Ultra-high performance low-buck phono preamp (DIY project!)

[J!m]

Got me some RCA wye connectors so I could add the speakers from the Bradford system downstairs!

Rockin’!

 

[J!m]

So, the original aluminum face plate had two knobs on it originally (volume and selector). I'm only using one, but there is a large counterbore like the one I am using, under the copper. So I made a "washer" to make up the difference and keep the bushing aligned etc.



Then I got the engraving filled with appliance epoxy spray paint. It's great stuff but takes a week to fully cure (or be topcoated). So, I think I may have to wait the week because the copper will tarnish within a week, and then not look as nice. But I'll probably work on polishing the chamfers in the meantime.

 

[NeverSatisfied]

So, the original aluminum face plate had two knobs on it originally (volume and selector). I'm only using one, but there is a large counterbore like the one I am using, under the copper. So I made a "washer" to make up the difference and keep the bushing aligned etc.

View attachment 60498 View attachment 60499

Then I got the engraving filled with appliance epoxy spray paint. It's great stuff but takes a week to fully cure (or be topcoated). So, I think I may have to wait the week because the copper will tarnish within a week, and then not look as nice. But I'll probably work on polishing the chamfers in the meantime.

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How are you planning on removing the excess paint?

 

[J!m]

Sand paper.

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Sand paper.

Duh…I think I missed the part where you were repurposing an existing faceplate, makes sense now. (In my defense, I was blinded by the the bling).

 

[J!m]

Bling? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

“You like it now, but you’ll learn to love it later.” (Somewhere down the crazy river)

 

[J!m]

Testing:

 

[J!m]

That's for the headphone amp, but I wanted to test "small" before I went for it.

The good news is that (so far) the lacquer is not pulling the paint off the copper...

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Looking good

 

[J!m]

More bling:

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Audio Porn…..A+

 

[J!m]

Engraving is expensive...

Because it's worth it.

 

[J!m]

 

[J!m]

And, done. Finally.

 

[laatsch55]

Ok, that's fuckin nice....

 

[derek92994]

That is bad ass! Amazing metal work skills.

 

[J!m]

Thanks!

I just designed it. There are great machine shops all over the area. This guy does cash deals with me. Not cheap, but cheapER.

I have access to a couple lathes but the mills are barely suitable as drill presses. Wasted ways on them and I’m the only person that ever oils the heads. Junk.

 

[D-500 Flogger]

And, done. Finally.

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You should be justifiably proud of your accomplishment. I'm all about a beautiful car having a matching engine bay revealed when the hood is raised. Gotta feel good to be on that side of the finish line...

PS - Really like the jet engine blade wall art -- gives the workspace a little senseless mil-spec beauty. :0)

Cheers --

 

[J!m]

Those are the current blend limits for the P&W F100-229 HPC blades.

(Engine used on the F-15 and F-16)

That's the inspection area at work...

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Simply beautiful, well done. Really enjoyed the build, what’s ext?