DIY Bucket list

[mwhouston]

I started this on a  Canadian forum and it got some interest. Basic from”1” to “10” number the projects you would like to complete before going to the big listening lounge in the sky. Start with those you would like to start and complete in the near future or have some sort of high priority (for example you badly need a preamp now) and those which are pie in the sky.  

 

See if you can name at least ten. It’s obvious that the last few may never see completion but it doesn’t hurt to dream.  Also feel free at any time to come back and make or list those completed and/or even add or/and even change your list around. It’s your bucket list!

 

for me;

 

1. 1500W Class D monster - have all the parts need the time.
2. A KT88/EL34 SE UL wine box tube power amp - have the parts need the time
3. 211 SE tube amp - have the schematic and some parts
4. Dual mono 150W Class D amp in a 1U rack mount enclosure - have some parts
5. A three stage 2N3055 SE amp. The SS version of a SET.
6. 10” Response woofer with the Failtal Pro compression driver on a Trax horn - have parts need box. 
7. Put the two stage tube preamp with Uber expensive Jansen copper PIO caps in an enclosure - have all the parts need a PS.
8. Build “Gravity” - another 6AS7 HP amp - have all the parts need the time.
9. Build slim line towers with the four Tang Ban 5” drivers and ribbons I have - all parts need boxes.
10.  Build a CD transport - have all the parts need the time. 

 

Edited October 28, 2019 by mwhouston

[Guest Muon N']

I basically have only one set of things to do and that is to finish improving my CD-60SE through more modifications.

 

Re-cap.

Improve power supply regulation.

Maybe a better clock crystal.

[mwhouston]

4 minutes ago, Muon N' said:

I basically have only one set of things to do and that is to finish improving my CD-60SE through more modifications.

 

Re-cap.

Improve power supply regulation.

Maybe a better clock crystal.

Surely you have other projects nagging you? 

[Guest Muon N']

Just now, mwhouston said:

Surely you have other projects nagging you? 

Not really, Mark.

 

Definitely nothing practical.

[Decky]

I suggest you start by finishing at least one project 100% before you plan any new ones. Shorten your list to number 1 and push it until is done. 

 

I used to have a bucket lists but eventually got focused by building only things that are fitting in the current/future grand plan for my system. After achieving that there would be no building unless the system grand plan is changing. In that case, I would sell the system first and then start from scratch. 

 

It is very easy to become a hoarder of parts and unfinished projects otherwise.   

Edited December 21, 2019 by Decky

[mwhouston]

I collect parts to make something. I have seen where some buy parts because they are enthralled with the part and they may have appeared at a good price e.g. Psvane 300Bs. 

 

I just completed an amp I bought the parts for 10 years ago. My problem is I get distracted by the next big project and earlier ones get pushed back. This new amp was the start of using parts I had for sometime and now want to complete the task. 

[Batty]

I have 4 atm, in no real order.

 

Finish the Yarra Pre amp.

Finish the LP12 upgrade. last part coming from UK.

Start to build the LK1 speakers.

Build an input selector. I have the PCB for a 6 input selector and the selector switch

 

[A9X]

18 hours ago, mwhouston said:

See if you can name at least ten.

Why? I don't have 10.

 

1: Finish rebuild of current system (mainly cosmetics)

2: Build the ATC based SF Strad-a-like.

3: Build the new SP10 based TT (includes any preamps).

4: Replace current mains <300Hz with midbass horn and TH subs - when I move back to my house.

[acg]

In no particular order, they all sort of happen in fits and starts whenever I have time:

1. Finish turning the 100Hz upperbass horns on the lathe
2. Complete second six channel SET amp so I can get stereo
3. Build LCR phonostage from scratch
4. Build some low distortion, low output impedance DHT preamps with various valves to see if they can oust the best of my SS pre's
5. Build chassis' for five various SS preamps and SS phonostage projects
6. Build and test VPR/CBA bass traps.  Complete room treatment.
7. Build a master control unit into whichever preamp I end up using which  makes my acoustic system network connected so that I can control volume/source/power on/power off  et cetera from my phone/tablet/remote control/whatever.  This one will be fun and the kids so want to be involved with the design and coding of this project.  
8. Perhaps, make a special table to mount my beautiful turntable all by herself. 
9. Finalise room decor and features
10. When all else is done, build some surround speakers and amplifiers, install a projector/large tv so I can play my favourite bluray/dvd musical performances.
11. Chillax.

 

All of my valve builds are completely from scratch with bespoke chassis' and ratsnest wiring.  SS builds are normally proven designs from a pcb, but I still make the chassis from scratch.  The master control will be freakin awesome.  

