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Introducing the (mini) Tower of Power

dodog

dodog

Addicted Member
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I've had a few DIY projects kicking around for some time but, as is typical when I start something, I was plagued with setbacks and problems. After dicking around with an old Nakamichi power supply for far too long, I gave up and built one of Omishra's (OPS) supplies, using an R-Core transformer. I now have a steady +/- 15V to feed the children. The board, transformer, SPST switch, IEC jack, etc. etc. just BARELY fit in the space but it worked. I used a Neutrik XLR jack for the output and ordered a 10' cable from monoprice so I could hide the supply far away from my equipment. All enclosures are Hammond boxes, XLR jacks are Neutrik, RCA jacks are "Tiffany" style from Parts ConneXion. Other than the transformer (ebay) and Octocouplers (Uriah at www.buildanamp.com), all parts were from Digikey and my local Ace Hardware.

OPS
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Next up was a preamp based on HypnoToad's Super Simple Preamp (SSP) and a Light Speed Attenuator (LSA). Building a power supply made setting the trimmers for the LSA a breeze. I opted to use an OPA2134 opamp for the pre.

SSP/LSA
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Finally, I built another phono pre based on HypnoToad/FasterDamnit/Big Bill's design (CNC). This one is fed from the XLR output on the SSP. For this build I used AD823 opamps. I switched out the first input resistor and put mounting brackets so I can "roll" resistors to suit my needs. I added brackets for input capacitor loading as well.

CNC
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Everything is working great, I don't hear any downgrade from batteries to the power supply and, the bonus, these take up minimal room on my overcrowded audio rack. Thanks to HypnoToad and Omishra for the PCB designs and support and Sachin for getting the boards made and shipped. Thanks to everyone in the TT forum who helped me work out the kinks. Now to get started on my e-waves!
 
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Great build Joel:thmbsp:.We are glad you liked all things.Could you please update CNC and SSP thread I don't think people have noticed this thread here.Your build will be great inspiration for members.

Regards,
Sachin
 
sachu888 said:
Hi Joel,
We are waiting for listening impressions:yes:

Regards,
Sachin
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Having kids, my only real listening time is late at night.... when I'd like to "rock" but setlle for moderate volume. I only had an hour last night, and have been on a Beck kick lately, so I played "The Information". I pushed the volume up quite a bit louder than normal and my wife was a good sport (I think after being upstairs with her for the past few months she's ready for me to spend more time downstairs in my music room :D) and didn't complain. So far I can say it's dead-quiet when nothing is playing, it pairs quite well with my Denon POA-1500 and it makes my Magnepans sing. Very nice dynamics and a smooth volume control.
 
Fisherdude said:
Very, very professional work. Congrats on the accomplishment!!
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Thanks for the compliment. My only gripe is that I'm not comfortable enough in minimizing the wires. Eventually I'll have a build where I have the absolute minimum amount of wires, everything will be twisted pretty and it will have a "minimal" look. However, with DIY, there is often tweaking and I've found it easier to cut, retin and solder a longer wire than to measure the exact length, desolder the old wires (lifting a soldering pad is heart-breaking), take out the PCB, etc. I guess once you slide the top on and screw it up and doesn't matter that much, but knowing it's there gnaws at my psyche.
 
Congrats! Job well done!

I am also curious to hear about your impression, especially on the performance of SSP & LSA. I am still awaiting for parts for my build. Have you had chance to the driving cd player through SSP?

BTW, how are you powering LSA? Are you not using the separate 24v rail?
 
Kappaholic said:
Congrats! Job well done!

I am also curious to hear about your impression, especially on the performance of SSP & LSA. I am still awaiting for parts for my build. Have you had chance to the driving cd player through SSP?

BTW, how are you powering LSA? Are you not using the separate 24v rail?
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I had to coach tee-ball in the 100 degree heat last night so was too wiped to listen when I got home. I'll try a CDP soon and let you know.

Although I have my OPS board populated for a G/+V output, I'm not using that section. On my LSA in, I'm splitting the G/+15V from input and running it to the LSA. Perhaps it could benefit from a few more volts but it runs just fine at 15V. Volume turned just shy of 12 o'clock is extremely loud and clear.
 
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