View Full Version : For Sale: DCB1 Khozmo Unity Gain Preamp.
Bigman80
04-11-2018, 20:43
Hi all,
You may be wondering why I am selling my preamp after I've done nothing but rave about it.
I'm building another one!
So, the deal is, I can either strip all the bits out of this one and then refit it all into the new chassis OR I can give someone here the experience of owning and enjoying a superb preamp, without the aggro of having to construct it.
I'm not going to worry too much about which of the two routes I go down so here's the offer,
The DCB1 cost me £400 to build. That's not including my time and labour or that of Firebottle who checked everything and 'refined' my rough edge ability.
It's loaded with an Elna switch, Khozmo 48 stepped attenuator, the finest OCC copper wire (SPOTFIRE) and high quality Neutrik RCA sockets. The board is a legitimate Mesmerize board, not a Chinese clone and is loaded with high quality components. It also has a heft RFI filter installed.
The only thing that I would change here is the resistors but I'm going for ZFoil in the new build so as you can see, I'm not exactly skimping.
This is as good as it gets for £400 in the preamp world, IMO
If it sells or not is entirely up to you, I'll happily keep it and transplant the bits into the new chassis. Just offering the opportunity of ownership to members here.
Collection: £400
Delivery: £425.
This will run for one week, which is when the new transformer and other parts should arrive. If not sold by then, I will withdraw from sale and reuse the parts.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/203de24fbf8af1a66d9f9659267d3851.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/90cfd3fd817d4ca5aaa46076b8dd2187.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/9747ea19d6331325ad3d5eb0ec039e79.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/9809391a3752dae1886672171fcdd4eb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/6ddcaaaea02103eeb09a3e0ef87dbb29.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/3a7ace37c3bc0a701a8fbcddeba88ae5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/bf7dc2859ce9bc1247b3da84df0e549a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181104/5963b5c68e4bc083c005176344ce0ff9.jpg
You're certainly not one to stand still! :hotrod:
Bigman80 - blink and you'll miss him!! :D
Looks nicely laid out GLWTS.
Bigman80
04-11-2018, 22:58
You're certainly not one to stand still! :hotrod:
Bigman80 - blink and you'll miss him!! :D
Looks nicely laid out GLWTS.Cheers Andy,
I don't mess about mate, I love what this does and want to go BIGGER so that's what I'm going to do. I can either dismantle this one and use the bits, or someone else can enjoy this one and I'll build another from scratch.
I'm nice like that [emoji6]
Ooh nice, I’m sure this would be better than the one I tried.
Tempted, but I dunno, I’d prefer silver lol.
Bigman80
04-11-2018, 23:07
Ooh nice, I’m sure this would be better than the one I tried.
Tempted, but I dunno, I’d prefer silver lol.[emoji23][emoji23] typically I only have black.
Bigman80
04-11-2018, 23:11
BTW,
If someone were to buy this, decide they loved it and wanted to go BIG like me, I'd be happy to help and luckily, another huge enthusiastic owner of DCB1's on this forum, has a direct line to the guy who makes and sells all the bits you'd need to do it with.
I've had to get a bigger Traffo, and a slightly different board to move up the next level (600mA) at a cost of roughly £150.
This is a very upgradable unit.
If you don't like it, sell it on!!!
Bigman80
05-11-2018, 15:18
Lots of interest in this but still here!
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 17:45
Today saw Alan Firebottle give this the boost to the Level2!
Now running at 200mA and sounding VERY good.
Heatsinks will be changed for slightly bigger ones just for peace of mind.
Only 5 days left before it's withdrawn and recycled. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181106/aaa0ac66b53f1101ac1ecf190662ce35.jpg
looks well made Oli. good buy for someone that
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 18:05
looks well made Oli. good buy for someone thatIt is well made mate. Lots of enquiries but obviously it's slightly obscure nature, being a mainly DIY piece of kit, means people are a little unsure or tentative to pull the trigger.
It's ok though, I will use the casework/Khozmo etc for the next build if it doesn't go.
It is well made mate. Lots of enquiries but obviously it's slightly obscure nature, being a mainly DIY piece of kit, means people are a little unsure or tentative to pull the trigger.
It's ok though, I will use the casework/Khozmo etc for the next build if it doesn't go.
