Cambridge Audio A1 Gainclone Conversion

fusion · 4th June 2007, 08:37 PM

Hi, as someone who has not built a gainclone as of yet I will be purchasing BrianGTs Stereo Kit with one Power Supply and Two Amp boards.

Now, Ive got a Cambridge Audio A1 in perfect working condition, but I do not really use it and do not like the lack of bass, etc. although the quality is ok.

I was wondering if a gainclone would fair better or worse? I would guess better.

Another question is wether I could use the existing torrodial power transformer that is in the case. When powered up the output measures 20.9 (21) V. Would this be suitable as an input to the gainclone or not?

I believe this would be useful because I could use the input stages built in.

Any ideas or feedback very VERY appreciated.

space · 5th June 2007, 07:07 AM

A +/-20V supply will make a very cool running GC. The output power will be abit limited though. (About 2*30W into 4ohms and half of that into 8ohm.) I think that most use about +/-25 to 30V for 4 ohm and up to 35V for 8 ohm.

space

Nuuk · 5th June 2007, 07:24 AM

A lot depends on how easy your speakers are to drive. For a similar project, take a look here .

If you find the A1GC lacking in power, you should have plenty of space to fit a larger transformer later!

fusion · 5th June 2007, 01:07 PM

Thanks ALOT you 2. So 50V on the rails would work for a GC running 8 ohm speakers? no loss in sq?

Minion · 5th June 2007, 06:28 PM

Are you measureing the AC voltage off of the Transformer or the DC Voltage after the rectifier (or regulators) ??

Because 21V DC Might be a Little bit low but still quite useable even into 4 ohm loads, but 21v AC will be about 28v-30v DC which is plenty for a Gainclone....

You should also check that the Xformer supplies enough Current for the gainclone...... You will need close to 2Amps of current at 28v DC for a single LM3886 Chip or about 80vA......

Cheers

Ponz · 10th June 2007, 12:12 PM

21VDC sounds a bit low and the output power might be limited.
i suggest you to buy a transformer about 100VA rating and
has a pair of 20-0 transformer sec. wiring.

4th June 2007, 08:37 PM	#1
fusion diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Cambridge Audio A1 Gainclone Conversion Hi, as someone who has not built a gainclone as of yet I will be purchasing BrianGTs Stereo Kit with one Power Supply and Two Amp boards. Now, Ive got a Cambridge Audio A1 in perfect working condition, but I do not really use it and do not like the lack of bass, etc. although the quality is ok. I was wondering if a gainclone would fair better or worse? I would guess better. Another question is wether I could use the existing torrodial power transformer that is in the case. When powered up the output measures 20.9 (21) V. Would this be suitable as an input to the gainclone or not? I believe this would be useful because I could use the input stages built in. Any ideas or feedback very VERY appreciated.

5th June 2007, 07:24 AM	#3
Nuuk diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Somerset, SW England	A lot depends on how easy your speakers are to drive. For a similar project, take a look here . If you find the A1GC lacking in power, you should have plenty of space to fit a larger transformer later! __________________ The truth need not be veiled, for it veils itself from the eyes of the ignorant.

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5th June 2007, 07:07 AM	#2
space diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oslo - Norway	A +/-20V supply will make a very cool running GC. The output power will be abit limited though. (About 2*30W into 4ohms and half of that into 8ohm.) I think that most use about +/-25 to 30V for 4 ohm and up to 35V for 8 ohm. space

5th June 2007, 01:07 PM	#4
fusion diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Thanks ALOT you 2. So 50V on the rails would work for a GC running 8 ohm speakers? no loss in sq?

5th June 2007, 06:28 PM	#5
Minion diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006	Are you measureing the AC voltage off of the Transformer or the DC Voltage after the rectifier (or regulators) ?? Because 21V DC Might be a Little bit low but still quite useable even into 4 ohm loads, but 21v AC will be about 28v-30v DC which is plenty for a Gainclone.... You should also check that the Xformer supplies enough Current for the gainclone...... You will need close to 2Amps of current at 28v DC for a single LM3886 Chip or about 80vA...... Cheers

10th June 2007, 12:12 PM	#6
Ponz diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2007	21VDC sounds a bit low and the output power might be limited. i suggest you to buy a transformer about 100VA rating and has a pair of 20-0 transformer sec. wiring.

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