122 replies to this topic

[MultiplexMan]

The kit selected as no other OEM replied is the Millett MiniMax. This amp has had good feedback on both diyaudio, head-fi and here on SNA.

Millett MiniMax (Evolution of Peter Millett's design - Millett Starving Student)
http://beezar.com/catalog/index.php?...cb68bfe88ac16a


GROUP BUY ROUND 1

(MultiplexMan, Krypton, Chickenism, markm1111, woadl)

Landed price in Sydney is AUD215. (Round 1)

The price offered by Thomas at Beezar is USD1140 for 5 units delivered to an address in Sydney. USD228 each landed in Sydney. Normal price using the online basket (minus wall wart) is USD274.


GROUP BUY ROUND 2

(TBA)




This is a kit minus the 110V wall wart. A suitable 240V power supply must be purchased locally. There is a lot of choice.

The only issue to resolve is how to get the kits from Sydney to those further a field. Depending on timing I can drop them off on my frequent trips to MEL & ADL.

Edited by MultiplexMan, 29 February 2012 - 09:23 PM.
Update pricing + add Round 2

[markm1111]

Might be worthwhile having a look at diyaudio as well - this diy headamp seems to get a lot of interest

http://www.diyaudio....iy-project.html

I think there is even a specific Australian thread for the parts in the group buy forum

However, the ones you ahve listed above MM are much nicer!

[Chickenism]

I'm keen on a good headphone amp for my 701's. And more fun than buying one already made

[MultiplexMan]

@markm1111 - The objective2 is an interesting project. There was internet "activity" concerning the design but heaps more concerning the views of the designer! It looks like a great first project along the lines of a CMoy. Price is great <AUD100.

[hochopeper]

I have built an o2, works nicely with my AD900s. I'm going surfacemount and solid state for my next diy headphone amp though and already have pcbs so won't be trying out tubes this time around.

Before anyone goes looking, the Aus GB for the O2 wound up a while ago with mixed outcomes - took a bloody long time and someone local to the organiser to get it all finished off, the organiser bit off more than he could chew by a long way and had a history of failed GBs scattered around the 'net. If anyone is looking for PCBs for an O2 I know a few people have spares now in Aus.

Shame about the timing on this idea guys or I might be tempted to join the fun, though without a set of 701s, yet.

[MultiplexMan]

@zman - I read a bit of the Aus GB thread last night. It sure got pretty messy at the end - especially when you put it in context of the relatively low value of the kit...

[goooobags]

I have built both the MiniMax and Bottlehead S.E.X. (not listed) kits. They are both good kits, easy enough to build and sounds good. The Bottlehead kits are more difficult to build and generally more expensive. If you have never built anything before, the MiniMax is a good option.

There was an Aussie group buy of the Crack a while ago from memory so they do offer group purchases.

Guy

[markm1111]

Another possibility, the AMB M3 ("M cubed"). Unfortunately not a full kit, but a well regarded headamp

http://www.amb.org/audio/mmm/

http://www.amb.org/forum/

[Cyber_Murphy]

I'm new at Headphone rigs,, but I love DIY..

So I may be interested in which ever kit you guys determine would work best with 701's

Ta
CM

[Batty]

Would these amps be overkill foe a pair of HD414s

[Monkeyboi]

Would these amps be overkill foe a pair of HD414s

Which 414s? There have been several different versions over the years, all with different impedances and sensitivities.
The later versions are 52 ohms and don't have the sensitivity quoted in the specs AFAIK. I'd expect something in the order of mid 90's dB for a 1mW input.

I know my old ones are 600 ohms. They don't give much grunt from most headphone outputs on CD players and the such like. I found them to perform much better on headphone amps that can develop a larger output voltage.
Must check if they still work and get some new foam pads for them. Believe it they still have them as a spare part but I've only found the yellow ones, not the nice blue ones.