If no one buys the complete unit and you re-use everything except the PCB, I would be interested in buying the DCB-1 board from you. (I have a suitable transformer) and am just about to build something similar. (I have bought a case, switched attenuator and switch etc, so timing is a little late for me to consider purchasing this complete).
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 19:28
If no one buys the complete unit and you re-use everything except the PCB, I would be interested in buying the DCB-1 board from you. (I have a suitable transformer) and am just about to build something similar. (I have bought a case, switched attenuator and switch etc, so timing is a little late for me to consider purchasing this complete).Ok, Alan. That's no problem. I'll let you know on Sunday (or before if I sell it)
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 17:27
Ok boys and girls,
Now with sufficient heat dissipation to run at 200mA happily.
A bit unconventional but Working perfectly well. And well within the heat tolerance for the FETs which is very pleasing.
The only upgrade than can be done now is to the red resistors (PRP) and swap them for Dale/Vishay ones, which could be done for an additional fee.
That's as far as I can take this PCB and preamp.
Seriously, this is a ridiculously good pre for the money. You'll regret not buying it if you ever get the have to a listen to this one.
Look at those blingy flexible stainless steel couplers on the extender bars!!!! Non of this standard brass coupler nonsense [emoji23]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181107/863eec007bd045a9507e2f8b1ab5c3bf.jpg
Think if i hadn't just bought my tone arm I'd seriously be considering this , someone buy please !:)
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 21:55
Can't believe how many people have asked questions about this and it's still here!!
Madness at the price.
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 21:57
Think if i hadn't just bought my tone arm I'd seriously be considering this , someone buy please !:)This would seriously gel with your Firebottle Monoblocks. I've heard the combination at Alan's a few times and it invokes Goosebumps.
This would seriously gel with your Firebottle Monoblocks. I've heard the combination at Alan's a few times and it invokes Goosebumps.
Maybe 1 day , another one for the list lol.
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 22:22
Maybe 1 day , another one for the list lol.Lol
Bigman80
08-11-2018, 10:56
Today's update,
Spoke to a mate of mine who has one of these DCB1 preamps and likes a bit of DIY. He tells me, if he were to build one of these to this specification for someone, the price would be £650 to buy it from him.
This is a it of a bargain in that case!
Two days left folks. Components for the new build are arriving today and the Transformer should be here Monday. Once they are here this is being recycled.
A few more pics. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/3ef74ab87f180aff24467dfe92605739.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/510bb89e29b52b8f7ee5db6f52f2eacd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/bf67cdf776dcc30db96e1254ad1f3410.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/5ce90712c917cc86ae80554cc891cf18.jpg
Bigman80
08-11-2018, 19:12
The new build is starting. Audio Note Tantalum resistors in the critical positions, Dale/Vishay resistors everywhere else.
[emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/83068a9efa002a2dc239b48becf3e99b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/36fa8a82cb20980f337cc83cab21c103.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/9e9dab57dc7a6aff41e72fd668a5fd82.jpg
out of intrest can you still get boards for these? Oliver.
Hi Andy
The answer to your question is yes.
Mine is almost complete.
I have built a couple if these but this latest one is going the whole 9 yards.
Khozmo 50k series attenuator
Audio Note Tantalum resistors
Nichicon caps
600ma through the fets
Elma 2 pole 6 way switch
And so on!!!
Oliver had my last build waiting for it to be collected from his house by an AOS member, just waiting for a reply from him as to what his thoughts are
These things really do sound fantastic, unbeatable for the money
Regards Steve...
Bigman80
08-11-2018, 22:42
The AoS member has heard mine in his own system which may have provoked his purchase of a DCB1.
I am sure he will share his thoughts when he's had a listen over a few days and compared it to his incumbent preamplifier.
This one is of the same spec the AoS member bought and sounds bloody superb to my ears.
It's still here BTW, if anyone wants a superb preamp.
I've only listened to 2 albums so far (I only picked it up yesterday) so my evaluation is far from complete. Learned over the years it's best not to jump to conclusions on a quick listen. But so far it's positive.
Can someone point me in the direction of a link to buy this board?
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 08:22
Can someone point me in the direction of a link to buy this board?Salas over on DIYaudio. He'll sort you out.
Can someone point me in the direction of a link to buy this board?
