Newbie advice

[irishpatrick33]

Hello,

So here's my situation. I'm taking the plunge. I'm looking for a SIMPLE build that is a very good amplifier (gainclone, chimamp, whatever you call it).

I have an option as well. I am building the speakers and they are great candidates for being active. Is there any reason not throw these amps in a bass reflex cabinets (assuming I properly compensate for heat)?

Anyway, I am looking for advice on what to build. Obviously I am looking for as simple a build as possible. But like anyone else, I want the best too. It's a small room and the speakers will never be played loud. Nor am I going to have bass thumping and anger my neighbors.

So I am looking for suggestions. What design to use, parts, etc.?

Like most people, I prefer tube amps. I am not foolish enough to think I can get tube performance for a fraction of the price. But if I could get the liquidity, the 3D soundstage... that would be nice.


Anyway, I would appreciate anyone's help. Thanks

[john blackburn]

There was a thread a while ago that may be of interest to you.

Active ZD5s

Hope it helps a little

John

[Gordy]

Attaching your amps to the back-plates of the speakers would be fine, and you could start with a single amp on each speaker feeding into a conventional cross-over. Later you might decide to split the cross over and use one amp per drive unit.

If you arange your amps (on your speakers) to have balanced (i.e. differential) inputs then you could build a balanced tube preamplifier to drive the lines to the amps. Best of both worlds?

[Gordy]

I know the LM3886 is not exactly new, but I've heard examples sound good. Using these amp chips leads to a relatively simple build, so you may wish to consider this option. A Google search for LM3886 will bring stacks of info (, as would using the search facilities of this forum).

: )

[irishpatrick33]

Cool thanks everybody!

Originally Posted by Gordy

I know the LM3886 is not exactly new, but I've heard examples sound good. Using these amp chips leads to a relatively simple build, so you may wish to consider this option. A Google search for LM3886 will bring stacks of info (, as would using the search facilities of this forum).

More than likely the speaker will employ a full range single driver. Makes things very convenient for me. I would go the internal monoblock route. Not sure what I would do about volume control though, my source has no volume control on it. So perhaps I would be forced to use a preamp, even though I only have one source.

I had done some searching regarding gainclones and such. But there was just so much out there... I didn't know where to start. Do I buy a kit? Where can I find parts? Where can I find designs? Which chip is best considering my tastes? Etc.. So that's why I came here to ask others to put me on the right path.

Is the 3886 my best option? And is there a benefit to the insulated or noninsulated version?

[pacificblue]

First of all, read the datasheet. A good start for a design are the schematics in the LM4780's datasheet figure 5 and 7.

The non-isolated version has advantages, when it comes to heatsinking, but requires electrical isolation from all touchable metal parts and the ground by means of a mica washer or something similar. The isolated version does not need an additional isolation, but a much bigger heatsink instead.

Depending on the quality of your source's output stage a passive pre-amplifier could do, i. e. a potentiometer in a box with RCA connectors and optional source selector. A simple, active preamp could look like this or this.

[lanchile]

Originally Posted by irishpatrick33

Cool thanks everybody!



More than likely the speaker will employ a full range single driver. Makes things very convenient for me. I would go the internal monoblock route. Not sure what I would do about volume control though, my source has no volume control on it. So perhaps I would be forced to use a preamp, even though I only have one source.

I had done some searching regarding gainclones and such. But there was just so much out there... I didn't know where to start. Do I buy a kit? Where can I find parts? Where can I find designs? Which chip is best considering my tastes? Etc.. So that's why I came here to ask others to put me on the right path.

Is the 3886 my best option? And is there a benefit to the insulated or noninsulated version?

Well, I would build an LM3875 no doubt! They sound nice and are easy to build. just check Audiosector (Peter Daniel) I build one and I am happy as a clam! you can build it Integrated amp (potentiometer).I build one LM3886 before But I like the LM3875 better!

[irishpatrick33]

Active speaker design is out the window. The speakers cabinets are not what I had thought. I guess that expands my options though.

Judging by that LM3875 kit, it seems the price is in line with all those T amp kits (Charlize 2, Autocostruire, 41Hz, etc.). I was attracted to the gainclone idea because I heard that gainclones had a very emotional sound. And the T amp tend to be cold and ultra precise. So that's my reasoning for dipping my toe in the gainclone water, not to mention it seems like a doable build for a complete novice. I have decided not to use a preamp. I will include volume control in the build.

Any other kit suggestions? Thanks

[lanchile]

Originally Posted by irishpatrick33

Active speaker design is out the window. The speakers cabinets are not what I had thought. I guess that expands my options though.

Judging by that LM3875 kit, it seems the price is in line with all those T amp kits (Charlize 2, Autocostruire, 41Hz, etc.). I was attracted to the gainclone idea because I heard that gainclones had a very emotional sound. And the T amp tend to be cold and ultra precise. So that's my reasoning for dipping my toe in the gainclone water, not to mention it seems like a doable build for a complete novice. I have decided not to use a preamp. I will include volume control in the build.

Any other kit suggestions? Thanks

I tell you,if you build one of these boys...you will not regretted it. I compared mine side by side with good commercial ones like. Portal Panache, Adcom 510 integrated amp, Arcam, Marantz 2238B,and the respetable Bryston B60.
I know many people here will say hey there is no way a Gainclone can compete with a commercial amp or the usual How an IC that costs $7 will get you sound quality! Well the best instrument to check sound quality that people have is their ears.you can have the most expensive amp , but if it does not sound good to your ears...it is useless!!also the speakers are a big thing too.make sure you get the right impedance for your amp.Right now My LM3875 integrated amp is in my living room playing beautifully.Some of the above will play louder but the sound is not as good as the Gainclone.Get attention to the power supply. some people like a hefty power supply (a lot capacitance).in my case I use 10000uf per rail.I try with many values like.4.7uf, 10uf, 1000uf, 3000uf, 10000uf, 20000uf.and at the end I decided to leave it with 10000uf per rail.it is all in taste buddy!. Good luck and Be careful with your project!

[AndrewT]

get your first amp running and working to your satisfaction.
Listen to it driving a single speaker.
Decide if it meets your aspirations.
Only after all that, decide on whether a pair of these + crossover + EQ + PSU can be packaged inside or on the back of the speaker cabinet.