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

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

  1. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    I admit I don't know yet.
     
  2. boredpanda

    boredpanda Almost "Made"

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    Ha, I love that! I already have my SW51+, so I won't be able to justify upgrading already. I am looking forward to seeing your new project come to life, and later on, impressions from listeners.
     
  3. Dzerh

    Dzerh Friend

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    Could you say a couple words about the tube choice? Just curious.
     
  4. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    In my opinion, the 6AC7 is one of the most perfect tubes of the metal octal series. It combines high gain, high linearity, low noise and sufficient power.
    Look at its triode characteristics:[​IMG]

    This is almost a perfect triode.

    In addition, this tube was used almost everywhere, in televisions, radios (professional and civil), in radars, in measuring equipment. Probably this tube was not used only in electric kettles and electric irons.
    This is probably why this tube is still very accessible.
     
  5. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    A miracle happened
    Components arrived today. We arrived by a very difficult route.

    Have arrived:
    - 1/4 jack

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    - the sockets of the tubes

    [​IMG]

    - Set of printed circuit boards

    [​IMG]

    - Tubes

    [​IMG]


    About tubes is of course a joke. These are GU50 tubes, for a 40-70 watt power amplifier. These are big tubes

    [​IMG]

    Tomorrow starts the active phase of work on the Assembly of amplifiers.
     
  6. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    Took me a few seconds to realize that the box is not a condom box. Glad that you got that unexpectedly. :)
     
  7. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Yes, we have such packs of cigarettes. There must be terrible pictures. This picture is the most innocent. :)
     
  8. dark_energy

    dark_energy Friend

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    So you are considering doing a power amp in the future..?
     
  9. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Yes, it is. The power amplifier project is running in parallel with other projects. I can't say that it will be fast, there is a lot of work on testing various nodes. When the project of power amplifiers takes shape, I will show the results to my dear friends and forum guests in a new topic.
     
  10. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    I'll refresh the subject a bit.

    I will show you a small photo tour. I will show you how the frame for the output transformer coil is made.
    It won't be interesting for people working in similar fields, but it might be interesting for people not involved in manufacturing.

    This is how the frame of the output transformer coil looks like.

    [​IMG]

    The frame for the output transformer coil SW51 has a non-standard size and it needs to be manufactured independently.

    First the frame is designed in CAD SolidWorks


    [​IMG]

    The frame consists of six parts

    [​IMG]



    So, the whole process.

    A sheet of fiberglass is purchased

    [​IMG]

    For placement on the machine, the sheet is cut into strips.

    [​IMG]

    Install on a CNC milling machine. The machine is homemade.

    [​IMG]

    The milling mashine is controlled by a control center made out of old office shit. They were made as a temporary solution, but it turned out to be very convenient and there is no need to replace it.

    [​IMG]

    The computer is probably about 15 years old. The maximum castrated version of Win XP is loaded on the computer. Its distribution weighs only 360 megabytes. Removed all services and unnecessary programs. The Internet Explorer could not be deleted. The computer has been running smoothly for almost 10 years.

    [​IMG]

    The process of milling.

    [​IMG]

    Result of work

    [​IMG]

    They are divided into parts.

    [​IMG]

    Assembly of the coil frame. Advanced technologies and materials are used during Assembly. Sticks of wood.

    [​IMG]


    The result of the work, a full box of frames.

    [​IMG]
     
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    Last edited: Jul 24, 2020
  11. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    The real Shit Audio.
     
  12. mdr30

    mdr30 Acquaintance

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    I'm impressed by your inventiveness and craftmanship. And ages ago I worked at the Hasselblad camera factory...
     
  13. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Thanks. I, in turn, am grateful to my teachers, who taught me to do useful things from what is, and not from what is necessary.
    Figuratively speaking, they taught us to build spaceships with only shit and sticks at hand.
    Old engineering school.
     
  14. mitochondrium

    mitochondrium Friend

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    That is what I call proper engineering the whole thing being more than the sum of all parts in contrast to cookie cutter or brute force approach.
    I always have to smile when Tidal loudspeakers are lauded. Are you serious? With a BOM like they have it is more difficult to make a bad product than it is to make a good product.
    If I remember well a lot of people laughed at soviet fighter planes still using tubes instead of transistors at a certain time. Up to the point when someone asked the question what would happen if you set off a nuclear bomb at some altitude in the atmosphere.
     
  15. will_f

    will_f Friend

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    I am impressed. If you find yourself in Alaska and needing a job, let me know. Can always use someone who can do the kind of things you do.
     
  16. Mordy

    Mordy Acquaintance

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    Very impressive! What is the next step? Is the transformer hand wired?
     
  17. Dzerh

    Dzerh Friend

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    no need, he has a machine for that.
     
  18. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Has the process for transformer manufacture changed since you reported about it here? It seemed like you developed and built them with an outside company.

     
  19. Zampotech

    Zampotech Friend

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    Coils for SW51 transformers were manufactured by a transformer company. I have a winding machine, but amps require a lot of coils, so I gave the coil winding to a third-party manufacturer. Women's hands make high-quality coils.

    I recently purchased a strong winding machine. This machine was made in Germany in the mid-50s. It has a strong electric motor and allows you to wind transformers with a thick wire.

    [​IMG]

    In the photo, this machine has not yet been cleared of dust.
    According to documents, this machine was last turned on in 1966. Then it was stored in a warehouse.
    The machine is in excellent shape, but requires cleaning, replacing the grease and replacing the leather drive belts.

    This machine has two-cone variators and allows you to wind the coils with almost any wire.

    [​IMG]

    I bought this machine for the manufacture of transformers for high-power amplifier.

    Thank you very much. If life forces me to move to your country, I will take advantage of your offer. In addition, the nature of Alaska is very beautiful.
    Although your country is large and very beautiful, and to get acquainted with your country, it was more logical to go to work as a long-distance truck driver for several years. I even have a driver's license for all categories except motorcycle)
     
  20. Huhnkopf

    Huhnkopf Friend

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    This tour is very heartwarming and charming too.
     

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