain so depending on pre and speaker efficiency it can appear weak compared to other more powerful amps. But I can get to 90db easy on the couch at 2m which is plenty loud. If you have a large room then no, and no 5-10w amp is going to do what a 200w amp can do. Even 30 is only 3db louder than 15w which is what this is bridged dual mono. And yes it does get hot, all class A runs hot. I appreciate the slam is not exactly room pressurizing, thats not what low power is about.

@NoMoreRadioMyths 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertwrightphoto All good points but I would not recommend such lower power expect for perhaps string quartets maybe near field listening. I suspect money may be better spent on a class D amp which is the size of a book and delivers a lot of power. But again this is designed for minimal parts and for people to learn how to build.

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

@@NoMoreRadioMyths :) I never listen to string quartets:) I have a class D belCanto and obv it kicks butt. But this is different and has some magic sauce the class D doesn't. I had the J2 for a while on loan so that was about perfect for me. That's only 20wpc. whatever floats the boat.

@rbhis000 3 жыл бұрын

I think it's funny to compare this to a 200 wpc amp. They're not made to do the same things. I agree this one is to get folks into DIY. It did me. I've since built an F5 and F6, also low power at about 25 wpc. They drive my Forte III's perfectly for my room and listening preferences. If anyone's curious about low power, it's worth learning why Papa started First Watt in the first place. Then decide if it's right for you. It'll work for many, but not everyone.

@blakley42 3 жыл бұрын

Back in the day, I.e., 50+ yrs ago, I built various audio kits, out of economic necessity. I built HealthKit integrated amps, a HealthKit record changer, electro voice speaker system (enclosures),etc. as memory serves, none of them worked exactly right, except for the loudspeakers. Undismayed, I built a dynakit power amp and preamp...neither of which worked properly, at least initially. Once I got the dynas fixed, they sounded really good, but I finally came to realize that I didn’t have the talent, patience, skill , or good looks to build audio kits. (However, I do wish I still had those completed kits, just to see...).

@Bermudapools1 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, you seem to like folded ribbon tweeters and AMT's , I am curious as to what you think of the new line of ESS Labs Heil AMT speakers. I owned a pair of AMT 10b's (the upgraded model with passive radiator) in my late 70's "Audiophile" system with Apt Holman preamp, Bryston 3 and Phillips E312 turntable. Loved that old system, it definitely rocked the house. I am curious about the AMT10's or 8's but there is no place to hear them near me.

@atticuslewis342 Жыл бұрын

I am thinking about building this I not sure 🤔 though I mean I love how Class A sounds

@joybrucebruce3377 3 жыл бұрын

I have Linkwitz Orions. It's a shame Siegfried is not here for youtube.

@CobraChamp 3 жыл бұрын

The Linkwitz Orion and LX521 are fantastic speakers!

@aulait3362 3 жыл бұрын

I am building the ACA with my son :-)

@stillastillsfan 3 жыл бұрын

Need an integrated line level amp version w high quality volume control and 2 - 3 inputs.

@stimpy1226 3 жыл бұрын

Gee, I wish I could have built my amp camp amp that fast. I would suggest people build this project in 3 to 4 sessions to do a nice neat job. Not sure why Robert was in such a rush but it sure looks like he knew what he was doing. He definitely had the right tools and was all ready to go when he started. I don't think there are any kits available for purchase at the moment and I'm not sure what Nelson Pass is going to do in the future to keep this this kit going. For just over $300 I don't think you can beat the sound quality but I didn't expect anything less from a PASS design. I built the Korg preamp as well and my son is enjoying the benefits. One last thought, I love the look of a blue LED but they are not recommended for a health reasons. I would suggest swapping out with a red LED.

@diyaudiohelpdesk4284 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Neil. Yes, they do come in and out of stock, usually out of stock after Steve does a video on them! :) As of the writing of this comment, right now they are absolutely in stock. The next batch of chassis will be shipping next week so we're just advertising a blanket "September 7th" to ensure there is no confusion about things shipping earlier. The kit includes both red and blue LEDs, and you can vary the brightness by adjusting the value of the R13 resistor. If you are feeling like doing some DIY you could ever swap in a potentiometer and have a variable dimmer. All part of the DIY experience - you're the boss :)

@stimpy1226 3 жыл бұрын

diyAudioStore Helpdesk That's strange because I looked about a week to two weeks ago and there were no kits available to the best of my recollection.