Cheers,
Alan R.
(Posted from the Qantas Club Lounge - Brisvegas)

[Batty]

32 Ohm from memory

[bruce108]

Very happy with the MiniMax + 701. In case the name is puzzling, here's a description from the big enchilada at Beezar:

. . . the essential difference is that the Millett Hybrid MiniMAX is made to fit in the custom-machined Beezar/Lansing case. It uses BJT's because those typically don't have to be biased with as much current and can use 1" high heat sinks that fit into the custom-machined case.
The MOSFET-MAX is based on the original, larger Millett Hybrid MAX. It can use BJT's or MOSFETs, but has no performance advantage over the MiniMAX if BJT's are used. However, the MOSFETs will provide much more current capability - suitable for Orthos and flea speakers, for instance.

All of the Millett Hybrids use voltages no more than 24-27V, so are quite safe when building. Even the wall power comes from an off-the-shelf walwart. (You can still burn them up, but they're not going to electrocute you.)

Edited by bruce108, 25 February 2012 - 03:42 PM.
correct it again!

[MultiplexMan]

I'm favoring the Millett MiniMax.

I have had a lot of good feedback regarding it as a kit; good feedback regarding its sound with the K701; price is modest; and Beezar are the only vendor to have replied!

I'll let this run till mid March before placing an order - unless people are in a hurry?

[Krypton]

Good MultiplexMan, I have been looking at the Millett MiniMax for my 701's also.
Count me in.
K

[MultiplexMan]

@Krypton - that's two of us!

I'll keep updating the first post as members register their interest. Our next target is 5 kits. I'd be happy to place the order at 5 as this should keep the total order value under AUD1000 (depending on exchange rate) and so avoid GST on imports.

Edited by MultiplexMan, 26 February 2012 - 11:08 PM.

[LogicprObe]

I'm favoring the Millett MiniMax.

I have had a lot of good feedback regarding it as a kit; good feedback regarding its sound with the K701; price is modest; and Beezar are the only vendor to have replied!

I'll let this run till mid March before placing an order - unless people are in a hurry?

I don't really need an amp but that looks the best of the bunch.
Put me down as maybe................I probably need something to compare against my sound cards.

[MultiplexMan]

Tally updated - Green=Go, Yellow=maybe

[vinilink]

I'm favoring the Millett MiniMax.

I have had a lot of good feedback regarding it as a kit; good feedback regarding its sound with the K701; price is modest; and Beezar are the only vendor to have replied!

I'll let this run till mid March before placing an order - unless people are in a hurry?

Would this give a better sound than listening thru ME pre?

[MultiplexMan]

I have been advised that the ME pre makes a very good headphone amp.

I'm interested in the Millett MiniMax as it offers a unique "sound" at a modest price and is a kit I'm willing to tackle.

[vinilink]

I have been advised that the ME pre makes a very good headphone amp.

I'm interested in the Millett MiniMax as it offers a unique "sound" at a modest price and is a kit I'm willing to tackle.

Thanks for that, think I will stick with ME then.

[Cyber_Murphy]

The Millet mini Max does look like a nice kit, it reviews well, and looks like fun to build!!

But having never played around with Tubes, and not knowing too much about them,, do I want to really go down this path??
Is it true you need to constantly monitor/adjust "bias" on the tubes,, and that you need to replace them every year or two? And also, do you really need to swap and change tubes depending on what type of music you're listening too??

Still tossing up mini max with perhaps something like the HA-160

Ta
CM

[Batty]

Would we need to source a 24v supply for the minimax

[Cyber_Murphy]

Would we need to source a 24v supply for the minimax

Yes, 24v AC, with between 750mA - 1000mA capacity..

CM

[MultiplexMan]

@Cyber_Murphy - Refer to the following page for bias questions.

http://www.diyforums...iniMAXsetup.php

Tubes generally last. The EL34 valves in my primary amplifier are ~2 years and going strong.

http://www.diyforums...iniMAXtubes.php

[goooobags]

Yes, 24v AC, with between 750mA - 1000mA capacity..

CM

Jaycar stocks a suitable power supply, just solder the correct sized jack and its good to go.

Guy

[Chickenism]

Put me down as a green on the Millett please :-)

[MultiplexMan]

Done.

We are 1.5 away from GO!

Here's a chance to actually make a bit of audio kit. Justify all the tools in the shed to the other half (OK - the soldering iron, a couple screw drivers and the odd hex key), bask in the glow of some tubes, get some solder splatter on the kitchen table - or not...

