FirstWatt F6

[grubyhalo]

6moons audio reviews: FirstWatt F6

The only bit I really understood:

So why do we try to fool the ear? It makes people happy. It helps them to relax while they listen to music and try to forget all the terrible problems in the world. I'm not here to deliberately create distortion but if my simple little circuits are going to have some distortion anyway, I can at least try to organize it the way I want. Perhaps you say that it's not accurate? I say it's entertainment!...

 

[grubyhalo]

I'm sure some of the DIY druids here would attempt this sooner or later. Probably once a replacement device has been identified for the SIT used in the F6...

 

[corElement]

Could someone explain whats the specialty of this f6 design compared to other types of amps?

 

[anilva]

I'm sure some of the DIY druids here would attempt this sooner or later. Probably once a replacement device has been identified for the SIT used in the F6...

I will build this soon. I bought the SemiSouth Power jFets in anticipation of the F6 article, before the manufacturer shutdown.

Could someone explain whats the specialty of this f6 design compared to other types of amps?

This design combines cleverly the use of a audio transformer along with Power jFets in a Push Pull design, with ability to decide 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion ratios for a sound which is pleasant and non fatiguing. People say it's like tube sound with the virtues of solid state. Have not heard, but will build and experience it.

 

[doors666]

the transformers arent all that cheap. matched jfets arent cheap either. figure in the heatsink and a cabinet and costs escalate.

dont know what is meant by tube sound with virtues of SS. if you are not going for a lot of power, there is no virtue of SS. size of valves/jfet is not relevant in an amp. with valves, atleast i dont need the heatsinks.

 

[anilva]

the transformers arent all that cheap. matched jfets arent cheap either. figure in the heatsink and a cabinet and costs escalate.

dont know what is meant by tube sound with virtues of SS. if you are not going for a lot of power, there is no virtue of SS. size of valves/jfet is not relevant in an amp. with valves, atleast i dont need the heatsinks.

Hope you heard a Pass amp or a clone before. Then you will appreciate the damping, control and speed of a SS amp. It has nothing to do with higher watts. On the other hand, tubes have a warm and easy sound. F6 is supposed to give some of the best virtues of both. Finally one can choose to do what he wants. Madness in audio is unlimited.....

 

[badrisuper]

I will build this soon. I bought the SemiSouth Power jFets in anticipation of the F6 article, before the manufacturer shutdown.

Hi,
Me too planning to build F6. Have you sourced transformers? can you please let me know where to source transformers. Do you have more semisouths?

Thanks
Badri

 

[anilva]

Hi,
Me too planning to build F6. Have you sourced transformers? can you please let me know where to source transformers. Do you have more semisouths?

Thanks
Badri

I bought my Jensens from US and hand carried them. I have 4 pairs of semsouths. Two for f6 and the other two for Aleph J2. I bought them in nick of time.

What is your plan for semsouths?

Cheers

 

[ravi_d]

Is it worth building the F6 with the IRF240's?

BTW I'm on the GB for the F6 boards too but no Semisouth's :sad:

 

[badrisuper]

I bought my Jensens from US and hand carried them. I have 4 pairs of semsouths. Two for f6 and the other two for Aleph J2. I bought them in nick of time.

What is your plan for semsouths?

Cheers

I have no plan for now. But there are 2 options. Teabag of DiyAudio is arranging an alternative or I have to buy from the person who is teabag suggesting in F6 thread. So far no decisions taken.

Thanks
Badri

 

[kroyin]

On a side note building a F6 without the hardware and ability to see & tweak the relationship in between the harmonics, would be a futile exercise.

 

[anilva]

On a side note building a F6 without the hardware and ability to see & tweak the relationship in between the harmonics, would be a futile exercise.

Getting measurement sw and hw is easier these days than getting Semisouths! BTW, I have the setup.

Cheers.

 

[kroyin]

I know..you are using your maudio or got a scope ..
It was not for you but for wannabes like me :-D

Interestingly as per Zen Mod a tweaked F6 with irfp240 would beat the F5..go figure

 

[anilva]

I know..you are using your maudio or got a scope ..
It was not for you but for wannabes like me :-D

Interestingly as per Zen Mod a tweaked F6 with irfp240 would beat the F5..go figure

I use M-Audio along with ARTA. Have access to professional scope as well. One of my ex-colleagues heads a big MNC T&M company.

I have no skill nor enough time to tweak and experiment. I usually just do standard Pass designs and no major changes. I hope to get what he intends his builders to hear.

Cheers.

 

[badrisuper]

Anilva/Ravi you received your board from Teabag?

 

[ravi_d]

Anilva/Ravi you received your board from Teabag?

The USA members received the boards couple of day ago. I gave Indian address and I think it would take another 10 days for the boards to arrive if they don't get lost in transit.

 

[omishra]

Some how I feel below link is distant relative of F6 though its long time in development. It is based upon design with no feedback, no capacitor in signal path, transformer coupling and class A working with class AB transition possibility. All these except feedback in F6 are similarities in design.

Zeus 75 - Zero Feedback Transformer Audio Power Amplifier

 

[saikatbiswas82]

Looks like the thread is almost dead. Did anyone build it yet?

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