@diyaudiohelpdesk4284 3 жыл бұрын

@@stimpy1226 You're correct about the chassis Neil. Hifi2000 who makes the chassis were on summer holiday and just got back, they are making the next batch of chassis which will be shipping next week. Parts kits have been in stock for a few months, and as of writing this comment, there are parts kits in stock. Please note I just updated the listing to say they will ship the same day the chassis are shipping, to avoid any confusion for people watching the video today. It's a simpler message if we just say "shipping on the 7th". Offering a kit in so many pieces does have its challenges sometimes, but we really want to offer as many possible options to people so they can choose what kind of DIY they want to experience. All included or à la carte - you choose! PCBs are just $15, and you can optionally add chassis, power supply, parts kit to help you with whichever part of the process you don't want to do yourself.

@stimpy1226 3 жыл бұрын

diyAudio Helpdesk Thanks for the clarification

@carlosoliveira-rc2xt 3 жыл бұрын

I don't understand why you think it should sound good because it's a Pass design. There a many amps based on Pass designs that are merely okay. ( Adcom 5800, 5802 etc.) I don't understand the idolatry of designers. They do make dogs and always the implementation and parts quality affects the sound more. This is why 3 amps all based on the same design but varying in price points sound substantially different.

@escritoriodecristal 3 жыл бұрын

that imacon on the back!

@218maryland 3 жыл бұрын

Nice

@RumblestripDotNet 3 жыл бұрын

Is this where the next video with Herb Reicard comes out and he talks about his favorite DIY amps and gear?

@sduraybito 3 жыл бұрын

I wish someone would make a Class A single-ended integrated amp with a remote volume control.

@allenfields9058 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. I've just ordered 2 kits and will be attempting my first amp build since 1977. I really didn't need them, but at that price ($720 for 2 mono-blocks), I couldn't pass it up. I have a mint condition pair of Klipsch Forte II's that should match up perfectly with them. Any suggestions on a Pre-Amp to match with them? Preferably tube based.

@rbhis000 3 жыл бұрын

The Korg NuTube B1, also a Nelson Pass creation, also available from the DIY Audio Store, is a perfect match. It responds very well to bias adjustment, so if the ACA gives you all the warmth you want, you can clean up the output of the B1. If you want a little more tube sound, just tweak it the other way. The ACA is so forgiving, you probably can't do too badly with most any pre. Your Forte's will be a wonderful match. I have Forte III's.

@allenfields9058 3 жыл бұрын

@@rbhis000 Thanks, Brother! I will look at that piece. I've never owned a Pass product, I grew up with McIntosh and Klipschorns. People rave about Pass amps, so I'm anxious to find out about the buzz.

@ronniefranks4351 3 жыл бұрын

I also have two of the ACA’s in operation. I’m anxiously awaiting receipt of my Korg B1 NuTube preamp. Hope it comes soon as I can hardly wait!

@nacarp2000 3 жыл бұрын

I'm waiting for my Nutube Preamp also. In the meantime I built the Elekit Tube Preamp available from diyaudiostore.com, tubedepot.com and other places. The Elekit was my first kit, build was no problem despite over 400 electrical solder points! The Pass kit are MUCH simpler.

@allenfields9058 3 жыл бұрын

@@nacarp2000 Great to know it is easy based on your comments. It's been a long time since I built an amp, and my eyesight and dexterity have faded with age and injuries! I plan on doing a lot of soldering practice soon! Thanks, guys. Let me know about the Preamp when you get them.

@hahaagi 3 жыл бұрын

저도 2대 가지고 있습니다. 소리 엄청 좋습니다. 케이스 뒷판 실크가 바뀌었네요. 이전에 아무것도 없었어요.

