worrasf
28-12-2011, 21:43
Just completed my Christmas HiFi project - building a SOHA II headphone amp from scratch - and bugger me it works :eek:
I bought the bits in kit form from Cavalli Audio in USA (http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy/soha%20ii/main.php?page=overview) for around $220 USD. This includes case, valves, transformer and all electrolytics etc. The Cavalli Audio website has detailed schematics and setup instructions. Took about 15 hours or so to build over the last few days.
Just waiting for a cool AudioNote aluminium knob for the volume control to arrive now to finish it off.
I already have a SOHA II which I bought fully built so already knew how good they were - I have to say the new one does not disappoint. Even though it's only a few hours old the results are stunning :) Huge sound stage, dynamic and detailed midrange and deep tuneful bass - and that's using new production JJ ECC82's. I'm using NOS JAN Philips 5963's in my other SOHA II with my QUAD 33 and the slightly warmer sound of these valves suits the Quad well. In contrast and to my surprise the JJ's are really very good via the Croft 25R. Listening is with Grado SR 80i's and Sennheiser HD 565's.
The SOHA also allows switching to 6v valves so may try out some 6922's/6N1P's sometime.
However, for now I am absolutely made up with the results of my Christmas pastime (kept me away from mother in law to boot :lol: )
If anyone is looking for an uber quality hybrid headphone amp at a ridiculous price and is nifty with a soldering iron and DVM then the SOHA II is very highly recommended.
:cool:
Steve
I bought the bits in kit form from Cavalli Audio in USA (http://www.cavalliaudio.com/diy/soha%20ii/main.php?page=overview) for around $220 USD. This includes case, valves, transformer and all electrolytics etc. The Cavalli Audio website has detailed schematics and setup instructions. Took about 15 hours or so to build over the last few days.
Just waiting for a cool AudioNote aluminium knob for the volume control to arrive now to finish it off.
I already have a SOHA II which I bought fully built so already knew how good they were - I have to say the new one does not disappoint. Even though it's only a few hours old the results are stunning :) Huge sound stage, dynamic and detailed midrange and deep tuneful bass - and that's using new production JJ ECC82's. I'm using NOS JAN Philips 5963's in my other SOHA II with my QUAD 33 and the slightly warmer sound of these valves suits the Quad well. In contrast and to my surprise the JJ's are really very good via the Croft 25R. Listening is with Grado SR 80i's and Sennheiser HD 565's.
The SOHA also allows switching to 6v valves so may try out some 6922's/6N1P's sometime.
However, for now I am absolutely made up with the results of my Christmas pastime (kept me away from mother in law to boot :lol: )
If anyone is looking for an uber quality hybrid headphone amp at a ridiculous price and is nifty with a soldering iron and DVM then the SOHA II is very highly recommended.
:cool:
Steve