DIY Silver ICs, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Class D Amp, and GR-Research Speakers

praedet
praedet Posts: 314
edited February 2012 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
All right, So I am into building my DIY 2-Channel system. The final system will consist of the following...

Some DIY Source
Dodd Audio Battery Powered Tube Buffer
VH Audio Silver DIY Interconnects
Some DIY Speaker Cables
GR Research N2x or N3 Speakers
Maybe a GR-Research Servo Sub
Some DIY IEC Power Cords

So, this first installment is the first set of stuff...

I am currently building the Tube Buffer and Silver interconnects. The chassis for the buffer should arrive this coming week for me to put it fully together, so right now I am doing all the soldering ;)

I am also getting the Eichmann Silver bullets on Monday, so I can button up the cables then :p

1. My first tube! :eek:
2. A picture of the power cords for the Dodd Buffer
3. 2 pics of the completed On/Off/Mute and Source Selector switches
4. The RCA board that is a work in progess
5. And here are two shots of the silver interconnect waiting for the bullets to be soldered on. Once that happens I will then wrap the entire thing in teflon tape, and then cover it in some techflex :cool:

Sorry, removed the HUGE pictures and just attached them...
HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
Post edited by praedet on
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Comments

  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,430
    edited May 2010
    Could you post some larger pictures please? ;):D;)

    Looks like a fun project--keep updating as you progress!

    Jay

    Edit: Aww, you went and changed them!!
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    Sorry about that ;)
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2010
    Hey,, man you are on a roll,, please keep us posted--looking good.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited May 2010
    Lookin' good Ted!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    ^^^Thanks

    Initially atleast, your modified DVD will be feeding this system ;)


    Oh yeah, until the speakers are completed, this will be feeding my Ninjafied LSi9s...
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    All right, this is all I can do until the chassis get here :cool:

    A picture of the front and back of the completed RCA board, including the platinum bypass caps :D

    And, the tube voltage selector switch

    Here is a link to the amp I will be building, hopefully in a chassis to match the Dodd buffer :p I am planning on tweaking the power supply a bit...
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2010
    hmmm, platinum bypass caps eh?,, you've been doing your homework sir,,betcha' can't wait to get that jobbie finished.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    Yep, looking forward to it!!!!
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    george daniel wrote: »
    hmmm, platinum bypass caps eh?,, you've been doing your homework sir,,betcha' can't wait to get that jobbie finished.
    I just recapped my preamp with all plats, you're in for a treat.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited May 2010
    I'm looking forward to your GR Research build,which ever one you decide on.
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  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,211
    edited May 2010
    Looks like you have your hands full with all these projects. What kind of connector are you using on the buffer? Powercon? Good choice on the caps. I will be interested in what you have to say about the amp when you get it up and running. Ive not looked at class d amps much so it will good to hear what you think. I use VH Audio for all my diy power cables and am very happy with the quality and value. Have fun and dont inhale the lead!
    Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    FTGV wrote: »
    I'm looking forward to your GR Research build,which ever one you decide on.
    Don't worry, I will post about them!
    bikerboy wrote: »
    Looks like you have your hands full with all these projects. What kind of connector are you using on the buffer? Powercon? Good choice on the caps. I will be interested in what you have to say about the amp when you get it up and running. Ive not looked at class d amps much so it will good to hear what you think. I use VH Audio for all my diy power cables and am very happy with the quality and value. Have fun and dont inhale the lead!
    Yeah, Powercon connector running to a 12 volt 35 AH Power Sonic Battery.

    The amp will be the biggest unknown, that is for sure!

    So I finished the right silver RCA. I currently have it hooked up to see if I notice any difference from my usual interconnects, AT RCAs that I got used on here. So far, maybe I hear something, maybe not, but they are atleast not worse, and don't cost the roughly $1K new that the AT cables cost :eek:...

    Anyway, a few pics of the interim progress, and what a completed interconnect looks like...
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • Cthulhu11
    Cthulhu11 Posts: 69
    edited May 2010
    I order the n2x kit from danny awhile ago, and finally finished, they sound amazing and the kit was awesome, it's my second DIY kit. I did order the cabinets from parts express tho. :mad: <
    doesn't have patients LOL.
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    ^^^Sounds great!