@snakedude61 3 жыл бұрын

I'm really curious if you have an opinion of the wharfedale 11.2 vs the 225 both of those vs. the triangle bro3? I think the wharfedale would work better for my situation. I'm curious how they Stack Up. Especially versus each other. Is it worth the extra $200 for the 11.2? I just don't see many wharfedale reviews.

@sampolin2203 3 жыл бұрын

Watching this video reminds me of beta22 and beta24 from amb

@cjmutschler 3 жыл бұрын

Can anyone suggest online forums for DIY audio... particularly tube? I know ones for musical instrument amps but have had trouble finding ones for HiFi Audio. Thanks.

@54tristin 3 жыл бұрын

Want to build it but have Magnepan 0.7, maybe when I get Bucharest 400, although I was ready to pull the trigger went to website, and they raised the. Price to the point that I’m not sure they are worth it. Any idea how Kef R 3 would work?

@dilbyjones 3 жыл бұрын

Those “Bucharest” A400 are beyond worth it in the DSP is awesome and I’m sure madz will give it a good warranty

@clothyardshafts 3 жыл бұрын

Cool

@billschwanitz669 3 жыл бұрын

Thats really cool ;) Been debating a kit for a while may just have to take the plunge. ( and good thing, I've soldered a ton of stuff so... ) I'm curious what kind of wiring / solder you used here. Just regular solder, silver or 'audiophile grade' ( being generic here ). Does the solder or hookup wiring really matter much here given the power range?

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

I used the solder they specified on the DIY website, Cardas, I don't think it matters much tho. Was blend of Silver Lead Copper and Tin and had flux core. The diameter matters a little, small diameter solder is easier and neater to work with on pc boards.

@chadbarker4023 3 жыл бұрын

Cool.

@DeAudiofilosyLocos 3 жыл бұрын

I ordered mine!

@lextr3110 3 жыл бұрын

does it beat the vista spark 2?

@nadugiritalk 3 жыл бұрын

What cables are used in the amp for internal wiring?????

@davebrowning9290 3 жыл бұрын

Since it doesn't have a volume control, I assume you need a preamp to go along with this. Any suggestions or reviews of a DIY preamp that would be suitable.

@steveluck9541 3 жыл бұрын

If you only listen to digital then a DAC with a volume control works fine. Korg Nutube pre/amp kit is a giant killer once you sort the microphonic problems. Lots of cheap solutions for that.

@mykeldg 3 жыл бұрын

I compared this Nelson Pass DIY amp to a 60W Class AB and and the DIY Kit was extremely impressed sidering its a 10th of the power @ 8W/5W. You can watch the comparison Demo here : kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gr-ea6mbnK_Yno0.html

@munlive5130 Жыл бұрын

My speaker is Falcon ls3/5a gold badge, it has 83db sensitivity. In this case, this little amp can drive the speakers? I am planning to use mono block with two ACA.

@NeilBlanchard 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, I hope you can compare this to the Schiit Aegir amp?

@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac 3 жыл бұрын

I will

@SuperMadpom 3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Only fair to compare two ACA in bridged mono to one Schiit given the price difference.

@NeilBlanchard 3 жыл бұрын

@@SuperMadpom And that puts them pretty close in power, too.

@zackpetrovic3029 3 жыл бұрын

Hope there is a J2 kit soon

@andrewforsythe7240 3 жыл бұрын

Great review, cool idea at an excellent price. Any at 220 volts ? They will probably become collector items in future !!

@EliasTheHunter 3 жыл бұрын

Yup! Their website has all sorts of power options for different regions and plug types.

@andrewforsythe7240 3 жыл бұрын

@@EliasTheHunter Thank You, will check it out.

@scubaman2546 3 жыл бұрын

Other than it being more expensive, how would you compare it to a Bottlehead Crack?

@19janiboy96 3 жыл бұрын

he should have mounted the power resistors a bit high off the pcb

@webberron 3 жыл бұрын

I love when the PCB turns Brown from over heating... :)

@QoraxAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Jup, correct. But this is the way people learn from DIY kits. They learn through trial and error: magic smoke, brown boards and electrolytic popcorn😜

@19janiboy96 3 жыл бұрын

True, though I still haven't lerned to put on the heatshrink first after all these years

@rabit818 3 жыл бұрын

Is crafting beads with a glue gun a prerequisite to build an amp?

