I've got Klipsch KG 1.5s on my desk, less than a meter from my ears. Would this amp be sufficient to power them? Sensitivity is 90DB. I have to think so, but relative DB levels aren't really clear to me...
Return of the original Miniwatt SET ( APPJ )
- Thread starter Poultrygeist
- Start date
I've got Klipsch KG 1.5s on my desk, less than a meter from my ears. Would this amp be sufficient to power them? Sensitivity is 90DB. I have to think so, but relative DB levels aren't really clear to me...
onlysleeping
Active Member
Thanks! What is gained from implementing this mod? Does the diode have to be soldered on? Does direction matter?
Poultrygeist (mentioned by )S1 version diode mod seems to be this, I don't know if new version is same(Massdrop $99 Poultrygeist AC), might be, $99 price is even more fun than $250 or $150
Long time ago but photo and mod is for a early version. Direction of diodes matters, that is why they are marked. DC voltages even in cute little tubeamps can be lethal, so take care when you have that older version, better not start when you have new version unless it is very clear what the circuitchange is and new version has same circuit as old version had.
Got mine, listening to it now. First experience with tubes.
I get the tube "holographic" thing now. It sounds pleasantly out-of-phase, if that makes sense, which gives a sense of space and depth. Very pleasant indeed.
However, at this moment, it is definitely a little too bright and bass-light compared to my standard amp with these speakers (SS Kenwood KR-4070). Needs more muscle. Hoping the bass improves with some tube break-in.
I get the tube "holographic" thing now. It sounds pleasantly out-of-phase, if that makes sense, which gives a sense of space and depth. Very pleasant indeed.
However, at this moment, it is definitely a little too bright and bass-light compared to my standard amp with these speakers (SS Kenwood KR-4070). Needs more muscle. Hoping the bass improves with some tube break-in.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
The APPJ four tube version is now trending at $99 on massdrop and may soon reach $89.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/appj-m...ontent=1490429126777.994180499972788788225291
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/appj-m...ontent=1490429126777.994180499972788788225291
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
Do not pass judgement unless you've upgraded the stock ( inferior ) tubes.
Will do, what cheap-ish tubes do you recommend?
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
Replace the two 6P1 with inexpensive eBay Russian 6P1P-EV ( shipping will take at least 45 days )
Replace the two 6J1 with WE 403B. If the WE 403B is too pricey look for vintage 5654, 6AK5 or EF95
Replace the two 6J1 with WE 403B. If the WE 403B is too pricey look for vintage 5654, 6AK5 or EF95
bubba42
Active Member
I went with the Tube Cube 7, which appears to be modeled after the second generation miniwatt and starts with fairly common el84 and 12ax7b tubes. It seems like there are good rolling options there.
The first miniwatt had 4 tubes the second had 3 and the new one has 2. I hear the newest one does not have many tube rolling options, due to the tubes used. I don't know what tubes can be rolled into the original series, but PG and others here do.
The first miniwatt had 4 tubes the second had 3 and the new one has 2. I hear the newest one does not have many tube rolling options, due to the tubes used. I don't know what tubes can be rolled into the original series, but PG and others here do.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
No the four tube version won't take the EL84. As I recall the N3 or second generation takes two EL84 tubes and one 12AX7.
To be clear, this advice applies to the four-tube version, correct? The one with the Bugle Boy, currently on Massdrop?
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
The one with two 6P1 and two 6J1
So is there a recommended model of bookshelf speakers to pair with ultra-low-powered amps like the miniwatt? I see a lot of recommendations for larger speakers (typically Klipsch) but rarely recommendations for bookshelves...
bubba42
Active Member
You need efficient speakers, which are not that easy to find. If you are doing nearfield/desktop, you can use many more, but not if you want to fill a room.
One option to consider are the Klipsch bookshelves, especially the ones with the 6.5" woofer have very high efficiency. Plus the brightness of the speaker is offset by the warmness of the amp.
One option to consider are the Klipsch bookshelves, especially the ones with the 6.5" woofer have very high efficiency. Plus the brightness of the speaker is offset by the warmness of the amp.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
Any speakers using the 93db Fostex FE126En will sound great with the MW. You can find affordable prebuilt cabinets on eBay shipped from Moldova and then buy the Fostex drivers from Madisound.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Speaker-box...3&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=112044417224&rt=nc
Other HE bookshelf speakers include the Omega line and those from Blumenstein Audio.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Speaker-box...3&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=112044417224&rt=nc
Other HE bookshelf speakers include the Omega line and those from Blumenstein Audio.
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Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
Here are some 95db Tang Bands in a pre built cabinet from Parts Express. Requires just a little DIY.
http://www.transcendentsound.com/Small_Tang_Band.html
http://www.transcendentsound.com/Small_Tang_Band.html
