diyAudio Store

I did build the B1 preamp within 4 hours. The kit is of high quality, likewise the case, and the documentation.
I built an external power supply, which is an VRDN designed by Mark Johnson from the DIYAudio forum.
After the build, I checked the voltages as indicated in Nelson Pass' documentation for the NuTube preamp: T5 showed 0.59V, T6 showed 0.615V; I adjusted T7 to 9.505V and T8 to 9.51V.
Everything looked good.
I connected the preamp where my Quad 66 preamp was connected: between a hifiberry DAC and a QUAD 306 poweramp.
Result: the NuTube preamp has way too much gain (compared to the 66 preamp): totally saturated sound, and way too loud.
Ok, the Quads are known for being sensitive; however, when I restored my 306, I reduced its sensitivity from 500 mV to 1V (for full output power). I guess either the NuTube's input sensitivity id too high, or I must reduce the poweramp's input sensitivity to fit the NuTube's output.
However: it was a fun build.

Perfect platform for any project. I used it to house the SCG preamp with I-input selector.

All in all it was a great experience building this kit. My only other experience was a speaker kit(XLS Encore GR Research) , the only trouble I had was frying the 3position back panel switch. I was able to get a replacement through Parts Express. The sound is great,I'm very happy. Thank you for again for a great experience.

I used jfet to build buffer B1, excellent result.

Great product, very happy

I built this amp over the course of a few days as I don't get large blocks of free time. The instructions were clear and I was able to build this successfully. I did have to do some troubleshooting as my soldering skills were lacking in some areas.
All in all a nice little amp. I tested it using some old Boston Acoustic A-40s with an old iPhone as a source and everything sounded nice. However when I tested it using some Klipsch speakers it sounded a little too crisp. My tastes run toward jazz vocals and I normally drive those speakers with an A-10 Bouyrange Reisong (sp?) tube amp so hardly a fair comparison. The Klipsch run sharp and the combination was not the best. I will probably set this up to run the Boston Acoustics from now on as that seemed to be a nice combination. Maybe a nice Schitt preamp would help as well.
Overall a good build experience once I got my soldering skills up to par. Hardly the most powerful amp but great separation and very detailed sound overall. Makes a great starting kit for someone building their first amp. Definitely a great first step into the audiophile world.

I changed out the OPA2134 chip opamps in my Akitika PR-102 preamplifier (including headphone amp) with the Burson V6 Vivids- Wow what an improvement! While the OPA2134 are excellent opamps, the discrete V6 Vivids are much better sonically (dynamics, texture, soundstage, instrument separation/placement, etc.). I was very happy upon my first listening session, but as they "burnt in," it got even better. I feel as though I'm finally hearing everything in my hi-re recordings. I'm very happy!

Built with dact attenuator , non stock components and duelund wire. Few amtrans resistors as well. Musical ,smooth and lifelike with the bonus to adjust It at your taste. Again a breathtaking circuit!

So I have used Cardas eutectic solder exclusively because I have always had good luck with it's workability. I recently switched to Fire Metal as a way to support DIYaudiostore. Also, if I need something else while I am ordering solder, it is a convenient way to save on shipping. Also, the Firemetal is a little cheaper... There are pros and cons to each.

Both flow great and leave nice shiny solder joints. The Firemetal is much better for fine work due to its thickness compared to the Cardas.

I tend to bend my lead to a shape and hold the wire itself with my hand to get around parts etc. With the Cardas, it holds its shape and is easier to see. When you need three hands to do a particular task, it can be difficult to find the wire of the Firemetal while you are scrambling due to how thin it is.

Feeding the wire into crossover parts, 3+ watt resistors, snap in caps takes a much faster feed rate with the firemetal than the Cardas.

The flux seems to clean off of the Firemetal solder joints a lot easier than the Cardas.

So all in all, I will stick with the Firemetal solder as I get to support the DIYaudio store. The other reason is Firemetal lists the ingrediants where as Cardas has a 'secret formula'.

For my first kit amp project this thing is mindblowingly good. With the online guide, a little verification with a meter, fun soldering and bam! A little giant killer is born! So much fun. Sounds WAY bigger than it should….

Thank you for making such a great, easy to build, “DIY” package available. Now for some woodwork and aesthetics. This one is worth something nice! If I could give it ten stars I would.
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It all came quickly and all components were present in the correct value and quantity.

As a kind of rookie in soldering, I am very happy using the fire metal solder. Thank you.

Such a thing is building and using the B1K Kit in my audio set-up.

I don't seem to write many reviews, but have completed many projects in the DIY Audio space (Elekit 300B, SunValley pre-amp, Crossovers, GR-Research, F6, F5, F5 Turbo. But after completing this little project I thought it time to chime in. Total time to complete the project was 4-6hrs

I recently moved to Portugal from Canada and shipped all my HIFI gear over. Some items where not moved as converting from 120/60 would void warranty and the MFG Schitt would not get back to me; while others like F8 from FirstWatt (Nelson himself) wrote a letter with photos on what to change. Bryston Canada took my amps change the voltage, serviced the units and even offered to ship them to my home in Portugal (crazy awesome service, seriously best in the business).

So I decided to give this unit a try for a fun little project for my Tube amps, and mono's with no POTS. The build guide is great. The bias tuning does take a few days to settle. I floated the Tube, and added Dynamat to the inside of the lid and under the board to calm the ring (now completely gone). I need very very little gain on the F8 (Klipsch La Scala), 300B (Klilpsch La Scala). The sound the important thing is "Tube" like, clean, musical, detailed, fun, non fatiguing. I would say almost like Telefunken'ish. It really is nice what it does at low listen levels pulling music, and allowing the speakers to work without needing gain. I have to say on the F8 it really is a nice combo! Fine work, and love what a small fun inexpensive project like this offers.

Kevin

Excellent quality boards. Fast delivery