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

[CamRector]

Thanks . Indeed it is a budget but it still remains honest compared to the prices of assemblers. Are you in Switzerland ? Next to Geneva ?
I have built several amplifiers based on Purifi, I even developed a dedicated Buffer with the help of an Italian engineer. I sold my Purifi projects for less than €900, that's to tell you the margin that is generated by Audiophonics, Buckeye, Nord, VTV etc. )
I think the 3E Audio project is worth it, it's a great module!

I’m over $1000 for my 4channel
2 3e 260s =$275
Micro audio smps1k = $270
Mundorf caps =$170
Ghent case = $300
Connectors and wire $100
_______________
Not mad about it at all and still feel like there is a ton of value.
I choose the over the top bougey version

 

[brunes]

You need a see-thru lid so you can see the Mundorf caps inside

 

[CamRector]

lol that’s is the truth

 

[brunes]

Out of interest, would the drilled case base provide enough heatsinking with all the holes drilled in it?

(The hole patten didn't fit the 3e board or the SMPS from Modushop)

 

[daniboun]

I’m over $1000 for my 4channel
2 3e 260s =$275
Micro audio smps1k = $270
Mundorf caps =$170
Ghent case = $300
Connectors and wire $100
_______________
Not mad about it at all and still feel like there is a ton of value.
I choose the over the top bougey version

It's a tidy sum) But passion is priceless after all. I myself spent a lot on my projects, but on the other hand: I learned a lot from my experiences, and I regret nothing.
In any case, glad you like the result)

 

[daniboun]

Out of interest, would the drilled case base provide enough heatsinking with all the holes drilled in it?

(The hole patten didn't fit the 3e board or the SMPS from Modushop)

I used these pre-drilled plates in my DrMordor TPA3255 project and I didn't really find it useful... Therefore, I am not convinced of its usefulness.

 

[somebodyelse]

Out of interest, would the drilled case base provide enough heatsinking with all the holes drilled in it?

(The hole patten didn't fit the 3e board or the SMPS from Modushop)

Looks to be relatively thin steel - not great for heatsinking.

 

[Yoku-San]

I ordered all the parts, but I it will be one or two months until I get them. I will try to document the build to generate a tutorial. Thanks @daniboun and @brunes for the idea and the help.

 

[brunes]

I couldn't find a template for drilling the holes for the 3e board... made a bit of a mess with it. Not sure how everyone else did it.
Good luck with your build!

 

[daniboun]

I couldn't find a template for drilling the holes for the 3e board... made a bit of a mess with it. Not sure how everyone else did it.
Good luck with your build!

Here a tip to drill holes perfectly. Get any perforated crossover board larger than the module like this. (from Amazon / Sound import etc)
Place your module on it and mark your holes on the board with a permanent marker. Then you attach the perforated board with double-sided adhesive to the bottom of the case and then with a small drill bit, you drill gently. Once the holes are made, you can remove the perforated boards and that's it)

 

[Yoku-San]

Best way to drill it is to report the wholes in a paper sheet (A4 is ok).

Do you still have the A4 paper sheet you used in the Micro Bamboo project? If so, could you scan the page and provide as an A4 PDF? That would be awesome.

 

[brunes]

I tried putting a piece of paper on the top of the heatsink and poking holes through. It worked but it wasn't pretty!

Measuring might be better...
Not sure if removing the heatsink and putting something through the holes would work?

Would be nice if 3e provided a printable image!

 

[daniboun]

I tried putting a piece of paper on the top of the heatsink and poking holes through. It worked but it wasn't pretty!

Measuring might be better...
Not sure if removing the heatsink and putting something through the holes would work?

Would be nice if 3e provided a printable image!

If you re not confortable in drilling... you can use double sided adhesive thermal paste as well. As said previously, I can link you a reliable and strong model.

 

[Treborha]

You have it in a pdf file. There are points for holes in the circles.

 

[lazerharp]

I decided to put my project on hold. If Fosi´s coming amplifier has the same measurement and the price for it is not to high.
It seems right now that is has the same SINAD as 3E Audio 260-2-29A

Amplifier - V3 Monoblock with PFFB Implementation is Coming!

We know many of our fans are waiting for this monoblock! We'll post updates about this amazing amp in this thread. Jan 25 Update: Let's take a glance at some measurements first PFFB technology was implemented and load Independence was achieved! SINAD March 21 Update: April 1 Update...

community.fosiaudio.com

 

[bugal]

Even if the specs and price are the same, you will miss the DIY bliss

 

[daniboun]

I decided to put my project on hold. If Fosi´s coming amplifier has the same measurement and the price for it is not to high.
It seems right now that is has the same SINAD as 3E Audio 260-2-29A

Amplifier - V3 Monoblock with PFFB Implementation is Coming!

