Second Round of Firstwatt F5 Builds: Would you be interested?

[undefined.za]

Hi everyone,

I haven't chatted to Rudi or ghostinthemachine about doing a second round of Firstwatt builds - but hopefully there will be enough interest to convince them.

Personally, I'd love to build a Firstwatt F5 - but right now I don't have the time or cash to commit (and it's too late to join the first round). Hopefully after the first round of builds we will have a better idea of how much this project is going to cost and how much time it will require. I'd also LOVE to hear one.

Would you like to take part in a second round? Vote above.

Chris

[undefined.za]

Those who voted "Not so sure" - care to share why?

[djdouble]

Very interested to build this. I see one problem, to source those matched JFET transistors.

[Rudi]

Very interested to build this. I see one problem, to source those matched JFET transistors.

not a problem really and I do have some left, but you do not really need them to be matched. I still have one half kit left over

but I won't be doing any kits for a while, i will be taking 3 months due to medical reason.

[Spuds]

I think if those who have completed theirs could put a cost breakdown up for everyone to see, that would help people decide if they want to go down this road or not.

Personally, I'm in. 

[Heinrich]

I think if those who have completed theirs could put a cost breakdown up for everyone to see, that would help people decide if they want to go down this road or not.

Personally, I'm in. 

FOKON duur!!

[Prince]

 

Hi Chris..
-I would say that is is a very worthwhile project. Wrt the sound that the F5 produces; I'd say that I am amazed, at how good this simple power amp can sound. The sound is very detailed, yet not bass shy, if I can put it that way. Comparing this to my Arcam 8 stereo integrated, the Arcam sounds muddled. The F5 does not lie to you, if you have a crappy source it will bring it to the fore. So far, I have only had vinyl as a source, but will probably, test with a CDP when I can lay my hands on a good one. I also need to build that Gecko valve pre!!!

-Wrt to cost. Let me tell you that this project is not cheap!!
It might have started out cheaply for me, but if I tally up what I spent so far, my SO, would kill me!! But, then I had the misfortune of killing my amp boards. So, I had to re-populate to the amp boards to the tune of R300. The most costly components were, the Heatsinks, Transformer and Case. I also, spent quite a bit on tools that I needed, tap & dye set, etc.

Lessons Learned
-Be patient with yourself -Rome was not built in one day!!
-Never quit when things go wrong, persevere, its rewarding to enjoy the end result.
-Any project is time consuming, as you have lots of factors affecting the build time.
-When you can organise/build the components yourself, then do it, otherwise get a reliable source to help you out!!
-Research as much as you can with regard to the project you are embarking on.

that's my 5bob...

 

[Heinrich]

Hi Chris..
-I would say that is is a very worthwhile project. Wrt the sound that the F5 produces; I'd say that I am amazed, at how good this simple power amp can sound. The sound is very detailed, yet not bass shy, if I can put it that way. Comparing this to my Arcam 8 stereo integrated, the Arcam sounds muddled. The F5 does not lie to you, if you have a crappy source it will bring it to the fore. So far, I have only had vinyl as a source, but will probably, test with a CDP when I can lay my hands on a good one. I also need to build that Gecko valve pre!!!

-Wrt to cost. Let me tell you that this project is not cheap!!
It might have started out cheaply for me, but if I tally up what I spent so far, my SO, would kill me!! But, then I had the misfortune of killing my amp boards. So, I had to re-populate to the amp boards to the tune of R300. The most costly components were, the Heatsinks, Transformer and Case. I also, spent quite a bit on tools that I needed, tap & dye set, etc.

Lessons Learned
-Be patient with yourself -Rome was not built in one day!!
-Never quit when things go wrong, persevere, its rewarding to enjoy the end result.
-Any project is time consuming, as you have lots of factors affecting the build time.
-When you can organise/build the components yourself, then do it, otherwise get a reliable source to help you out!!
-Research as much as you can with regard to the project you are embarking on.

that's my 5bob...

 

+1

the first time that you hold that baby in your arms, suddenly it's all worth it. ;)h
but do the math beforehand.

[Prince]

 

@Heinrich..

-yup the maths is heavy, but worth it!!

and one last thing - don't skimp on the finishing!! - do it right!!

 

[Heinrich]

@Heinrich..

-yup the maths is heavy, but worth it!!

and one last thing - don't skimp on the finishing!! - do it right!!

 

math has always been hard for me.

[Spuds]

FOKON duur!!

 

We need exact(ish) numbers! 

[Prince]

We need exact(ish) numbers! 

-Boards and Components kit from Rudi - R1500 *Extra R300 for new amp components
-Custom -toroidal transformer               - R 540
-Custom Case                                        - R 700 -via tangmonster
-Anodised Face plate                             - R 180 -via tangmonster
-Heatsinks and Extras                           - R 900 *Extras - Binding Posts, Power Switch, stand-offs (sourced from Mantech Electronics)
-Tools                                                    - R 500 *mini drill+psu, tap & dye kit, stand-offs, wire, terminals, etc, (sourced from Mantech and Yebo Electronics)
Total                                                       R4350 

-Remember this is ballpark - rounded off figures!!

 

     

[Rudi]

building it yourself and hearing it play - priceless. 

I still think it is a bargain.

[Spuds]

Total                                                       R4350 

-Remember this is ballpark - rounded off figures!!

 

Sounds good to me. 

[Prince]

building it yourself and hearing it play - priceless. 

I still think it is a bargain.

+F5!!
BTW - Do the valve pre as well. I should have done both!!