@jimf5160 3 жыл бұрын

those are cool, I would build them, but my main speakers are not efficient... and not enough channels for HT use.

@trainsplanes6517 3 жыл бұрын

I think every kid should be required to build one of these in high school They not only would learn a little bit about electronics, they'd also learn organizational and planning skills, and then see (hear) the results of their efforts. Nelson, get on this will you. Design an integrated version with a dac. The kid can buy a cheap (good) pair of Parts Express speakers, plug in her phone and there you go!

@JohnDoe-np3zk 3 жыл бұрын

I can't even believe the Parts Express speakers I got for $9 bucks each those things are working well as replacements in the old Polk 10A. 6" woofers weigh a few lbs each...

@nunyabiz2016 3 жыл бұрын

Every kid? Haha I need to do this

@JohnDoe-np3zk 3 жыл бұрын

@@nunyabiz2016 I wish I had taken auto shop

@NeilBlanchard 3 жыл бұрын

What is the process for setting the bias? Also, I wonder about the design and parts for a "proper" power supply?

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

it's easy there is a potentiometer on each channel and you use a voltmeter to set the bias. The instructions are simple.

@NeilBlanchard 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertwrightphoto Thanks - can you "tailor" the sound with this? Also, how many capacitors are in the circuit?

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

@@NeilBlanchard that would be beyond my pay grade, the forum would have more answers. You can look at the schematic on the DIY website. If I read it correctly there is only on Cap per side in the signal path proper, altho there are a few more that do other things. I could be wrong .

@NeilBlanchard 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertwrightphoto Thanks again. I was looking for a power supply schematic and parts list. My guess is the larger cap is a filter for the power supply, so the smaller cap is the one in the signal path. It is probably easy to replace with a higher quality device. (It appears to be an electrolytic?)

@nacarp2000 3 жыл бұрын

@@NeilBlanchard The power supply is an outboard 24v brick. The brick is included with the kit.

@chubtoad157 3 жыл бұрын

Has Robert put out a KZfaq video of his build?

@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac 3 жыл бұрын

just this one.

@jeffsloane8628 3 жыл бұрын

So, two of these or one Schiit Aegir? Which sounds better?

@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac 3 жыл бұрын

That will be covered in the upcoming review

@brochgerling1925 3 жыл бұрын

This is a wonderful community, and I hope that someone can point me in the right direction. I currently run a pair of Klipsch RP600m speakers along with an NAD 326bee. It is a very detailed and bright sounding system. This isn’t what I’m going for at all. What I want is a very sweet, warm, and rich sound, if that makes sense at all. I don’t have a fortune to spend, but would entertain spending 1500 or so for an amp plus speakers. Help me please!

@JohnDoe-np3zk 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe something like a Wharfedale Diamond 220 or 225 with a soft dome tweeter would be more to your liking. My old Polk 10As would likely satisfy you with their 1" soft dome tweeter. Easy to listen to with good dispersion. Or get a tube phono stage?

@brochgerling1925 3 жыл бұрын

John Doe Thank you!!! I used to have the Polks, and they were wonderful.

@ibassnote 3 жыл бұрын

Doesn’t seem that into the sound?

@54tristin 3 жыл бұрын

Love the 10x5buthas a ridiculous break in period and last 2 had weak cantilever when used on Vip traveler.

@johndee759 3 жыл бұрын

What’s a good speaker to pair up with it?

@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac 3 жыл бұрын

Klipsch, Tekton, JBL horn

@johndee759 3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I love those JBL 530

@coldfinger459sub0 3 жыл бұрын

You don’t have to buy the whole $327. Kit, you can just buy the components kit for about $16 and you have the option to buy the circuit boards for another $19 or you can skip the circuit board and lay the components out on a wooden board a plastic board solder them point to point that means join the components directly together. You can use wires instead of the circuitboard and you can scavenge an old heat sinks from all broken stereos or other electronica components for free that are discarded. So you can enjoy the exact same great sound without the expensive fancy case if you so desire. If you’re handy with your hands you could make a wooden case or a sheet metal case or reuse and recycle and all dead stereo case. You get the exact same sound even with one only in stereo if you have High Efficiency speakers.

