Pass B1

[hydrovac]

Thanks mbhangui.

 

[denom]

I was looking around for quite some time trying to find a simple buffer to drive my high gain power amplifier. Too much gain is a curse that afflicts many systems. It's always seemed nuts to me to throw away most of the signal as it comes in then amplify it again, which is what a normal preamp does most of the time.
The B1 starts with the premise that there is enough gain already and that the only tasks of a preamp are switching, impedance matching and attenuation (not amplification), with attention paid to maintaining the musical integrity of the signal (including nuance & timing) that can get lost on the way through.

Ordered the kit from Sachin. Good quality components. PCB is the best I have seen. This is my first put together Pass B1 buffer preamp. Cabinet is an all-metal case with 8mm anodized alloy faceplate(final).

A neuro surgeon at work
:thumbsup: :clapping:

 

[hydrovac]

A neuro surgeon at work
:thumbsup: :clapping:

Yeah, brainwashing.....The Science of Thought Control

 

[omishra]

A neuro surgeon at work
:thumbsup: :clapping:

If that is so then I must be thankful to that branch of medical science who given me new life, twice underwent through their knives. Still holding DIY spirit. hyeah:
Welcome to DIY world hydrovac! its executed with precision. :clapping:

 

[Hiten]

Great work hydrovac.
regards

 

[hydrovac]

Very neat build,minimum wiring,great work:clapping:

Regards,
Sachin

Thanks Sachin.

 

[hydrovac]

Great work hydrovac.
regards

Hi Hiten, Thank you.

 

[hydrovac]

If that is so then I must be thankful to that branch of medical science who given me new life, twice underwent through their knives. Still holding DIY spirit. hyeah:
Welcome to DIY world hydrovac! its executed with precision. :clapping:

Thanks omishra, I am humbled!

 

[Tanoj]

Hi Friends

iam looking for reviews on the pass B1 from fm members,

My review would be, its a clean, and magical preamp

it clearly displays the strength/weakness of the source , I mean if the source is great you will really enjoy the music if you using this preamp



Best regards

Tanoj

 

[sann]

Hi hydrovac, nice build, where did you source the stepped attenuator from?
-Sann

 

[ruenigma]

Hey guys, super n00b query. Can someone tell me how to connect the power supply board to the B1 board? I am confused!

 

[sachu888]

Hey guys, super n00b query. Can someone tell me how to connect the power supply board to the B1 board? I am confused!

See here http://www.hifivision.com/diy/21036-pass-b1-31.html

Regards,
Sachin

 

[hydrovac]

Hi hydrovac, nice build, where did you source the stepped attenuator from?
-Sann

Thanks sann,

I have fabricated the attenuator from my existing stock of switches, bought from a scrap dealer of industrial electronic components.
I calculated the resistor values for 100k ohms 23 stepped make before break series attenuator.

 

[ruenigma]

See here http://www.hifivision.com/diy/21036-pass-b1-31.html

Regards,
Sachin

Thanks Sachin.

 

[TheCoolestOne]

Hydrovac, great job on the build. I think its one of the neatest builds so far that I have seen.

 

[hydrovac]

Hydrovac, great job on the build. I think its one of the neatest builds so far that I have seen.

Thanks for the compliment TheCoolestOne.

 

[hydrovac]

In continuation to my earlier post, I would like to share some pics of my finished B1 Preamp, all wired up and ready for an audition. The source is a Rega Jupiter CDP.

I powered up the system and it started singing like a canary! It is extremely transparent. Sound staging and imaging are spot on. The real strength of this preamp is the extension, both in the bass and treble...The bass is cleaner and better defined. In the upper end, there is much better definiton and increased air, giving a real sense of space around individual instruments and giving proportionate size to singers and musicians on the stage.

Overall, I am super pleased with this preamp as you can probably tell. I would advise anyone to give it a try. Very simple to build, it doesn't need to be expensive, and you may hear a lot of what your current preamp is not telling you.

Thank You FMs for your comments and support.

Cheers!

 

[nraghunadh]

Beautiful build and it looks very professional.
Why don't you try some wood polish on faceplate?
Can you please share some info about that rotary selector?

Thanks,
Raghu

 

[sachu888]

Very good looking build.Wooden faceplate looks real good.You can try medium dark polish with some kind of clear coat(Melamine?).

Regards,
Sachin

 

[spirovious]

Beautiful build and it looks very professional.
Raghu

+1 to that,very nice build.Congrats.