NKOTB - TTVJ/Millett 307A Headphone Amp

[n_maher]

First things first - I have no direct affiliation with this product or the vendor but I'm friendly with the designer. If that makes me biased, so be it, I guess I'm biased.

Now, onto the amp. Basically it's a single ended amp with transformer coupled inputs and outputs to provide balanced operation and was designed to drive anything from IEMs to the K1000 (via selectable outputs). The tube compliment consists of a 7N7 input tube and two 307A output tubes. More details are available on Todd's site.

I'm certainly looking forward to giving it a listen at CanJam even though it far exceeds the ability of my wallet.

[postjack]

Wow.

[laxx]

Woah, that's expensive.

[spritzer]

That is a very impressive amp and I like the stab at the SP gold plated nonsense... It's expensive but quality iron costs a lot and it was wise to use the 7n7 instead of the 6SN7.

[aardvark baguette]

It is expensive, but not ripoff expensive for what you get. The Ear HP4 now goes for about $5k new, and is the most similar amp I can think of, in its use of transformers. I'll bet it sounds bitchin.

I'm not crazy on its aesthetic choices though.

[en480c4]

I'm not crazy on its aesthetic choices though.

Yeah, it's screaming for a custom face plate. And I hate those locking 1/4" jacks.

[jinp6301]

It kinda reminds me of an uglier Zana

[laxx]

Wow, I'm blind. I neglected to see the unbalanced out 1/4" jack... I was going to say something too since Nate said it was a single ended amp, but I was going to ask how it's single ended when all I see are XLR jacks. =T

[aardvark baguette]

It kinda reminds me of an uglier Zana

Black, silver, blue + red = one busy looking piece of kit. I'd prefer all black, save for white controls on the faceplate.

[n_maher]

It's a singled ended amp that can drive balanced headphones.

[grawk]

So it's the conceptual opposite of RSA

[aardvark baguette]

I think a little more attention to detail would help greatly; for example, the hex bolts or whatever they are on the transformers; surely these parts can be ordered in black?

And couldn't the transformers be mounted so that you are not looking dead on at the bolts, and instead are viewing the smooth thin side of the transformer? (maybe not, I dont know, but I think it would look nicer)

I'd also prefer to see the tubes in front of the transformers, but I guess that is subjective too.

It needs a knob job () and outright part replacement for those ugly knobs, imo.

Not trying to crap on the design, just my $00.02

[Mastergill]

That is a very impressive amp and I like the stab at the SP gold plated nonsense...

Ah yes, my wicked mind only got the "built by semi-skilled labor"

Seriously, this could be an interesting piece, i would like to hear it. At these price the Manley "phantom" 300B preamp could be a nice competitor!

[Dusty Chalk]

MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT MOT

[en480c4]

So, given the thread title, is it appropriate to ask if this amp has "the right stuff"?

[Salt Peanuts]

Me likey the industrial, no frills look, but then again, I'm sure I'm in the minority. I'm glad I won't be able to try it out anytime soon seeing as its way beyond what I can afford right now.

[guzziguy]

I can't help but compare this to Frank Cooter's amp, which may someday be available. The cost would be about the same. It would be very hard to beat Frank's amp's sound and aesthetically, there's no comparison. Frank's amp walks all over it. Even so, I look forward to listening (and maybe even seeing ) this amp at CJ.

[aerius]

I think a little more attention to detail would help greatly; for example, the hex bolts or whatever they are on the transformers; surely these parts can be ordered in black?

Take a Sharpie to them!

And couldn't the transformers be mounted so that you are not looking dead on at the bolts, and instead are viewing the smooth thin side of the transformer? (maybe not, I dont know, but I think it would look nicer)

You could, but then they'd be more likely to pick up hum from the power transformers and chokes.

I'd also prefer to see the tubes in front of the transformers, but I guess that is subjective too.

It's a form follows function issue, the signal path of the amp is laid out from back to front to give the shortest possible signal path. The input goes in the back and comes out the front in a straight line. If we do the standard layout where the tubes are in the front and the transformer out back, the input signal has to be brought up to the front, then fed through the circuit, and the output brought from the back to the front panel. Signal path is longer and there's more chance for picking up hum & noise.

Misc. notes. A CCS for the DHT filament supply and choke input HV PSU, nice.

[aerius]

are there any pics of Frank Cooter's amp out there?

Mayberry on Acid meet impressions thread. It's the big 4 chassis amp, you can't miss it.

[deepak]

I think the amp looks great- simple, nice text, no garish logos. I'm going for a similar look for my next one.

[guzziguy]

There are pictures all over the MOA impressions thread on HF. Here are some from the thread to whet your appetite:

[guzziguy]

wow, that's ridiculous.

It looks great, not the typical DIY job. More importantly, it sounds better than it looks!

[ojnihs]

what tubes make that blue fog? that's insane

[aerius]

what tubes make that blue fog? that's insane

Mercury vapour rectifiers. Let's just say dropping one would not be a good thing.

[guzziguy]

Mercury vapour rectifiers. Let's just say dropping one would not be a good thing.

Yep, they're not exactly Eco-friendly.