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F-4

Original price $ 25.00 - Original price $ 25.00
Original price
$ 25.00
$ 25.00 - $ 25.00
Current price $ 25.00
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped

This pair of F-4 Clone Boards use the same circuit as the Nelson Pass / Firstwatt F-4 model.

Circuit description

The F4 is a Push-Pull, Class-A, Mosfet power amplifier. It is unique in that all of the active devices (transistors) are connected in a 'source-follower' configuration, which makes the amp add very little sonic coloration to the signal, less coloration than most other arrangements.

It sounds very, very good, and is extremely versatile, as each channel can be used separately, or a stereo amp can be run balanced for high power. This is a current source amplifier - it can run any normal speaker, but the F4 needs a preamp that has voltage gain - a passive preamp or buffer will not drive an F4. This amp has no voltage gain so works best when paired with an active preamp that has reasonable gain.  Most preamp circuits from the 50's - 80's will have enough, and there are a number of DIY designs made specifically for the F4 as well. It can also be used on the output of a "flea-powered" tube power amp, keeping the tone of the tubes, but adding power enough to run normal speakers. The sonic signature of the F4 is as close to completely transparent as can be built - the tone of whatever you use to drive the F4 will pass though without any alteration.

Please read the Firstwatt F4 manual for more explanation on configurations and use, availiable at www.firstwatt.com

Populate these boards with your own components, then add your own power supply, chassis and heat sinks to complete the amplifier. These generously sized, high quality boards spread the six output MOSFETS for efficient cooling. The mounting hole spacing is the same as all other diyAudio Version 2 UMS boards.

Output Power

  • Running as a stereo amplifier from a single-ended source, 25WPC into 8ohms
  • A stereo amp, running as a Monoblock from single-ended source, 50W into 8ohms
  • A stereo amp, running as a Monoblock from balanced source, 100W into 8ohms

Power supply requirements

A Bipolar power supply of (+/- 24V) is required. This will require an 18V+18V (or 36V Center Tapped) transformer from 300-500VA, and PSU capacitance of 60,000uF per rail or more. The PSU for the F4, F5, and Aleph J are all essentially identical. See the F5 build guide for details. (F4 guide coming soon!)

Chassis Suggestion

The 4U Deluxe Amplifier Chassis makes a great home for this amplifier, and has pre-tapped holes that match the circuit board and transistor mounting positions. The diyAudio "Universal Mounting Spec" (UMS) is a common mounting pattern between the amplifier PCB and the heatsinks. If you utilize the UMS on your heatsinks or use one of the pre-drilled chassis from diyAudio, you will be able to quickly and easily mount different amplifier boards in the same chassis. For example, a 4U 'Jack of all Chassis' with a 400VA, 18V+18V transformer and PSU board, will give you a power supply and chassis where you could try the F4, F5, F5C, Aleph J, and other Pass/Firstwatt amps in the future merely by swapping the amp PCB. The investment in Chassis and PSU needs only be made once.

Build Guide

An Illustrated build guide showing all sorts of useful information on how to build your F4 can be found here: F4 Build Guide

Links

Please see the F4 thread in the store support forum for any questions you might have and a definitive list of relevant links and resources.

Additional Information 

Dimensions 250mm x 50mm
Mounting holes UMS Heatsink Compatible
Number of boards included 2
Layers 2
Board Revision 2.0

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
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J
John
What can you do with a coefficient of 1?

Well, you'd be surprised how much you might do with this no gain amplifier. You should read up on it and if it seems you'd like to give it a try you will be rewarded with a new and lovely perspective.

It will show you what you need to know about your preamp. It will show you how a speaker can be really controlled. I use mine to drive a pair of high efficiency sub woofers because of the control afforded. It is a great tool in making music and taking a full assessment of where your stereo is at. I have built the F4, F5t, F6 and the Aleph J, all very good experiences and all still in service but the one that taught me the most about stereos is the F4.

All of the kits here are a great bargain and very well made. The gift from Nelson Pass and his supporters is not to be passed up. Build this amp! You'll be educated and it'll be fun!

G
Glen C.
Excellent

Excellent quality boards. Fast delivery

V
Vince
Well Made F4 Boards

While repairing a channel in the F4 I had to unsolder and solder several parts repeatedly.
The board survived a hot iron. I've seen other boards come part after a single unsoldering of a part.

B
Ben B.
F4 Amp Build

Excellent boards. Installed all components, biased up and working 100% and dead quiet

P
Pat C.
Great

As always, a great product from the Store.

A
Alex
Great design, excellent quality.

The amp itself is brilliant design!
PCBs are of excellent quality and very easy to work with.
Though a couple of improvements can be made: bigger diameter of resistor leg holes allow to install high quality resistors like 0.5W Shinkoh or Takman. Also it's better to bypass electrolytic caps with film and mica caps, so place for one (or better - two) bypass caps for each electrolytic should be great addition.