Amplifier Building vs old and used?

[upsideDownNBackwards]

Re: Amplifier Building vs old and used?

Haven't read the other posts but the LM3886 is excellent. I have an audiolab 8000a which is a renowned integrated amp which cost around $1000 in the early 90s and the gainclones I used to use where probably better. That said the audiolab does something really awesome to electric guitars and has nice space. I love it. They go for $300 or less and they have a great phono stage if you're into that.

The cool thing about gainclones though is that if you need a 6 channel amp to go active or have surround or whatever, you just build more. Super useful thing to know how to do for an audio diy'er. Nelson Pass once posted a list of useful circuits with these included. Linkwitz used them in various designs.

I built my first one back when i thought you were supposed to drip the solder on to the joint and it worked regardless. No fires or anything, which is more surprising when you consider that I housed them in shoe boxes (dont do this). Its was really fun to demo a cardboard box with wires coming out of it and watch peoples faces when they heard them.

My point is that they are accessible for a first time builder. Maybe skip the shoe boxes though.

[jason171717]

Re: Amplifier Building vs old and used?

Well, a variety!

I've got a couple of DIY amps - LM3886 Gainclone (68W/ch) in my bedroom - a IRS2092 (250W/ch) I just finished, and a vintage Kenwood KM-208 (a real sleeper - great sound and specs).

They all sound a bit different, which was a big eye-opener for me.

I never thought speakers could have a different sound, i used to think its only the speakers and the quality of the medium being used. Boy was i wrong :P

How much did that irs2092 cost to make and how does it stack up musically against your other amps?

[jason171717]

Re: Amplifier Building vs old and used?

Haven't read the other posts but the LM3886 is excellent. I have an audiolab 8000a which is a renowned integrated amp which cost around $1000 in the early 90s and the gainclones I used to use where probably better. That said the audiolab does something really awesome to electric guitars and has nice space. I love it. They go for $300 or less and they have a great phono stage if you're into that.

The cool thing about gainclones though is that if you need a 6 channel amp to go active or have surround or whatever, you just build more. Super useful thing to know how to do for an audio diy'er. Nelson Pass once posted a list of useful circuits with these included. Linkwitz used them in various designs.

I built my first one back when i thought you were supposed to drip the solder on to the joint and it worked regardless. No fires or anything, which is more surprising when you consider that I housed them in shoe boxes (dont do this). Its was really fun to demo a cardboard box with wires coming out of it and watch peoples faces when they heard them.

My point is that they are accessible for a first time builder. Maybe skip the shoe boxes though.

I so far have heard lots of great stuff about the lm chips i have a feeling that may be the chip for me to base my amp off.

That shoebox would be a real spectacle as long as it doesnt start to heat up! Cant believe you didnt have any problems making a shoe box amp ;)

That might be a pretty good thing to build multiples and run my 3 way mains as active speakers but then i have to get an electric XO right?

Your point is well noted, thanks! I am still deciding if i would be able to solder everything without issue or not :P

[donradick]

Re: Amplifier Building vs old and used?

I never thought speakers could have a different sound, i used to think its only the speakers and the quality of the medium being used. Boy was i wrong :P

How much did that irs2092 cost to make and how does it stack up musically against your other amps?

Get something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Assembled-LJ...item19f6af618c

The LJM designed boards are well-regarded.

And a power supply:
http://www.parts-express.com/abletec...6v-1a--129-147

So the base cost of the components is < $100. You of course need to add a case, power and signal connectors, etc.

I think the sound is very, very good. Massive power capabilities, ultra quiet and low distortion.
Plus, the amp is pretty small and light.

BTW, unless you are very experienced with soldering and electronics, buy finished boards.
there are plenty of challenges in the build, even with modular blocks.

Hope this helps.