"Micro Bamboo Project" : 3E Audio 260-2-29A Stereo amplifier + Micro-Audio PSU

[daniboun]

@daniboun
I think this build could become very popular. It matches the needs of a many entry-level to mid-level hifi setups and speakers.

However, it would become even more popular if you could make a short but comprehensive video (Youtube) tutorial on how to build and connect the amplifier from the single parts.

This would convince me to order the parts and built it.

Thanks for the remark. I don't want to be popular but just modestly share a passion.
I must be on my 30th or even 40th project if I count my speakers lol You can always follow my threads here)
It's not the desire that I lack, but I'm a full-time computer tech. and I have 4 daughters) You can imagine that my life is quite busy and what's more, I hate YouTube and I loathe TikTok and I abhor Facebook...

check my last project here :

"ASH-400 Project" Sylph Audio FB-100 Stereo Module with advanced PFFB

Hi amigos, I'm coming back to the forefront with a new project. This time I focused on the Sylph Audio FB100 module, based on a TPA3251 and an advanced implementation of the PFFB. Voltage Gain is factory set @ 14dB (5V/V) on this module. So I intended to couple it to my DAC SMSL D6s which has...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[cfwotzka]

He replaced the decoupling caps, here the picture he shared... (bipolar caps)
To be honest, I won't take any risk and not sure it is going to improve the measurements....

View attachment 345924

Many thanks for the pic! I took the risk and replaced the DC blocking caps with 10uf/16V Kaisei non-polar. since it's an amp board for DIY purposes tweaking is allowed. of course I don't know if measurements improve but at least my ears are telling me to keep the Kaisei's.

 

[daniboun]

Many thanks for the pic! I took the risk and replaced the DC blocking caps with 10uf/16V Kaisei non-polar. since it's an amp board for DIY purposes tweaking is allowed. of course I don't know if measurements improve but at least my ears are telling me to keep the Kaisei's.

Nice ) any pictures to share out of curiousity ?

 

[maty]

DC Blocker, why with SMPS?

What you have to look at in capacitors is the ripple and ESR. In the prototype DC blocker I changed the 18000 uF EPCOS for the expensive 47000 uF Mundorf -> more bass. The maximum height for them to fit was 50 mm.

 

[CamRector]

Just waiting on my IEC.
Nothing too special here
4channel 3e
Micro Audio SMPS1k
Mundorf caps
I really like these Ghent cases. Not flashy but super clean install.

 

[Yoku-San]

It's not the desire that I lack, but I'm a full-time computer tech. and I have 4 daughters) You can imagine that my life is quite busy

I fully understand that you have limited time, I also have a daughter and a full-time job. But a short video would really help to convince people to built the Amp.

I modded an air-fryer a few years ago to transform it into a computer-controlled coffee roaster. I made an extensive tutorial afterwards which allowed interested people to replicate it. I estimate that around 20-30 people built it with the tutorial. Others have used my arduino code for other roaster builds. Without the following tutorial all this would not have happened.

I hope you could still make a 5 minute video where you explain all the steps briefly. That would really help. And you do not have to use YouTube to host it if you hate it so much.

 

[cfwotzka]

Nice ) any pictures to share out of curiousity ?

Here you are with some pics and I like the AN Kaisei caps also from other projects I built (e.g. Hiraga MC PrePre). It's still a prototype since I'm waiting, following your recommendation, for the Micro Audio PSU and a new case to finish this little project. For sure I can say already today this module sounds wonderful. This site is dedicated to measurements and I appreciate that! I'm happy owner of Hypex Nilai500's, Sabaj A20(and other small Class-D amps) and not to forget my Devialet Expert Pro 1000 and I allow me to report that my current favourite is the 3E Audio module which is astonishing and amazing at the same time. Time will tell if this is just due to my ears welcoming a new and different sound signature.