    Here are a few pics of the progress. I finished the second cable about 24 hrs after the first. Got the cabinet on Monday and was 98% through when the On/Off/Mute selector switch became a product of my exuberance :( Now I have to wait for a new one, de-solder the old, and solder on the new one. Plus I will be gone on vacation for 2 weeks before I can finish :eek:

    Oh well....:p
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    Well, the Buffer is Done! :D
    I have it hooked up between a modded SACD player, my Outlaw 7700, and my modded LSI9s. So far it sounds amazing, even w/o the dedicated 2-channel setup, and before burn. in.
    It is amazing how much more 3-D the soundstage is w/ this Buffer :cool:

    Next up the amp :p
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,430
    edited May 2010
    Looks really nice. Glad the early returns are pleasing to your ear.

    Jay
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2010
    Nice work sir,, once you got started how long did the build take?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Cassidy
    Cassidy Posts: 87
    edited May 2010
    Very nice work. I am considering building one. Can you snap a photo of the battery set-up?
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    george daniel wrote: »
    Nice work sir,, once you got started how long did the build take?
    Probably 2-4 hours on the buffer (plus 1 hour to fix my mistake :o)
    Cassidy wrote: »
    Very nice work. I am considering building one. Can you snap a photo of the battery set-up?
    I will do that ;)
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited May 2010
    Great looking little project.
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  • jrgoswick
    jrgoswick Posts: 159
    edited May 2010
    Kinda has that Cary Audio look(the front panel). Very GROOVY project indeed.
    Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR
    Onkyo M-501-Given to my father.
    Onkyo DX-C730 CD Changer
    Onkyo DV-BD507 Blu Ray player
    Onkyo CP-1036A turntable with Grado, Audio Technique, and Azden cartridges(GOT CARTRIDGE??)
    Polk Monitor 12's with RDO's and XO's
    Polk CS300 Center
    Polk Monitor Series 4 rears

    EBAY is like cocaine. At first you only look, next thing you know, your house is full of crap you have no idea why you own.:eek:
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited May 2010
    Pretty cool! I like the looks of the wood and chrome.
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited May 2010
    Thanks guys!
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited June 2010
    Quick update. The buffer is currently in Texas w/ Gary Dodd as only 1 of the 3 inputs was working. Probably something I messed up :(, but Gary is going to fix it for just the cost of shipping. Another thumbs up for Dodd Audio :D

    In the interim, I have been trying to figure out enclosures for the Class D amp, and also trying to figure out if I can find a way to run it on battery power too ;)
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • starkiller
    starkiller Posts: 2,723
    edited June 2010
    I have a pair of the GR Research N2X's and cculdn't be happier, you are in for a treat :)
    Computer room Hegeman 1 SpeakersM&K VX-80 subKenwood DP-7010Cambridge Audio CXC Transport Rega DACPrimaLuna Prologue Four AmpAric Audio Tube PreampGarage Jennings Research SquareCustom tube preampCrown XLS-1000Denon DCD-1500II Modded MSB Link DAC
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited June 2010
    Cool!
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited July 2010
    A little of an update on this, I have 4 tubes on the way soon to "roll" and see what I think.

    An Amperex dimple disc getter, Amperex large halo (Bugle Boy), Mullard A-frame disc getter, and a gold-pin NOS Amperex 6922 USA :D

    All courtesy of Dr. Cilantro of course ;)
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited August 2010
    Ok, next update on this since it has been a LONG time ;)

    I just got a box with the flat-pack in it for my N2x speakers, along with the kit with upgraded caps and resistors, platinum bypasses, and No-Rez...

    Now, the cool part is that the flat-pack is baltic birch ;) Here are some pictures of the GR Research site

    stack1.jpg
    stack2.jpg
    stack3.jpg

    I am still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do as far as finishing them. I am thinking of doing clear over the sides and back, a curly maple veneer on top and bottom, and either the same curly maple veneer on the baffle, or a satin black paint. Thoughts?

    Also been trying out a Lite Audio DAC-60 with some light mods I did. I like that paired with the buffer! :D
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
    Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited August 2010
    Very very nice CNC boxes!They definately have that Magico Mini look to them.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2010
    Can I have one piece so I can make my own? :D

    Very nice!
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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