HD650 and possibly speakers (in the future) - Crack or SEX?

[Zimmer64]

I live in Switzerland. DIY is not that much in fashion, so I order a lot here: http://www.hificollective.co.uk/

Michael

[mcandmar]

Only proper supplier we have in Ireland is Radionics radionics.rs-online.com , but for a majority of items they dont list i use Mouser and pay the $40 shipping charge.  You do get free shipping if you buy over $40 worth of parts so i tend to build up a big list of parts i need and order in batches.  Its a dangerous site to browse as you can easily end up with basket bloat.

I have also used Hificollective for audio bits and bobs http://www.hificollective.co.uk/ ,

[JosephDuffy]

I've taken a look over the various sites, but ended up finding something on Amazon through one the "recommended" sections.

If I don't get the cheaper one (from above: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Variable-Temperature-Soldering-Station-Iron-Kit-NEW-/120730956097?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item1c1c203141), I might get this (more expensive) one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004X25LW8/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d2_i3?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1PZ994K76YKDAKCQCP2R&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=430153987&pf_rd_i=468294#productDetails

I've ordered the solder and the desoldering wick for now.

Again, on the multimeter, how's this? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Digital-Multitester-With-Diode/dp/B000L0RINQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383599535&sr=8-2&keywords=multimeter It looks the same to the one I used in Physics, and should be useful for debugging?

[Grainger49]

The upscale soldering station looks impressive.  I would lean toward that one. 

The meter should do you.  A meter is a must for checking out the kit before turning it on.  Then you need voltage measurements when you turn it on.  So, you really can't do without one.

If you decide to go further with this hobby I always recommend a used Fluke meter.  If it is being sold for parts, you don't want it.  If it says working it is a good one.  But first you need to decide if this is for you.  Most guys catch the bug.

Good luck!

[2wo]

How about Maplin, I know they are a big parts suppler to the U.K. Don't know if they sell tools though...John

[JosephDuffy]

Right, I'll order the cheaper multimeter, the more expensive soldering iron (I'll hold off a day or 2, just in case).

Thanks for the multimeter recommendation. They're a little expensive, but I'm sure I'll get in to it more soon so I'll keep an eye out

I originally looked at Maplin, but their website is crap (as are most, by the looks of it), so I kind of gave up.

On the original topic: the S.E.X. Is there a way I can have 2 phono inputs to the S.E.X.? I'd like to have the options of having my PC soundcard and my turntable. No worries if not; it's just a convenience thing.

[mcandmar]

That solder station looks like a bargain, just be sure to pick up some spare tips, i tend to use a 2mm wedge tip for almost everything.

I was never a fan of Maplin, never have a great stock and the prices are always over inflated. Amazon or ebay are usually a better option.

[JosephDuffy]

That solder station looks like a bargain, just be sure to pick up some spare tips, i tend to use a 2mm wedge tip for almost everything.

I was never a fan of Maplin, never have a great stock and the prices are always over inflated. Amazon or ebay are usually a better option.

Yeh, the more I look, the better that deal looks. I was looking at extra tips, but I'm not 100% which to buy that will fit, so I'm going to either wait until I get it and measure/whatever to figure it out, or do a little research.

I'm also not much of a fan of Maplin for the same reasons. Ironically, this is sold by Maplin, on Amazon. Generally, yes, it seems Amazon or eBay are the best over in the UK.

[Jim R.]

I just have to say that I've always had very good service from hificollective, especially for a guy on the other side of the pond.

Also in the UK you can find a brand of soldering station called Soloman (spellig?) that is very good. I had one for the longest time and really liked it.

HTH,

Jim

[JosephDuffy]

I just have to say that I've always had very good service from hificollective, especially for a guy on the other side of the pond.

Also in the UK you can find a brand of soldering station called Soloman (spellig?) that is very good. I had one for the longest time and really liked it.

HTH,

Jim

I took a look at Solomon, but I can't find where to buy these easily in the UK, so for now, I'll go with the station linked above.

Another thing I've thought of (it's starting to build up now!): Will I need a wirestripper? I've not added that to my shopping list yet

[caffeinator]

Hi JosephDuffy,

A wire stripper is very handy, and I'd guess I'm not the only one here that has a few styles in their tool kit.  I have the automatic type (see link: http://www.datacomtools.com/store/45-292.html) which is handy for a lot of applications, plus a couple of lower tech versions (kind of like this one - notched jaws w/ some kind of diameter adjustment - http://www.datacomtools.com/images4/ideal/larger/45-101.jpg).

Some types work better with certain types of wire than others, though I do as much as I can with the automatic type.

[mcandmar]

I've bought a couple of different wire strippers and found most of them fairly useless for anything but heavy duty mains cable. They either mess up the insulation, or they break strands on multicore cable.  A simple box cutter blade has proved far more reliable for me, and creates a cleaner cut.  Unless your doing large quantitys of the same cable type and buying a decent quality tool they are not worth the effort imo.

[Grainger49]

Joseph,

Look in the Tech Tools folder.  The second sticky down is a list of necessary tools for building a new kit.  Then it is followed by fun tools to have that are also useful.

[crackaddict]

Hi all,

Late to the party here, but I have a question to clarify amp/headphone pairing before buying my step-up kit. I built my first kit, the Crack with Speedball, 6 weeks ago. I love it so much, that I now also want to drive loudspeakers with a tube amp. I'm trying to decide whether I should sell my Crack to a friend so I can upgrade to an S.E.X. 2.1, or complicate my home setup with two amps, the Crack plus a dedicated loudspeaker amp.

I use Sennheiser HD600s. It's clear to me that the Crack is designed for high-impedance cans, whereas the S.E.X. is always described as "versatile." What's not clear to me is: will the S.E.X. be versatile enough to drive my HD600s, or do I need to get lower-impedance headphones?

(Note, I've scanned the forums, and I really got a lot out of Loquah's detailed comparison on Head Fi! Thanks to this community for being so helpful and inclusive!)

Derek

[Doc B.]

I worked with HD600s to determine the headphone playback character of the S.E.X. just like I used HD600s to judge the Crack's performance. Loquah's impressions match mine regarding the differences between the amps. S.E.X.2.1 is a very good headphone amp. I am using one at my desk with AKG K1000s.