Headphone amplifier KIT "Lunch Box II"

Discussion in 'Product Announcements' started by Zampotech, Jun 6, 2019.

  1. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    The Moscow firm asked me to announce the product.

    (I apologize in advance for the long text and a large number of photos. Text from the words of the engineer of the company, in brackets my comments )

    This is a kit for the manufacture of amplifier on the headphone tubes, which has the name Lunch Box II
    Disassembled kit looks like this:

    [​IMG]

    Assembled looks like this:

    [​IMG]


    Despite its modest appearance and small size, this amplifier has a cool biography.


    Production began in 2004 and continues to this day.

    Originally it looked like this:

    [​IMG]

    The first buyer was the Holy Trinity Ion Monastery in Kiev. The monks organized their own recording Studio.

    Then this amplifier as a sample was transferred to the firm "Eddie Current". The owner of the company kindly tested this amplifier and recommended to modify the scheme. His comments were fully taken into account and the light appeared «Lunch Box II»
    The name "Lunch Box" was also coined by the owner of the company "Eddie Current" . With his correct remarks, light hand and precise word the amplifier has received great acclaim in Russia. (To date, the word "Lunch Box" is almost synonymous with the word "headphone amplifier on the tubes" for fans of headphones in Russia.)

    Comparative photo of the first and modified model:

    [​IMG]

    Taking this opportunity, the owner of the production expresses his gratitude to the owner of "Eddie Current" for his irreplaceable help.


    The amplifier has repeatedly had reviews in audio magazines and got on the cover of Amateur radio magazine.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    In 2010 or 2011, the President of Russia Medvedev bought five amplifiers ( I wouldn't sell even a bucket of manure to this man, but no one asked my opinion)

    (I have known cases of purchase of this amplifier electronic universities to teach students in radio practice.)

    This amplifier is not the best amplifier in the world. But the simplicity, reliability and low cost made it mass. (Indeed, the reliability of this amplifier is close to the reliability of the cast iron product.)

    Disadvantages of this amplifier: When you mix the tubes burn two resistors. (But it's being repaired. I don't really like his work with low-impedance headphones.)

    Advantages: Excellent work with high-resistance headphones. Light weight and dimensions. Maintainability. (I have known cases of using this amplifier in several headphone stores specifically for the sale of headphones such as Sen HD580/600/650 and Beyer DT770/880/990)

    The estimated start of sales - in two or three weeks. The sales of this KIT will be me. The marketplace will be eBay or directly.
    Cost $165. For SBAF members $20 after unlocking the payment PayPal/EBay will be refunded either to your personal account or will be made a donation to SBAF on your behalf (at your request)

    I will be glad to hear criticism and wishes.
     
  2. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    Pictures wouldn't load for me but damn, this sounds like it would be a fun, cheap project.
     
  3. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    Pictures working for me, shit I didn't need to see this.
     
  4. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Oooooo. A Craig approved DIY amp. Sounds fun. I assume it's OTL?
     
  5. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Yes, it's OTL. The scheme of this amplifier is very similar to the scheme of the English amplifier EarMax. But at the time of the creation of the designer of Lunch Box did not know about the existence of the EarMax. The resemblance was discovered later.
     
  6. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    For that money I'll get one just for the fun of building one.

    Does it really come in those funky colours? I like the yellow.
     
  7. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    It's a really good amp for the Sennheiser HD6xx series. The only reason EC / Craig stopped carrying it was because over time, people started to roll random tubes into it, and he was getting too many requests to fix. This was back in the early HF days where people thought they could just use any tube that fit into the socket and expect it to work. Actually, that probably still happens today.

    I should head to the lab and pick it up to give you guys more detailed impressions.
     
    Last edited: Jun 6, 2019
  8. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Nice! I'll probably build one and do a build video.
     
  9. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I told myself I was done with tubes, well big tubes...damn if this doesn't look super cool, especially as a DIY option!

    Interested in @purr1n thoughts compared to Valhalla 2, Crack etc.
     
  10. Mdkaler

    Mdkaler Friend

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    The design, DIY and painting fun, irresistible...

    And yes comparison to Valhalla 2 pretty please.
     
  11. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    So... how about a thermos shaped power supply upgrade kit? :D
     
  12. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Dear friend

    If someone wants to order this kit, please let me know what voltage you have.
    Now I have five of the 110 volt transformers, five transformers to 220 volts and one for 100 volts (this is probably Japanese standard)

    If more sets are needed, I will need to place an order for the production of the required transformers. Production time is about two to three weeks.

    Your message to me does not obligate you to purchase.

    I will be grateful to your messages
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2019
  13. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Count me in for a 220v.
     
  14. Aelms

    Aelms Facebook Friend

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    Also interested. 100V.
     
  15. dikkop

    dikkop New

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    I am up for the 220V.
     
  16. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    100 volts? Am I right?
     
  17. Aelms

    Aelms Facebook Friend

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    Yup! Staying in Japan for most of the year.
     
  18. Sqveak

    Sqveak Friend

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    Tempting.

    220 please.
     
  19. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Small update.

    Yesterday I was brought printed circuit boards for this set.

    [​IMG]

    The boards are made specifically for self-Assembly. They have a picture of the location of radio elements.

    [​IMG]

    This is the last item required in the kit.

    Kits will be assembled starting Monday.
    Of course, all who reported their desire in advance will be entitled to the "first night"

    Two questions to the moderators of this section:
    1. Can I post a link to ebay? This is not a violation of forum rules?
    2. In what section is best to place an article about the Assembly of this kit? Publication of this information and discussion in this topic may prevent other manufacturers from announcing their products.

    Thank you in advance
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2019
  20. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
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    I definitely might pick one up. I have coveted the lunchbox for years
     

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