Adding VU meters to First Watt F5v2 Amplifier

[Rbertalotto]

Installing VU meters on a First Watt F5v2 amplifier. Too much verbiage and pictures to post here, so I wrote a short article and posted it on my web page:

http://rvbprecision.com/stereo/first-watt-f5v2-vu-meters.html

 

[Badbruno]

Roy a great project !! I’ve been thinking of adding VU meters for my 6 channel active system, 6 class D amps ! Thanks for sharing this journey and the links.

same interests!
Porsche, photo, audio and …
Bruno

 

[MediumRare]

Fun project. I’d be interested to see you measure distortion at different SPLs, with and without the meters. No disrespect, but the Pass amp has audible distortion above 2 or 3 watts. Specs on the First Watt website.

 

[Rbertalotto]

No disrespect, but the Pass amp has audible distortion above 2 or 3 watts.

Yup, Like many GREAT sounding amplifiers, Measure Poorly...Sound Fantastic......I've bought at least 6 amplifiers in the last few years that were reviewed and reported Great measurement, but sounded horrible and I sent them back. My Tubes4HiFi Dynaco tube clone ST120 probably measures real bad....But the sound through KEF LS50 Metas or Magnapan MMGs sounds heavenly.....My ears are all the measurement device I need......No disrespect.....

 

[MediumRare]

Yup, Like many GREAT sounding amplifiers, Measure Poorly...Sound Fantastic......I've bought at least 6 amplifiers in the last few years that were reviewed and reported Great measurement, but sounded horrible and I sent them back. My Tubes4HiFi Dynaco tube clone ST120 probably measures real bad....But the sound through KEF LS50 Metas or Magnapan MMGs sounds heavenly.....My ears are all the measurement device I need......No disrespect.....

But you also said it got shrill, so….

 

[Rbertalotto]

Yes, adding that small power supply too close to the low level inputs cause some kind of interaction. Once it was disconnected it went back to the sweet sound it had. Power supply is now outboard and 6' away. Mo bettah!

 

[NBPK402]

Thanks for the info... I am getting ready to add VU meters to my amps too.