We know many of our fans are waiting for this monoblock! We'll post updates about this amazing amp in this thread. Jan 25 Update: Let's take a glance at some measurements first PFFB technology was implemented and load Independence was achieved! SINAD March 21 Update: April 1 Update...

community.fosiaudio.com

This is no news, Aiyima, Fosi and everyone are going to launch into TPA + PFFB amps.

FYI : first step for FOSI = mono amp and probably later, Stereo Amp.
You should all wait for the Sylph FB100 / FB360 with advanced PFFB. They will be reviewed soon by Amir.

 

[timiambeing]

This is no news, Aiyima, Fosi and everyone are going to launch into TPA + PFFB amps.

FYI : first step for FOSI = mono amp and probably later, Stereo Amp.
You should all wait for the Sylph FB100 / FB360 with advanced PFFB. They will be reviewed soon by Amir.

View attachment 349927

I've been lurking around these projects for a while @daniboun, ever since I built a SoundImports ICEPower 125asx2 kit and managed not to fry it or electrocute myself a few weeks ago!! The funny thing is I tried it for a week or so in my system and was indeed quite impressed, but when I re-inserted a little Fosi V3 (I had bought as a stop gap when my main amp went pop), just to see how much better the ICEPower was, I was shocked. The Fosi TPA3255 was a clear improvement,, the ICEPower sounded quite flat in comparison. That's £349 build it yourself vs £88 (Black Friday deal).

I realise of course I had a great deal of fun building the kit, rediscovered my old soldering skills (eventually after several mess ups!), and I learned a huge amount in the process - but I'm wondering if these Chinese fun Hi-Fi companies continue to squeeze so much into their designs and boxes at such a low price, just what extra will we get by taking these modules from specialist designers and making our own builds at several times the price? I realise they may well measure better, but will they sound better, I would hope so?

Interesting times and after being an audiophile for decades I am excited for the future of our hobby, the entry price to excellent sound reproduction is dropping it seems by the week!

 

[daniboun]

I've been lurking around these projects for a while @daniboun, ever since I built a SoundImports ICEPower 125asx2 kit and managed not to fry it or electrocute myself a few weeks ago!! The funny thing is I tried it for a week or so in my system and was indeed quite impressed, but when I re-inserted a little Fosi V3 (I had bought as a stop gap when my main amp went pop), just to see how much better the ICEPower was, I was shocked. The Fosi TPA3255 was a clear improvement,, the ICEPower sounded quite flat in comparison. That's £349 build it yourself vs £88 (Black Friday deal).

I realise of course I had a great deal of fun building the kit, rediscovered my old soldering skills (eventually after several mess ups!), and I learned a huge amount in the process - but I'm wondering if these Chinese fun Hi-Fi companies continue to squeeze so much into their designs and boxes at such a low price, just what extra will we get by taking these modules from specialist designers and making our own builds at several times the price? I realise they may well measure better, but will they sound better, I would hope so?

Interesting times and after being an audiophile for decades I am excited for the future of our hobby, the entry price to excellent sound reproduction is dropping it seems by the week!

I must admit that there is some truth in what you say) On the other hand, if we distinguish between DIY and those Chinese RTR amplifiers, the clear advantage of DIY amps is to offer a qualitative kit. Fosi, Aiyima etc. amps are supplied with low-end brick type PSUs. Not to mention the internal wiring and the sacrifice made on a few other points...
We will see at what price the Fosi and the Aiyima will be offered with a PFFB implementation...But they won't have invented anything since Topping already offered RTR PFFB amps a long time ago....

Personally I would have more confidence with my Bamboo projects rather than a Fosi amp or other, especially since I control what I put in my amps.
I would have a hard time comparing a Fosi or Aiyima to a DIY with a Micro-Audio PSU for example.... but we all agree on one point: quality has to be paid for at some point. --)

 

[lazerharp]

This is no news, Aiyima, Fosi and everyone are going to launch into TPA + PFFB amps.

FYI : first step for FOSI = mono amp and probably later, Stereo Amp.
You should all wait for the Sylph FB100 / FB360 with advanced PFFB. They will be reviewed soon by Amir.

View attachment 349927

Yes, I will wait until the Sylph reviews and out of curiosity waiting for Fosi and Ayima to. As I said before I already hava a ZA3 so i´m not in a hurry.

To be honest I would prefer to build one but doing a DIY project should have some winnings in either price or performance. Preferably both. I love to have DIY equipment that is better than anything at that price. You are right about the quality is definitely better in a DIY where you can decide which components you use.

Trust me i´m going to follow this closely