Edited by MultiplexMan, 27 February 2012 - 01:07 PM.

[markm1111]

Ahh, what the hell, I'll have a crack! Put me down for one - any recommendations on a soldering iron?

[Cyber_Murphy]

Thanks MM for creating an interesting proposition!

But I have chosen to retract my interest with this group buy.. I am really tempted to participate,, but I have chosen to stick with solid state at this stage.

I will however keep an eager eye on this thread to see what people's impressions of the Millet Minimax are

Cheers,
CM

[MultiplexMan]

@Cyber_Murphy - all cool. Let us know what you end up getting. There is a bewildering selection of competent headphone amps out there!

@markm1111

LogicProbe - is your yellow turning green

1 more green and I'll start the order process and finalise shipping costs. I'll try to arrange for the kits to be posted directly to each person if possible to avoid double handling - unless there is a significant saving for them to travel in one package...


I use a Weller temperature controlled soldering station. I have only used it for "crude" electrical repairs and RC battery packs. I'm not sure if it is suitable for fine work. I reckon it should be.

Best to ask ZB, LogicProbe, Decky, guyfro?

Edited by MultiplexMan, 27 February 2012 - 03:05 PM.

[LogicprObe]

I'm still thinking about it.
Must finish GST first!
Due tomorrow!

As for irons........soldering stations are fairly cheap now.
Any fine tipped iron with adjustable temperature should do.

[MultiplexMan]

The tax man waits for no-one!

[woadl]

Hello, just to get it straight in my head what will be the final price ?

[gz76]

Slightly off topic, but if anyone's interested I think I have two kits for the Millet Starving Student waiting to be built. I should have all the parts including valves and power supplies. Bought these a few years back as part of a group buy when this project first hit the internet, but never got around to building them. PM me if you'd like to talk further.

[MultiplexMan]

Online price is USD230 + USPS Priority Mail USD54.70 (kit with wall wart is 5.5 lbs)

Minus 110V wall wart -USD11 I'm not sure of the wall wart's weight but I'm told it is not enough to get below the 4 lb pricing threshold.

Discount for 5 orders 10%

Shipping from US may be optimised if we consolidate parcels to a member in each city. Playing with the USPS calculator it looks like we could ship five kits for the price of two. I'll wait for Thomas at Beezar to let us know what the go is. I'll prepare a quick spreadsheet so we can factor internal post into any decision.

[LogicprObe]

I haven't tried any of these but they seem good value.

http://www.rhinotool...igital-60w.html

[MultiplexMan]

OK - refer to first post. Pricing updated based on an order of five (5) units to one delivery point (Sydney).

Let me know your thoughts...

[Krypton]

MultiplexMan, have you considered that Australian Customs may wish to to impose duty on articles of > $1,000? Should we break the shipment into two parcels?
Since I am in Canberra my kit can be posted to me. I expect that it shouldn't cost much?
K

[MultiplexMan]

Hi Krypton,

No worries with the value as freight is not included in the calculation. I just checked www.customs.gov.au.

I travel to the ACT regularly, so no worries with respect to delivery of your kit

[Chickenism]

US$228 looks like a great buy. Cheers to MM for doing the legwork thus far. I hadn't considered buying a kit and hadn't even heard of the Millett until now.

I reckon this is going to be fun

I've only once heard my 701's live up to their rep; that was on a $3K Weston Time Machine preamp...and they were suddenly the best cans I ever heard.

If this little kit can do even half of that I can kick it in the computer room with the 701's and flog off my other cans. Pays for itself!

[Batty]

Alas funding is too tight for me to join in the GB.

[MultiplexMan]

OK - could everyone who wants to proceed please confirm? I'd like to order before Friday.

I'm off on a field trip for the next fortnight.

[Chickenism]

I'm in...!

[Krypton]

MultiplexMan, thanks for the quick reply.
Just one more question - which tubes are you considering?
12AE6/A (gain of 14)
12FK6 (gain of 7)
12FM6 (gain of 10)
I have AKG 701's which are sensitive (105 db?). Perhaps the 12FK6 (gain of 7) may be best for my situation.
Your thoughts?
K.