Contact Teabag on Diyaudio he deals with group buys of Salas designs. Check out his DCG3 design; a DCB1 with balls as one might say.
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 09:16
Contact Teabag on Diyaudio he deals with group buys of Salas designs. Check out his DCG3 design; a DCB1 with balls as one might say.Oh, with balls [emoji23]
Cool.
Sorry for the off topic Oliver. GLWTS.
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 19:03
Sorry for the off topic Oliver. GLWTS.Lol, it's all good.
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 23:08
A gentle bump for this item to be sold as a complete unit.
It will be stripped for the bits I want to re-use and the rest will be sold on or put in the garage for a rainy day.
Work starts on Monday so you have untill 00:00 Sunday to buy it. Then it will be withdrawn!!
There will be no price drop, the sale price is what the rebuild of a complete unit of this spec will cost, so I'm not going to cut myself short.
Hi Oliver
I these dcb1 preamps should be heard buy everyone who is serious about hifi.
Crazy quality for a give away price
Steve...
Hi Oliver
I these dcb1 preamps should be heard buy everyone who is serious about hifi.
Crazy quality for a give away price
Steve...
I agree. Only had mine since Thursday night but on the strength of my listening so far this is well worth taking a punt on for someone. Pre-amps are so important to the overall sound and most are total clunkers. These aren't.
I agree. Only had mine since Thursday night but on the strength of my listening so far this is well worth taking a punt on for someone. Pre-amps are so important to the overall sound and most are total clunkers. These aren't.
Yep.
These things just oozzzzze quality
And Oliver's build quality is first class.
For me £400 is a gift for someone who wants and expects nothing but the best at a very reasonable price.
Steve...
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 10:16
The Khozmo is superior to any SA or pot I've tried by a long way.
The DCB1, when it was on the test equipment, measured like nothing I'd seen before too.
Together, the transparency is superb.
The level of build quality is largely due to the HQ parts selected. The wire is the innards from the SPOTFIRE tonearm cable which is UP-OCC cable. It really does allow the cleanest sound to pass through.
Lots of enquiries and questions but I fear the relative scarcity of these is making people nervous about shelling out. All I can say is, everyone who has heard this one has bought one. There isn't a system that this unit didn't improve and that's the best compliment I can give it.
£400 may seem like a big gamble but £210 of that is on the selector switch and stepped attenuator!!!
This would pass as a professional build and was inspected, tested and slightly fettled by Firebottle so it's even has an EE seal of approval.
I can't see why this unit is still here but hey-ho, I'll just use the bits of it doesn't go.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 10:53
Looks like this has SOLD.
Pending the usual!!
nice one , you'll have to start a new build thread in DIY now :D
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 17:55
nice one , you'll have to start a new build thread in DIY now :DThanks, Andy
Sure, I can do that. Unfortunately, the PCB is already completed!!!! Still, I will capture the rest of the build.
Cool I'm thinking about buying aboard and giving it a shot myself so it would be a really useful resource if I do , and for anyone else in the same boat.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 20:16
Cool I'm thinking about buying aboard and giving it a shot myself so it would be a really useful resource if I do , and for anyone else in the same boat.There's a good amount of information over on DIYaudio but of course, I'll do my best to create some sort of walkthrough. I'm sure Steve will chip in too.
There's a good amount of information over on DIYaudio but of course, I'll do my best to create some sort of walkthrough. I'm sure Steve will chip in too.
Yes I saw but some of the threads are like 500 pages long!! lol
If anyone is interested there are now 2018 version boards on sale here-
https://diyaudiostore.com/products/mezmerize-b1-buffer?variant=5939090628
I seem to have clicked on "Buy" by mistake....:confused:
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 21:54
Yes I saw but some of the threads are like 500 pages long!! lol
If anyone is interested there are now 2018 version boards on sale here-
https://diyaudiostore.com/products/mezmerize-b1-buffer?variant=5939090628
I seem to have clicked on "Buy" by mistake....:confused:I hope not, that one is controlled by relays!!!
Not the same as we have here.
Ah so what is the difference/advantage? Is it that major- Electro numpty ahoy!
ijrussell
10-11-2018, 22:12
I hope not, that one is controlled by relays!!!
Not the same as we have here.