@markstaub5250 3 жыл бұрын

And you can make your own inductors and transformers, but if I have a good pcb, I'm using that. Done plenty of point to point wiring.

@coldfinger459sub0 3 жыл бұрын

Mark Staub I wanted to make my own transformer just for fun researched it then when I seen how many hours are involved had to give up that idea. Made simple low-voltage transformers in high school electronics class but those were only a few turns.

@dgbnntt 3 жыл бұрын

I'm curious about Robert's equipment rack. Could someone identify it please?

@robertwrightphoto 3 жыл бұрын

its just inter metro wire shelving 18x24". ubiquitous Ikea cutting boards:) top is solid not wire. Has leveling feet with rubber footers. It is rigid but probably resonant:( altho I've not heard a problem, I have sorbothane under the tube preamp.

@dgbnntt 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertwrightphoto Thank you Robert, i thought it was wire shelving, but the solid top threw me there. I'm on the lookout for an inexpensive rack solution - that's just the ticket.

@SatanDynastyKiller 3 жыл бұрын

As someone who has zero experience in soldering, nor am I an audiophile. Is this worth buying and trying ? I currently have a Technics Mosfet SADX-1050 amp - bought from new many years ago, which has zero wrong with it and in perfect condition, and I was going to dip my toes into the audiophile pool. Purely on the economics side of things- a $4k amp for around $600 (incl soldering etc), will the sound quality blow me away ie is it genuinely comparable to $4k amps ?

@steveluck9541 3 жыл бұрын

Buy a cheap fun electronic kit or two from Adafruit or spark fun and a temperature controlled soldering iron. Watch a few vids on how to solder then have go at the ACA. If you like making stuff the joy of this kit is it looks very professional when assembled. It will need sensitive speakers but you don’t have to do it all at the same time. Speaker building is fun too.

@IHearEverythingDude 3 жыл бұрын

I wish the kits were available in Europe.

@HandbrakeBiscuit 3 жыл бұрын

The diyaudio store (from where these amps are bought) ships to Europe - not sure how shipping is affected by the current pandemic, though...

@IHearEverythingDude 3 жыл бұрын

@@HandbrakeBiscuit yup i know. Actually I was referring to overseas taxes vat etc.

@stephenbell1363 3 жыл бұрын

@@IHearEverythingDude I bought three kits (without Power Supplies) and had them shipped to Australia for the equivalent of about 277 Euro each. The enclosures were delivered really quickly (from Italy) but the PCBs and components took approx. 4-5 weeks (from the US) so only just arrived a few days ago.

@HandbrakeBiscuit 3 жыл бұрын

@@IHearEverythingDude It kiiinda woulda helped if you'd actually referred to the taxes & vat... I bought one of these and even after paying shipping & taxes I felt it was very good value, and it's now my main amp, hope that helps.

@diyaudiohelpdesk4284 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex. We put a lot of effort into supporting our very global community of audio fanatics no matter where they are living. There is an ACA purchasing wizard if you click on the big green button on the main ACA page. This purchasing wizard caters specifically for EU customers. It will let you choose an EU plug, and then opens two windows so you can get the chassis directly from within EU and the parts kit from the US. We'd love to stock everything in the EU at some point in the future, but it probably wouldn't make it much if at all cheaper. Duties are paid when you import (either as an individual or as a company) and will always end up baked into your final price one way or another if you are an EU resident, the same goes for VAT. We're working on a DDP shipping option for the future so you can avoid customs "inspection" (AKA "box opening") fees as well. Thanks for the question!

@twochaudiomg2578 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, put the Orange fuse in them with cardas binding post , solder,, wire Why not amps are $350 each Steve move the Speakers away from all that stuff. Every home you go to you have to remodel the room