DIY Hi-Fi

[admin_exported]

Hi everybody, I have just started visiting the site as I feel it may be time to get myself some hi-fi seperates. I have been a little shocked by just how much it is possible to spend, but also very excited by the prospect of how much better my favourite music might sound on a decent system. Whilst researching on various sites, I came across some DIY hifi sites and it got me thinking. Has anyone had any experience of building an amp or dac from a kit, and if so, is it possible for someone with no experience in building electronics to successfully complete one? How do they compare with products commercially available for price/quality? Finally, if it is possible for a novice to build their own amp/dac, any suggestions where to buy from and which kits are good?

I'd appreciate your thoughts

 

[john dolan]

lots of the price of kit is labour so when you DIY you can make your own system that rivals kit 3 times the price.For speaker kits check out IPL and Wilmslow.For great valve kits check out world audio design and hi fi collective.I wouldnt recommend a valve amp kit though to a total noob.

 

[up the music]

Speakers, especially none ported ones), passive pre amps and cables appear to the easiest things for newbies to make. No advanced soldering sklls required nor an electronics degree. There seems to be a lot of resources on the web to help you along too.

Savings can be big compared to new but less so compared to second hand, especially when you consider selling on your home made kit. There is a sense of satisfaction though.

I've only ever built a simple pair of speakers and remade a few cables for work. I still toy with the idea of doing something more ambitious.

 

[the record spot]

Check out the World Designs site also; they have kits available and if you fancy a tilt at doing your own speakers, their guru Peter Comeau frequents their forum too from time to time.

 

[Anonymous]

You'll be wanting to read this thread:

http://whathifi.com/forums/t/155384.aspx

 

[john dolan]

Start with something simple like a passive preamp like this http://dik.dolan.googlepages.com/passivepre.jpg use cheaper parts though as the parts in mine are very expensive.

 

[Anonymous]

As for my personal opinion, if I want something which allows me to enjoy my music, I'd buy an amplifier. If I wanted a new hobby, I'd build one. And if I did decide to build one, I'd definitely start with a small, battery-powered project like PJPro's, rather than launching straight into a full-blown integrated amp. 240 volts and "novice in electronics" don't really go hand-in-hand in my book.

 

[john dolan]

tractorboy is right because when you start messing with things like this it gets scary http://dik.dolan.googlepages.com/upskirtwithposhbitsamp.JPG but make your own interconnects or a simple passive preamp and maybe a speaker kit great fun and great sound can be had for little money.