“Empire” - my super F5

The last and possibly the best F5 ever. There was another F5 which also appeared to exceed the others with performance. It also had the Mundorf MLytic audio grade caps. In this build I increased the filter caps to 132,000uf and upped the power tranni to 300VA. Keeping the Cat5 solid core twisted pair for hookup wire and the standard compact enclosure. This build is very similar to the others with the filter caps well snubbed with larger and small poly caps. 

The BIG difference here is the use of 1W carbon film resistors. The Jim's kit comes with Fishey and Dale resistors which normally I would use. Not this time. Also this Jim's board, like the build before, uses his double weight brd. with two 100uf Elnas on board and other components. The sound is hyper 3D and incredibly transparent with extended deep bass and startling dynamics. The whole sound is one of earthiness and richness. The use of carbon film is a controversial one. All negative comments about the use of carbon film Rs come from those who have never used them in a build or/and have never heard them. I like to buck the trend especially when I know what I build will exceed what others can contemplate. And exceed in performance.

“Mimic-Magic” - MM phono stage

 

Yet another Mimic and this time combining all the components I thought have sounded good in other Mimics. That’s what makes it “Magic”. Another in these more hobby looking enclosures mainly because I had them on hand. 1/4W carbon film resistors, PIO output caps, MKP and poly caps and the same OPA2134 chip as in all Mimics. Smooth and warm sounding with my Garrett P77i. 

“Mundor/F5” - Pass F5 inspired with advanced boards

 

I was vey impressed with last F5 I built using Jim Audio boards. The amp sold before a I could start construction. The build was a big step up from the F5 before by upgrading the filter caps to 88,000uf of Mundorf MLytics and the toroid tranni upgrade from 160W to 300W. The total presentation of that amp was beguiling.

Here is my build based on what I thought maybe the best amp I have ever heard. Ounce more 88,000uf of Mundorf MLytics audio grade caps at over $300 for caps alone. Same upgraded Jims brds. and as before all Cat5 twisted pair hookup wire. This amp shines. Given the right music you are challenged to think something so compact and unassuming can generate such presentation. It’s a 25W Class A simple amp. Bass goes easy to 30Hz, mids are transparent and treble clean and controlled. Compact and astounding.