"Shortest Way" SW51 Amp Impressions (Simple SET Amp)

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Hands, Jul 12, 2019.

  1. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    I forgot that the housing is probably not stainless steel as that would not have the necessary shielding properties (correct?). Then whatever steel that is might still look cool without paint or putty. Anyway, totally unimportant as it's the sound that matters! And anything painted black will look good.
     
  2. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    I'm really enjoying watching the progress on this thing!

    If I understand correctly, the 6Z51P is equivalent to the 6EJ7 and EF184 @Hands mentioned in the OP? Are any other tube formats interchangeable for this amp?
     
  3. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    The amplifier can work tubes:

    6Z51P
    [​IMG]

    EF184

    [​IMG]

    6EJ7

    [​IMG]

    6F19

    [​IMG]

    6F26

    [​IMG]

    6BY7

    [​IMG]

    EF85

    [​IMG]

    W719
    [​IMG]

    The analogy was drawn from the datasheet. With any tube, except 6Z51P I did not check. I do not have such a variety of tubes:(
    Pictures taken from the site radiomuseum.org
     
  4. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Snatching up all these before you nerds jack the prices up 5000%.
     
  5. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Sharks market NOS tubes frozen in anticipation:D

    Not experience. Amplifiers class "Shortest way" can be made on other tubes.
    For example on these:


    [​IMG]

    Or these:

    [​IMG]

    Of course, each tube will have its own voice
     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2019
  6. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    A small update for @Walderstorn
    In the photo two of the transformer. Left I made, the right have produced a specialized firm in my ordering and specifications.

    [​IMG]

    The firm is staffed by good professionals. They redistributed the winds and wound more tightly. Unfortunately my winding machine can not wrap a very tight coil.

    Amplifier with right transformer decay at lower frequency 0.5 dB (20 Hz / 120 Ohm) or 0.2 dB (20 Hz/250 Ohm).
    The upper frequency of 47 kHz (-3db/ 120 or 250 Ohm)

    The rise in the price of the amplifier will be +$22 ($11 per transformer)

    Probably there will be two versions, "Shortest Way" and "Shortest Way+"
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2019
  7. Dzerh

    Dzerh Friend

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    Sounds as pretty good price/performance exchange.
     
  8. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    I agree, that's a very reasonable price increase for additional performance.
     
  9. BlizzardiCleric

    BlizzardiCleric New

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    Would it make sense to offer a higher grade potentiometer with the + version? The option was briefly discussed on page three. Of course it would increase the cost difference, but might be worthwhile/interesting for many. :rolleyes:

    PS: Sorry, haven't had time to post anything in the SBAF introduction thread yet. Will do as soon as possible. :)
     
  10. Friday

    Friday Friend

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    For that price performance ratio, I think it might make more sense to offer the better transformer as a standard, especially if this amp is targeting SBAFers. Stuff like potentiometers can remain in upgrade land.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2019
  11. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    You're 100% right. But I'll keep the cheaper version. The financial situation of the users is different, probably for someone additional cost will be difficult, especially if the family can be unforeseen expenses.
    The basic version will be with new transformers, called "Shortest Way". The simple version will be called "Shortest Way L", the extended version "Shortest Way +"
    There will be no external differences between these versions. There will be only version marks on the back panel.

    Production of amplifiers goes to the finish line. The link to the order form. I ask those wishing to download the form, fill out and send me a mail (email is specified in the order form)

    The order is determined by the chronology of wishes in this topic and in PM. Exception only for @Hands He has absolute priority.

    EDIT:

    I received fair comments. I'm refining the amp models:

    1. "Shortest Way". Basic model, Improved transformers. Price $281 ($259+$22)
    2. "Shortest Way+" Model with improved transformers and potentiometers ALPS RK27 Price $315 ($259+$22+$34)
    3. "Shortest Way L". Model with conventional transformers. Price $259
     
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2019
  12. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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    PM sent.
     
  13. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    Exit stage left....
    been watching and re-reading this thread with interest, it’s been an impressive example how a qualified builder can work with the SBAF community to achieve very good amp at value pricing.

    kudos to @Zampotech for being an amp wizard here at SBAF!

    having been a Vali 2 fan in the past, knowing @Hands thoroughness, and appreciating the current set of upgrades, time to send @Zampotech a PM!
     
  14. Ash1412

    Ash1412 Friend

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    Wait so are we setting up orders through email or PM?
     
  15. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    am doing the email form as instructed above, just confirmed my interest and personal thanks via the PM.
     
  16. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Order sent by email. I'm in no hurry, as long as I can get one. Thanks!
     
  17. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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    What the Great Gatsby... errr. Great Jexby said
     
  18. Ulises

    Ulises Friend

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    Order form sent. Awesome project. Thank you.
     
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2019
  19. tommytakis

    tommytakis MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    email and PM sent.

    You deserve all the praise and love from this community @Zampotech Thank you for all of your hard work!
     
  20. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    @Zampotech For those of us that are DIY inclined, and not afraid to void warranties, will it be easy to open up the amplifier and work on it if needed? I have some pots I prefer over the Alps I might want to swap in, for example.

    Just asking because the original unit I have it a bit difficult to take apart. :)
     

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