 

[daniboun]

Here you are with some pics and I like the AN Kaisei caps also from other projects I built (e.g. Hiraga MC PrePre). It's still a prototype since I'm waiting, following your recommendation, for the Micro Audio PSU and a new case to finish this little project. For sure I can say already today this module sounds wonderful. This site is dedicated to measurements and I appreciate that! I'm happy owner of Hypex Nilai500's, Sabaj A20(and other small Class-D amps) and not to forget my Devialet Expert Pro 1000 and I allow me to report that my current favourite is the 3E Audio module which is astonishing and amazing at the same time. Time will tell if this is just due to my ears welcoming a new and different sound signature.

For the curious, on Lester's FB100 module, the latter shared his impressions with different input caps, checkout :

Nichicon FG
Nichicon Muse UKZ
Elna Silmic II
Elna Bipolar RBD

Amplifier Modules and PCBs For Sale

I'm aiming for -140dB distortion and lowest noise which will put it in the number 1 amplifier SINAD chart. Wow!

www.diyaudio.com

 

[Yoku-San]

Cables set
(If you are resourceful, do it yourself with any quality cooper cable from 1.5mm2 to 2mm2 and faston connectors)

Neutrik XLR

IEC Power Switch

Dear @daniboun, could you list the specific cables and connectors I should buy for this project? Could you also provide a link for the IEC power switch (preferably from audiophonics)? Thanks a lot in advance. I already ordered the MicroAudio PSU.

 

[daniboun]

Dear @daniboun, could you list the specific cables and connectors I should buy for this project? Could you also provide a link for the IEC power switch (preferably from audiphonics)? Thanks a lot in advance. I already ordered the MicroAudio PSU.

I mainly use these cables in my projects, they are reliable and at a good price

SOMMERCABLE MERIDIAN SP215 FG Câble Haut-Parleur

Ce câble haut-parleur Sommercable Meridian SP215 FG offre d'excellentes performances en terme de conductivité. Il est en effet constitué de conducteurs en cuivre OFC et profite d'un triple blindage en feuilles et tresse d'aluminium...

www.audiophonics.fr

or

SOMMERCABLE MERIDIAN SP215 Câble Haut-Parleur Cuivre OFC 2x1.5mm² Ø6.8mm - Audiophonics

Ce câble robuste est spécialement conçu pour le branchement des haut-parleurs et satisfait techniquement à toutes les exigences requises. Ses âmes en cuivre à basse teneur d'oxygène assurent d'excellentes performances.

www.audiophonics.fr

PET braided sleeve :

ELECAUDIO ADIACIUM GB Extensible PET braided sleeve Nylon 4-11mm - Audiophonics

This ELECAUDIO Adiacium sheath has been designed and manufactured in France. It accepts cables of diameter 4 to 11mm and is made of Polyethylene Terephthalate.

www.audiophonics.fr

For the IEC, it is only available from Ali or here :

DC11.0001.001 | Connecteur IEC Mâle C14 Schurter, Montage panneau, 12A | RS

fr.rs-online.com

 

[bugal]

For the curious, on Lester's FB100 module, the latter shared his impressions with different input caps, checkout :

Nichicon FG
Nichicon Muse UKZ
Elna Silmic II
Elna Bipolar RBD

Amplifier Modules and PCBs For Sale

I'm aiming for -140dB distortion and lowest noise which will put it in the number 1 amplifier SINAD chart. Wow!

www.diyaudio.com

So this checkout in fact confirms that Elna Silmil II is an optimal choice for 3e Audio TPA3255 amp - and that's the DC caps they have applied in this place.

 

[daniboun]

Here you are with some pics and I like the AN Kaisei caps also from other projects I built (e.g. Hiraga MC PrePre). It's still a prototype since I'm waiting, following your recommendation, for the Micro Audio PSU and a new case to finish this little project. For sure I can say already today this module sounds wonderful. This site is dedicated to measurements and I appreciate that! I'm happy owner of Hypex Nilai500's, Sabaj A20(and other small Class-D amps) and not to forget my Devialet Expert Pro 1000 and I allow me to report that my current favourite is the 3E Audio module which is astonishing and amazing at the same time. Time will tell if this is just due to my ears welcoming a new and different sound signature.

Did some searchs. Pay attention you seem to use some 16v / 10uf.... For those inputs decoupling caps 25v would be the minimum. Should be nice to measure from the caps legs....)