[mwhouston]

40 minutes ago, acg said:

In no particular order, they all sort of happen in fits and starts whenever I have time:

1. Finish turning the 100Hz upperbass horns on the lathe
2. Complete second six channel SET amp so I can get stereo
3. Build LCR phonostage from scratch
4. Build some low distortion, low output impedance DHT preamps with various valves to see if they can oust the best of my SS pre's
5. Build chassis' for five various SS preamps and SS phonostage projects
6. Build and test VPR/CBA bass traps.  Complete room treatment.
7. Build a master control unit into whichever preamp I end up using which  makes my acoustic system network connected so that I can control volume/source/power on/power off  et cetera from my phone/tablet/remote control/whatever.  This one will be fun and the kids so want to be involved with the design and coding of this project.  
8. Perhaps, make a special table to mount my beautiful turntable all by herself. 
9. Finalise room decor and features
10. When all else is done, build some surround speakers and amplifiers, install a projector/large tv so I can play my favourite bluray/dvd musical performances.
11. Chillax.

 

All of my valve builds are completely from scratch with bespoke chassis' and ratsnest wiring.  SS builds are normally proven designs from a pcb, but I still make the chassis from scratch.  The master control will be freakin awesome.  

All you have to do now is live long enough to see them all completed. Good luck. Let’s know your progress. 

[RankStranger]

Ooh fun. I’ll play

 

I’ve really only been thinking about diy for a few months so I’m still liable to get distracted by the next shiny thing that catches my eye but my general road map For the next year or two is thus:

 

1. Recap my 1973 Armstrong receiver
2. finish my Fern and Roby Raven clones
3. order and build an Amp Camp Amp
4. Build a headphone/pre (not sure what yet), possibly with my raspberry pi inside for streaming
5. some smaller full-range. Probably mark audio Alpair 7s

some more long term goals 

1. valve SET amp 
2. some small, harbeth p3esr-inspired 2 ways
3. a couple of matching custom subs
4. some smallish floor standing 2-ways maybe like audio notes ANs or DeVore 0/93
5. DeVore O/96 clones

apparently I have a thing for wide-ish baffle speakers ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 

also, I was watching the Deiter Rams doco (highly recommended) the other night and I happened upon this image

 

 

which makes me want to build a one box network boom box type thing including a raspberry pi, some amps, probably a couple of 4" full-ranges with a sub, all in a box that looks just like the one on the left. That’s a long long term project though

[mwhouston]

2 minutes ago, RankStranger said:

Ooh fun. I’ll play

 

I’ve really only been thinking about diy for a few months so I’m still liable to get distracted by the next shiny thing that catches my eye but my general road map For the next year or two is thus:

 

1. Recap my 1973 Armstrong receiver
2. finish my Fern and Roby Raven clones
3. order and build an Amp Camp Amp
4. Build a headphone/pre (not sure what yet), possibly with my raspberry pi inside for streaming
5. some smaller full-range. Probably mark audio Alpair 7s

some more long term goals 

1. valve SET amp 
2. some small, harbeth p3esr-inspired 2 ways
3. a couple of matching custom subs
4. some smallish floor standing 2-ways maybe like audio notes ANs or DeVore 0/93
5. DeVore O/96 clones

apparently I have a thing for wide-ish baffle speakers ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 

also, I was watching the Deiter Rams doco (highly recommended) the other night and I happened upon this image

 

 

which makes me want to build a one box network boom box type thing including a raspberry pi, some amps, probably a couple of 4" full-ranges with a sub, all in a box that looks just like the one on the left. That’s a long long term project though

I can relate to the one box retro hifi. 

[RankStranger]

1 minute ago, mwhouston said:

I can relate to the one box retro hifi. 

such a gorgeously simple Thing. Speaking of accumulating parts, I have some awesome 10" turned copper legs that were delivered wrong on a piece of furniture we bought years ago. I know I saved them for something. They’ll look amazing on the white box

[mwhouston]

1 minute ago, RankStranger said:

such a gorgeously simple Thing. Speaking of accumulating parts, I have some awesome 10" turned copper legs that were delivered wrong on a piece of furniture we bought years ago. I know I saved them for something. They’ll look amazing on the white box

Got an image.

[RankStranger]

1 minute ago, mwhouston said:

Got an image.

 

copper version of these. We ordered with brass, they sent us copper, we had them send us the proper ones

[RankStranger]

Just found out that Nelson Pass has designed a new headphone/pre amp for this year’s burning amp workshop so that’s most likely going to be the pre that I get. Should be pretty sorted by the time i get around to it

 

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/clubs-and-events/337911-burning-amp-november-9-10-2019-a-22.html

[Batty]

The WHAMMY is bloody good, would be interesting how this one sounds.