A rather special head amp pcb

[Firebottle]

In conjunction with a keen AoS colleague I have built a head amp board exclusively using only Z foil resistors.

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/2000%20MC%20Head%20Amp/P1050679.jpg

I have tested it through my system but without a direct comparison to a standard board.
It did come across as a very smooth and open sound.

:)

[struth]

No amplification?

[danilo]

Nawww all Budget was expended on those 'resistors'

[Barry]

No amplification?

Stop being such a tease Alan! Lets see the trannies or IC on the other side.

[Firebottle]

Ahh, OK since it is you Barry, here is the other side:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/2000%20MC%20Head%20Amp/P1050680.jpg

Specially selected capacitors with minimum dissipation factor.

:)

[Barry]

Ahh, OK since it is you Barry, here is the other side:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/2000%20MC%20Head%20Amp/P1050680.jpg

Specially selected capacitors with minimum dissipation factor.

:)

OK Now drop the 'seventh veil' - what is the spec and how much?

[Firebottle]

Spec I can't tell you, because I haven't made any measurements for noise etc.

The gain is the same as the Firebottle 2000 head amp which is 24dB.

The complete pcb component cost is £150 so completed head amp cost is £350.

:)

[Ali Tait]

Nice job Alan, I look forward to receiving it.

[Jerseymark]

Spec I can't tell you, because I haven't made any measurements for noise etc.

The gain is the same as the Firebottle 2000 head amp which is 24dB.

The complete pcb component cost is £150 so completed head amp cost is £350.

:)

Hi Alan, Forgive my ignorance, will this be available as an alternative to your Firebottle 2000 head amp?
Thanks
Mark

[Jimbo]

In conjunction with a keen AoS colleague I have built a head amp board exclusively using only Z foil resistors.

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/2000%20MC%20Head%20Amp/P1050679.jpg

I have tested it through my system but without a direct comparison to a standard board.
It did come across as a very smooth and open sound.

:)

I bet that sounds better than the foreign PCB board in the Firebottle 2000?:)

[Firebottle]

Foreign pcb in the 2000? You will have to explain that one James, I also assemble that one myself.

@Mark, let's see how this one performs first :)

[Jimbo]

O very sorry Alan I didn't realise you built that part too!

I must apologise.:sorry:

[Jerseymark]

Thanks Alan, any ideas on how long before you have tested the head amp?
I am looking at SUT or an alternate arrangement such as a high quality head amp to try into my current phono pre amps and this may be an option.

[Ali Tait]

Alan won't be testing it as it's on it's way to me. I can let you know how it sounds once I've fitted it. The one he built me with Takman metal resistors does compare well to my tweaked Denon HA 1000 however.

[Jerseymark]

Alan won't be testing it as it's on it's way to me. I can let you know how it sounds once I've fitted it. The one he built me with Takman metal resistors does compare well to my tweaked Denon HA 1000 however.

Thanks, I would be interested to hear your views.
Regards
Mark

[Ali Tait]

No probs, will let you know.

[Ali Tait]

Well have just fitted this and plumbed it in to the system. Very early days, but sounds very smooth but with no loss of detail. A slight "zing" that I seem to hear from metal film resistors is now absent. Will give it some time before forming a proper impression. Good so far though!