Anyone tried the AMP CAMP AMP Kit?

[gvl]

Thinking to maybe get one for a near-field desktop setup. Nelson Pass and what not. Not exactly cheap but cheaper than ready made solid-sate class-A amps. Did anyone hear it?

https://diyaudiostore.com/products/amp-camp-amp-kit?variant=7072933085218

 

[Jim Shearer]

Go for it!

I built the ACA v1.1 mono blocks and like them very much. There is something special about class A, although I don't now how to explain it. Also note: I use them with single full range drivers in cabinets which I designed; not sure how they will sound with more power hungry speakers which contain cross overs, but I suspect it would still be special.

Cheers, Jim

 

[nj pheonix]

I was eyeballing this kit as well.
Doing my best, just say no speech

Really don't need another amp

I always wanted to build a NP class A
I was thinking F5 or Aleph but this is way cheaper and complete

 

[Freddymac2]

An easy build, but not enough watts, and too much money. I am sure it will sound pretty good though. Nelson P. is no fool.

 

[gvl]

Same here, no real need for a new amp but always wanted to have a SS Class-A in my collection, NP-design being a cherry on the cake, and with my birthday coming up shortly after the expected shipping date I don't really have a good reason to resist the temptation

Seems it doesn't have any speaker protection, is that right? Would it be prudent to add a DC protection circuit to it?

 

[gvl]

An easy build, but not enough watts, and too much money. I am sure it will sound pretty good though. Nelson P. is no fool.

Can you do it cheaper if you get all the parts yourself? Probably, but not by much. For my needs a 3.5W mini tube amp delivers enough power, I can't imagine this amp being too weak.

 

[mhardy6647]

Yup, there's one here. Good stuff.
Gives up a little midrange lusciousness compared to single-ended 2A3 amplification, but by and large compares well to it.
Here's the one that has found its way to my lair, FWIW.
http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussi...-the-aca-ok-with-a-lower-impedance-load-6-ohm

DSC_6922 (2) by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

 

[gvl]

Speaking of lowering the cost, given the electronics can be purchased separately an alternative enclosure is probably an easy way to save $100 or so.

And a PSU you can keep inside the case: https://www.jameco.com/z/EPS-120-24...-Supply-24-Volts-5-Amps-120-Watt_2239437.html

 

[gvl]

Here's the one that has found its way to my lair, FWIW.
http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussi...-the-aca-ok-with-a-lower-impedance-load-6-ohm

Ugh, just read that thread. I'm currently using 4Ohm speakers, how bad of a pairing would it be? I'm listening up to moderate levels at most.

 

[Alobar]

I've been watching those as well for a future biamp of my JBL's. Just not quite ready and the cutoff is May 14.. Maybe next year!

 

[gvl]

Go for it!

I built the ACA v1.1 mono blocks and like them very much. There is something special about class A, although I don't now how to explain it. Also note: I use them with single full range drivers in cabinets which I designed; not sure how they will sound with more power hungry speakers which contain cross overs, but I suspect it would still be special.

Cheers, Jim

How hot do they run?

 

[slimecity]

How hot do they run?

Apparently not too hot with the recommended heatsinking.

I've built a L'amp class A VFET amp and am also to build the Pass Sony VFET amp - I wonder if the band camp amp would be another good one to add to the "Pass" collection? I think the L'amp may be sonically better but I dont know if anyone has ever compared the two.....?

 

[gvl]

Apparently not too hot with the recommended heatsinking.

I've found some cheaper enclosures on aliexpress that seem to have shorter fins on the heatsinks hence the question... "apparently not too hot" is a good starting point I guess.

 

[slimecity]

I've found some cheaper enclosures on aliexpress that seem to have shorter fins on the heatsinks hence the question... "apparently not too hot" is a good starting point I guess.

If you go to the DIYaudio store there are useful comments and ratings from buyers - there are some comments on there that the kit doesnt get too warm

 

[mkane]

And how could you go wrong?

 

[gvl]

If you go to the DIYaudio store there are useful comments and ratings from buyers - there are some comments on there that the kit doesnt get too warm

Good point, I should read through those comments.

 

[Alobar]

I've found some cheaper enclosures on aliexpress that seem to have shorter fins on the heatsinks hence the question... "apparently not too hot" is a good starting point I guess.

I found this on their site. "Heat dissipation, 20 watts per channel"
I would read it as the amount of heat a 40 watt element would produce, which isn't very much.. A couple quiet fans would take care of it I think.

 

[gvl]

Interesting, I wish I had more empirical data but 20W/channel doesn't sound all that insignificant. Probably should shoot for similar size heatsinks or plan for active cooling, with all the downsides. The PSU I linked above has 12V/0.5A fan leads, may come handy.

 

[Alobar]

Interesting, I wish I had more empirical data but 20W/channel doesn't sound all that insignificant. Probably should shoot for similar size heatsinks or plan for active cooling, with all the downsides. The PSU I linked above has 12V/0.5A fan leads, may come handy.

I wouldn't call it insignificant either, but in the realm of class a, it should be manageable. Yeah, similar heat sinks, or bigger fans. Or just get the kit! They are estimating $441 if you get your own parts.. Don't know how true that is..

 

[gvl]

I'm leaning towards to just get parts kit, the enclosure and the PSU can be had both for like $100, so overall should be $250 or so. Tapping the heatsinks is no biggie.