Why is that a problem? The Mezmerize board is the one that diyaudio.com has continued to offer rather than the older hotroded Hypnotize one.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 22:17
Why is that a problem? The Mezmerize board is the one that diyaudio.com has continued to offer rather than the older hotroded Hypnotize one.Well,
1) I'm hoping Andy hasn't bought that version on the strength of what's been said here as it's not the same board.
2) There may not be any difference between them in terms of performance but as of right now, I wouldn't know and that makes it an unknown quantity to me.
3) It's more expensive
4) Its not the latest version from what I'm told.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 22:24
Ah so what is the difference/advantage? Is it that major- Electro numpty ahoy!Lol,
I can only see from that picture that it has less capacitors 4x47000uf Vs 2x47000uf in the supply which could mean possible ripple effect differences. No spaces for MUR820 so no possibility of Hot-Rodding the board. You will be limited to a maximum of 200mA rather than maxing it with 600mA-2A like Steve and I are doing. Every relay has a dedicated "out" So they will all need soldering to the board. Thats approximately 60 extra solder joints for the extra selector relays and then 18 extra solder points for the outs total (78) as opposed to a total of 13 for the Hypnotize board. Thats only outputs.
I'm sure someone with more technical nous will point out anything else,
Ah well I bought it, but not to worry, I'm not too precious about it and want to have a bash, a bit of fun and treat it as a learning experience along the way. :)
If I happen to get a decent pre amp out of it along the way then all's good!:cool:.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 22:44
Ah well I bought it, but not to worry, I'm not too precious about it and want to have a bash, a bit of fun and treat it as a learning experience along the way. :)
If I happen to get a decent pre amp out of it along the way then all's good!:cool:.I'm not saying it won't be good because I am certain bit will be but I have no idea where I'd even start wiring those relays [emoji23][emoji23]
Hi Oliver
I've had a good look at the bom and schematic for the new mezmorize board.
Its quite a bit longer because of the relays but still only 4 mounting holes, in my opinion the center of the board has no support.
Stil only 2 x 4700 caps for the power supply, 4x4700 on the hypnotize board.
Can only fit mur120 diodes not the cased mur 820 or 860
Still only 200ma.
It might be an upgrade but i personally feel the old mezmorize board was better and will stick with the old hypnotize turbo rev 3.3 board.
Much more upgradable and can be pushed further.
Steve...
ijrussell
10-11-2018, 23:02
Ah well I bought it, but not to worry, I'm not too precious about it and want to have a bash, a bit of fun and treat it as a learning experience along the way. :)
If I happen to get a decent pre amp out of it along the way then all's good!:cool:.
I have no reason to doubt Oliver's view that the hotrodded DCB1 based on the special Hypnotize board will produce a better sound than the standard Mezmerize board. However if you use some foo capacitors in the power supply and some foo resistors in the output stage, you can produce something very special with the board you have bought. This is one that a friend built for me with Mundorf and Audio Note caps and Audio Note Tantalum non-magnetic resistors.
http://teribil-audio.com/2018/06/dcb1-preamplifier/
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 23:02
Hi Oliver
I've had a good look at the bom and schematic for the new mezmorize board.
Its quite a bit longer because of the relays but still only 4 mounting holes, in my opinion the center of the board has no support.
Stil only 2 x 4700 caps for the power supply, 4x4700 on the hypnotize board.
Can only fit mur120 diodes not the cased mur 820 or 860
Still only 200ma.
It might be an upgrade but i personally feel the old mezmorize board was better and will stick with the old hypnotize turbo rev 3.3 board.
Much more upgradable and can be pushed further.
Steve...Ah, thanks Steve.
Yep, the hypnotize board does seem to have the scope for modding.
I am sure I heard Ian's at the Bakeoff and it was very good. No complaints in that department.
I still think the mezmorize board is very good but its a very similar price to the hypnotize board which has better upgrade possibility
Firebottle
11-11-2018, 07:13
I hope not, that one is controlled by relays!!!
What are you like :scratch: The relays are for the input switching only, you still use the pot of your choice.
Bigman80
11-11-2018, 07:25
What are you like :scratch: The relays are for the input switching only, you still use the pot of your choice.Inputs, that's what I meant [emoji23]. It was late, I was tired [emoji42]
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