 

[daniboun]

So this checkout in fact confirms that Elna Silmil II is an optimal choice for 3e Audio TPA3255 amp - and that's the DC caps they have applied in this place.

For me the module is just perfect out of the box )I wont take any risk ))

 

[cfwotzka]

Did some searchs. Pay attention you seem to use some 16v / 10uf.... For those inputs decoupling caps 25v would be the minimum. Should be nice to measure from the caps legs....)

Many thanks for the hint! Unfortunately the 10uf Kaisei (my personal favourite) are only available with 16V. The original caps are rated 35V tough. I will check voltage at the legs later today.

 

[daniboun]

Many thanks for the hint! Unfortunately the 10uf Kaisei (my personal favourite) are only available with 16V. The original caps are rated 35V tough. I will check voltage at the legs later today.

This can cause damage in the short term so don't skimp on this point....

 

[Yoku-San]

I mainly use these cables in my projects, they are reliable and at a good price

SOMMERCABLE MERIDIAN SP215 FG Câble Haut-Parleur

Ce câble haut-parleur Sommercable Meridian SP215 FG offre d'excellentes performances en terme de conductivité. Il est en effet constitué de conducteurs en cuivre OFC et profite d'un triple blindage en feuilles et tresse d'aluminium...

www.audiophonics.fr

or

SOMMERCABLE MERIDIAN SP215 Câble Haut-Parleur Cuivre OFC 2x1.5mm² Ø6.8mm - Audiophonics

Ce câble robuste est spécialement conçu pour le branchement des haut-parleurs et satisfait techniquement à toutes les exigences requises. Ses âmes en cuivre à basse teneur d'oxygène assurent d'excellentes performances.

www.audiophonics.fr

PET braided sleeve :

ELECAUDIO ADIACIUM GB Extensible PET braided sleeve Nylon 4-11mm - Audiophonics

This ELECAUDIO Adiacium sheath has been designed and manufactured in France. It accepts cables of diameter 4 to 11mm and is made of Polyethylene Terephthalate.

www.audiophonics.fr

For the IEC, it is only available from Ali or here :

DC11.0001.001 | Connecteur IEC Mâle C14 Schurter, Montage panneau, 12A | RS

fr.rs-online.com

What is the PET sleeve for? Do I need it if I take the first version of the Sommer cables which already has isolation? Maybe I am asking dumb questions. Do you know any good basic tutorials or resources for DIY Hifi beginners?

Thank you very much.

 

[brunes]

Here is my effort (posted in another thread - there are a couple )
Took a while but doable. Drilling the holes for the 3e heatsink was a bit tricky and my holes only sort of line up
Needed to buy a new tool for JST connectors and making sure the modushop amp is earthed is a pain as its anodized ( I went with cables instead or removing the anodizing).
The Mirco Audio heats sinks seem really well made! Will try my speak on connections next (need to make the cables).

 

[brunes]

And those wago clips are freaking amazing so thanks to whoever suggested them! Not sure what to do with them, maybe stick them to the case or something.

 

[bugal]

Here is my effort (posted in another thread - there are a couple )
Took a while but doable. Drilling the holes for the 3e heatsink was a bit tricky and my holes only sort of line up
Needed to buy a new tool for JST connectors and making sure the modushop amp is earthed is a pain as its anodized ( I went with cables instead or removing the anodizing).
The Mirco Audio heats sinks seem really well made! Will try my speak on connections next (need to make the cables).

Any sonic advantages with using 2 PSUs rather than 1 (other than more power for more demanding speakers)? Any noticable improvements in eg. soundstage, bass control, etc?

 

[brunes]

Any sonic advantages with using 2 PSUs rather than 1 (other than more power for more demanding speakers)? Any noticable improvements in eg. soundstage, bass control, etc?

Not sure, I understood I would need 2 SMPS for a mono setup but I think the Micro Audio SMPS has enough power to run 2 3e boards from a single SMPS (its 600w).
Maybe I use one of them later for something .
I'm not sure how to work out if a single SMPS can run x2 3-e boards.

Sounds pretty good though.