Enceladus Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Hi everyone! I've been reading this forum for a while and finally decided to register and create my first topic Finally finished my DIY amplifier project. I always wanted to design a tube amplifier but didn't have much time for it. This project took me about 6 months to finish. It has two power amplifiers inside: a solid state one based on STA540 and a class-A single-ended 6SN7+6V6 tube stereo amplifier. You can switch between 2 amplifiers using a knob on the front panel. The reason of having 2 amplifiers is simple: the device is used as a computer audio amplifier. Most of the time I use it to watch videos or playing games. STA540 is a high-quality power amplifier and it will be more than enough for these purposes. But when you want to enjoy some music (e.g jazz) you can simply turn on the tube amp. Such system can significantly extend tube life. I wanted to use a modern circuitry in the tube amp design. The operating point (cathode currents etc) is precisely controlled by the integrated circuits, while the audio signal only goes through the tubes and high-quality capacitors and resistors. I also used a switch mode power supply which is much smaller and more efficient than classic linear ones. In addition to that, it doesn't have this 50 Hz hum, as the operating frequency is higher than 100 kHz. I know that sometimes it can produce a high-frequency noise, so I used a comprehensive filtering of the output voltages. There is a "magic eye" tube (6E5C) on the front panel for indication, but it's just a nice looking gimmick :). I ordered PCBs in China and it took around 10 days for them to get delivered to my place. And finally, a very important thing: the amp appearance! I used brushed aluminium and jarrah wood as the main materials. The CNC routing was done here, in Australia. I gradually sanded the wood (the last sandpaper was 400 grit) and covered it with 4 layers of transparent lacquer to enhance the natural colour and to protect the wood. I also added copper pipes for steampunk appearance :). The labels on the rear panel were laser engraved. Overall, I'm very happy with this amp and I'm glad that I found some time to finish it. Both amps sound great. I prefer to use the tube one to listen jazz or blues while the solid state one is better (IMHO) for more bassy genres. 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DarkNark Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 They look amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audiofeline Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing. It's refreshing to see some effort put into the visual design as well as the audio design. Love the Nixie clock in the background. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve M Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 (edited) Wonderful Steampunk look! And shows great skill in both the electronics and attention to detail with chassis accoutrements, well done. . Edited January 4, 2019 by Steve M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr 57 Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 That Sir, is audio art , very very impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewinbriz Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Incredible. Most praiseworthy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acg Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Truly excellent work! I have a good idea how long this took you from inception to design to crafting, and it is not a simple task. Lots of skills there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ittaku Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Fantastic work. Love the Steins;Gate style clock in the background too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 You are a master craftsman, @Enceladus. Respect! Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enceladus Posted January 5, 2019 Author Share Posted January 5, 2019 Thanks everyone! @acg, yeah, it took me much longer than I expected. Much more expensive as well. I think now I start to realise why these tube amps have such ridiculous price tags Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eman Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 Oh wow !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 Very impressive work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ihearmusic Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 Beautiful work. One can see how it took you six month to finish the amplifier. Beats the cheap metal box look some people go for......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blade74 Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 Love the final product. Something to be proud of mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ooogh Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 Magnificent, you should be justly proud of what you have built, a one off, personal hot rod. I hope it gives you years of pleasure and one day your grandchildren can proudly show off what grandad created. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enceladus Posted January 5, 2019 Author Share Posted January 5, 2019 2 hours ago, Ooogh said: Magnificent, you should be justly proud of what you have built, a one off, personal hot rod. I hope it gives you years of pleasure and one day your grandchildren can proudly show off what grandad created. Or maybe one day I'll quit my job and start some custom-built amplifiers company! Just need to find the market and come up with a good price for it 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill125812 Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 That’s magnificent. Would put a horn on a jellyfish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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