TITAN, first listening tests with DIY amplifier

[MrSensitive]

hi all,

last weekend i finally could test my HTPC (which is still not finished) connected to a homemade power amplifier (8x50 Watt)

I'm glad to say that everything sounds better than expected, I never heard such crisp crystal clear sound before...

I just found new motivation to continue this project (after all, I'm working on it for over two years now..)

curren configuration:
HTPC:
custom built case with a front from Frontpanel express
AMD AthlonXP 2500
512 MB Ram
Sapphire 9600 w passive zalman cooler
MSI Nforce2 mainboard
Yesico fanless power supply (420 Watt)
80 GB Maxtor
Pioneer slot load DVD
M)Audio Revolution (this is the reason why it sounds so good..)
Hauppauge PV-250
Matrix Orbital VFD 20x4
Powermate
custom built controls connected to a USB IO interface module (not working yet.. :? )

Amplifier:
a similar looking front is in the makings
4 Velleman K4004 modules
some toroids and power supply modules and a LOT of wires
2 huge heatsinks (that don't even get warm to the touch when playing :lol: )

and a few pictures for your viewing pleasure

the testbed (OK, it's my living room..)


HTPC (I need to make a cover for it some day)


The Amplifier


And obviously we are running Mediaportal :lol:

[MrMario64]

That looks stunning!!!

Very cool.
Happy for you that it exeeds your expectations

[Wally]

Hi MrSensitive

That's an amazing case you've built there. :shock:

I myself am busy scouting for the hardware for my own HTPC project.
So far I came up with the following items:

MB: ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe
CPU: AMD Sempron 2800+
Memory: 2x 256 Mb DDRAM PC3200 - 400 Mhz
Cooler: Zalman CNPS7000b-CU
HDD: 160 Gb Samsung SP1614C - 8Mb - SATA
VGA: ASUS Geforce FX 5700 / 256 Mb / DVI & TV out (not sure yet)
DVD: Sony DRU-710 (not sure yet)
TV: Hauppauge Win/TV PVR 150 PCI (not sure yet)
Case: Ahanix D.Vine5 (expensive)
A fanless power supply

For the moment I'm fiddling around with the software (MP) on my normal PC to get acquainted with it. So far I didn't got the playback of DVD's or AVI files correct. (jerky) Have to look through the forum for an answer.

Cheers

Wally

[maxtrash]

Originally Posted by Wally

Hi MrSensitive

That's an amazing case you've built there. :shock:

I myself am busy scouting for the hardware for my own HTPC project.
So far I came up with the following items:

MB: ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe
CPU: AMD Sempron 2800+
Memory: 2x 256 Mb DDRAM PC3200 - 400 Mhz
Cooler: Zalman CNPS7000b-CU
HDD: 160 Gb Samsung SP1614C - 8Mb - SATA
VGA: ASUS Geforce FX 5700 / 256 Mb / DVI & TV out (not sure yet)
DVD: Sony DRU-710 (not sure yet)
TV: Hauppauge Win/TV PVR 150 PCI (not sure yet)
Case: Ahanix D.Vine5 (expensive)
A fanless power supply

For the moment I'm fiddling around with the software (MP) on my normal PC to get acquainted with it. So far I didn't got the playback of DVD's or AVI files correct. (jerky) Have to look through the forum for an answer.

Cheers

Wally

I've got very similar hardware (mainboard, hdd, 150MCE). I would advise to get an athlon XP-M (mobile cpu). e.g. take the 2400+ and overclock if necessary...

[Wally]

Hi Maxtrash

Any specific reason to why the downsize in CPU?

[MrSensitive]

The Mobile Athlon's do run much cooler, but I would not overclock it..
this means reintroducing more heat.. and we don't want heat do we?

Wally, very strange that playback is not smooth? your system specs are better than mine, and I can resize in ffdshow to 1024 without any problems?

don't think that building a case of your own is cheaper.
i think I spend around 350 euro's for the case alone.. not to mention the countless hours that went into planning and construction.

bst of luck with your system..

[Wally]

i think I spend around 350 euro's for the case alone.. not to mention the countless hours that went into planning and construction.

I can imagine that. In the past I also wanted to make something with engraved and machined panels from Frontpanel express., not cheap.
They look good but...

I also see that you're a bit of an Autocad buff!

Gonna browse the forum a bit further and see if I can find a solution for the jerky images.

Cheers

Wally

[maxtrash]

I don't want you to downsize the cpu, it's just that the 2400+, 2500+ etc. are all about the same. The multiplier isn't locked with the mobile cpu's. They'll easily overclock to 3000+ like these extreme examples show.

http://forum.lowyat.net/lofiversion/...hp/t84965.html


but I'd advise you to run it at a lower speed. At 2800+ and 1.45 volts or something like that it should still run much cooler than the sempron would at that same speed (running at 1.6 volts).

[maxtrash]

MrSensitive,

absolutely brilliant case (especially the left side). Very nicely matching with the amp too! Like the slot-in drive.
only problem you have now that the rest of your equipment needs a silver paint job :wink:

[Wally]

Thanks for the info Maxtrash.

You see, everyday you learn something new.

Cheers