Forums - ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point

Real

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Posts: 32

ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
12/02/12 at 03:40:42

Any reason one could not do a ZKIT-1 Point to Point without using the
printed board? just using the schematic to wire every thing together.

It would seam to make it easier to locate the layout of the transformers, tube. input and output. Where I would like to place them in the case.

I'm a newbie and I have started ordering the component to build one.

I guest my next step is to order the board however I would like lyaout of the tubes and the transformer differently.

Any input is greatly apriciated.

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mboxler Senior Member Posts: 89	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #1 - 12/02/12 at 18:04:05 I know MattG wired his amp dual mono...one side with the board, the other PTP. Perhaps he can chime in. I didn't trust myself to not use the PCB. I understand your layout issues. I assume you want to put the output transformers inside the case, not the power transformer???? Good luck with your build! Mike
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Real

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Posts: 32

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #2 - 12/03/12 at 01:09:48

I'm just trying to figure out how i'm going to layout everything.
So I'm reading all I can before I start.
I'm most likely going to use the board because I think I will end up with a better product.
What I like to do is change the layout of the tubes in a strait line and the transformers in the back in a strait line on top of the case.

Coud I connect the tube sockets to the board using wire???
Or Would that cause inteference?

I still need to order some parts and the case.
This is my first built and I cant't wait to get started however I want to take my time and get it right.
So I need to keep learning all I can.

I have a pair of 79 Klipch Cornwall that I can't wait to hear with a tube amp .

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mboxler

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Posts: 89

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #3 - 12/03/12 at 03:44:39

I'm no expert, but...

I was told that if the transformers are all on top, it's a good idea to rotate the power transformer 90 degrees from the output transformers. As far are wiring the sockets from the board...not sure.

Here's a picture of my project so far. Going slow, as it's a tight fit. Have two of these...the first I really messed up. I hope the guy who built them for me can fix it. I was worried about the symmetry, but I think it turned out ok.

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IMG_3043.JPG

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mboxler Senior Member Posts: 89	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #4 - 12/03/12 at 03:47:01 Here'a a picture of the inside. I bolted the board to the top of the chassis, let's me work from the bottom Mike
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Real

Verified Member

Posts: 32

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #5 - 12/03/12 at 22:09:34

It does look good.
I like your case.What size is the case. You say it tight I may want to go a
little larger.
I just think if I could get the tube socket to be on top of the case
I think it would look even better. Maybe there is a way to still mount them to the board and have the sockets on top of the case. I guest I will see when I get all the parts together.Take your time, Thats what I plan on doing.Thanks for the picture Mike.

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mboxler Senior Member Posts: 89	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #6 - 12/03/12 at 23:27:48 Internal dimensions are 8 1/2 W, 8 1/4 D, and 2 7/16 H. Keith (po1019 on Ebay) will make any size you need. Oh...forgot to mention. I'll be driving my modified '85 Klipschorns (still working on them, as you can see). Mike
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Real Verified Member Posts: 32	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #7 - 12/04/12 at 01:01:09 I just ordered the board and the transformers were ordered last week. Klipchorns those will sound sweet. I'm trying to send a photo of my Cornwall but I not having any luck. It seams the file is to large. Real
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mboxler Senior Member Posts: 89	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #8 - 12/04/12 at 14:10:15 Hint...I opened the picture in Microsoft Paint, resized it, and saved the smaller version. Went from 6 meg to 400k. Mike
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Real Verified Member Posts: 32	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #9 - 12/04/12 at 23:12:34 Hi Mike, I'm trying to post a photo of my Cornwalls, I cant see it in the preview so I guest you are not goint to see it. I have reduce the size of it. Will See. I did get my Mouser order in so some of the parts are comming in.
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mboxler Senior Member Posts: 89	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #10 - 12/04/12 at 23:54:47 Beautiful! My brother has a pair he bought in the 70's. Can still remember listening to SuperTramp from a block away. Mike
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Real

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Posts: 32

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #11 - 12/05/12 at 00:52:17

I see I was able to get the photo up.

I purchase them in 84 from an audio store. The previous owner
had just upgraded to Klipshorn's.

Back in the 70's a friend of mine had a pair powered by a Harmon Kardon.
I remember the police telling us that the people next block over were complaining. We were probably lisening to SuperTramp.
Great memory's

These days I power mine with a Denon AVR-3805.
They still sound great.
I have never been able to listen to them on tubes
I can't wait to hear them with tubes.

Thanks for the photo tip.

Real

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MattG

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Posts: 30

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #12 - 12/08/12 at 03:24:41

Hi Real, I've done the Zen amp PTP using the schematic, so I may be able to help.
I don't see any reason you couldn't run wires from the tube sockets to the pcb. You will want to use shielded wires for the inputs of the preamp tubes - same as from the RCA jacks to the board.
So yes, you should be able to wire up the layout you choose!
Since I ended up with 2 amps in 1 box, 1 pcb and 1 PTP, I ended up going with the pcb tube layout and just mirroring it for the PTP amp.
Some pics here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/adsdzhsparh37d5/uIKLc4tBTq
I then just arranged tag strips around the tube sockets and attached components & wires.

Have fun!

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Real

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Posts: 32

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #13 - 12/09/12 at 16:21:30

Hi Matt
I received my board yesterday.
I think I'm going to do a combination of using the board and point to point. Thanks for the advise on using shielded wire.
I'm still in the planning stages.I'm getting all the parts together and
trying to decide on the layout.
The layout on yours seam to have worked out very well.
Your amp looks sharp how do you like the sound?

Real

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MattG

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Posts: 30

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #14 - 12/10/12 at 16:26:02

I'm very happy with the sound!
Just happy to have a complete system now and enjoying the vinyl hunt

I do have some hum, even with the artificial CT/100 ohm resistors on the heaters - some time I need to double check I did that correctly, or maybe the hum is coming from something else, but honestly, once the music starts, it's unnoticeable, so ehh...
Anyway, good luck with your layout, I'm sure it'll work out fine!

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mboxler

Senior Member

Posts: 89

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #15 - 12/10/12 at 17:43:11

Great to hear from you again, Matt.

When I finally got the kit in the chassis and fired it up, I got a noticable hum :-?

Tore out everything (I had temporary connections) down to the power transformer. It was the transformer. Powered up my other transfomer (which was sitting near..by itself), no hum. At that time, I realized the second transformer was sitting on a large rubber grommet. When I removed the grommet, HUM. The hum turns out to be 60 (?) Hz vibration from the power transformer resonating what ever it's sitting on. In my case...it was the chassis. I pressed hard on the chassis near the tranformer, and the hum almost went away. I screwed on the wood sides (which were left off during the test), and the chassis vibration was greatly reduced. I have my transformer on nylon bushings.

I still have a small amount of hum, but nothing like I had to begin with.

Mike

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hartbigsky

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Posts: 14

Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point
Reply #16 - 02/18/13 at 00:20:50

I am currently doing pcb with mods [RCA's, binding post, etc ] goal is to learn enough to do full PTP build of the Zen with tube rec. and bias switch, based on youtube zen amp build in 12 parts, it is pretty good except it missed bias switch wiring. You still have to have a good feel for what you are doing to start, I've probably watched 30 times already. And then there is matching transformers of original product. This is more fun than I ever imagined! Good luck all!
Steve

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mboxler Senior Member Posts: 89	Re: ZKIT-1 SE84 DIY Point to Point Reply #17 - 02/18/13 at 18:53:05 Hi Steve Keep us posted on your progress. Do you have the original schematics with the tube rectifier? Enjoy the build! Mike
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