Whitestix,
I can relate to the F5, I built the F5 and the F5 turbo version from the kits that were sold on Diy Audio.But know I have a Diy version of the Sit 2 but mine is class a push pull using Nos Sony Vjeft's and produces 40 watts into 4ohm.I also own the production version of the F7 and It's very nice as well.They all run hot and that is just the nature of the beast,but the sound qualities make up for that as you are finding out.
I'm like you I was kinda enamored with the latest Class d amps but after trying several of the latest they don't have all the sonic qualities I desire.
Best,
Kenny.
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No,they would be push pull topology like my stereo version to have 40watts into 4 ohm.
The Production Sit1 mono's are single ended and only put out 10'watts.
I also own the F7 and It's still being produced as far as I know.
Kenny. |
Whitestix,
I'm glad your are liking the F5,Maybe class d will be there someday.
All the First watt amps are very special and I really like mine also,I will be comparing them to a Linear tube audio Zotl40 paired with a MZ2s preamp,I've only had it for a few days but I like what I'm hearing so far.
Best,
Kenny.
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gdhal,
Both,the production versions of first watts and the "Diy" versions that Nelson gives his blessings to the Diy community.Different models were available as kits on the Diy audio website store.
I own a production version of the F7,and my Sit2 is a Diy version but differs from the production version in that mine is class a push pull and uses Nos Sony Vfet's that were made available in matched pairs,The pwr supply,case and the heat sinks are the same,It just doesn't say first watt on it.
I hope this clarifies your question.
I have heard all the first watts,except the F1,and I have owned the F3,J2,and the F7.I have built the F5 and the F5 turbo version from kits and my Sit2 "Diy" I bought used from audiogon.
Kenny.
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Whitestix,
The F5 is a little bit aggressive from the upper midrange to the highest frequencys and does tend to have a slightly hard edge to the leading edges of notes.It's basically a very picky amp that needs the best components upstream of it.
This Offcourse is highly system and listener dependent.
Kenny.
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Whitestix,
Are you still liking the sound and can you tell us any particulars
Kenny.
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Very nice and fun to build your own amp,
I built both the F5 and the turbo version from the kits from the diy store but I wasn't quick enough to buy the nos Sony Vfet's that were available as matched pairs to build the push pull version of the stereo sit.
I wish you the best in sound,
Kenny. |
I can relate to you being nervous I was as well.
I work at a major airline as a Avionics technician for 29 yrs now and I work on some pretty complex stuff but It's not like the satisfaction I get when I build a Amp or do mods to my gear.
My best advice is triple check every little detail of the build including every solder joint.Be sure and be careful and take your time when it comes time to set the proper bias,allow proper warm up time and stabilization periods and make small adjustments until you reach the proper bias and remeasure after a period of time.Make sure you have very minimal DC at the outputs.
If you have any issue those experienced guys on the pass labs portion on the diy site can definitely help you.
Also the amp will need about 200 hrs of breakin time,mainly for the capacitors to sound It's best.
Kenny.
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Very nicely done I hope you enjoy the tunes of your labor,
Quite a bit of satisfaction in building and or modifying your own gear.
Kenny.
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I think you got her as high as you should go Cap't,
There is no substitute for a good class A Amp and Nelson just keeps designing and building them.
Way cool my friend.
Kenny.
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kalali,
The F7 is slightly more forgiving and smoother sound than any of the variations of the F5 that I have heard.
The F7 has the lowest parts count of any of the first watt amps.
Comparing the F7 directly to my Diy sit2,I much prefer the Sit2 for it's liquidity,texture,warmth,midrange body meat on the bones and even more overall smoothness than any of the first watts,and I've heard them all except the F1 and Sit1 Mono's.
The sit2 gets the closest in overall sonics that a good tube amp brings to the sonic table.IMO.
Now comparing my Sit2 to my LTA Zotl40,both driven with the MZ2S.I'ts going to take me a couple days of proper evaluation to sort this out.
All of the first watt amps need to be paired in a quality system,the better you feed them the better they perform.
Kenny.
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Yes speaker matching with first watt amps is very important,
going to be interesting to see the upcoming new ones that Nelson is working on.
I've heard through the Diy community that he is working on a F8 and also a Sit3.
Also pass labs has the Xa-25 out,but I haven't heard that one yet,
might be a good option for lesser effficent speakers.
Kenny. |
Unless you are talking about the Zotl40 which has the output tubes directly coupled to the load taking transformers and capacitors completely out of the equation.
Kenny. |
You may want to look at the LTA MZ2S preamp,
I have paired this with several types of SS amps with great results.
Kenny. |
