Looking to build a Stereo amp for speakers - not sure which kit?

[rampantandroid]

Hi all,

Looking to build an amp for a pair of bookshelf speakers (Not picked the speakers yet, but something like the RTi A1s or A3s) - what would a good amp be for that? I'd been looking at some of the AMB amps, but they're likely not powerful enough?

I've look at some hifimediy stuff that would seem to fit the bill, but really just wanted some basic pointers, and I'd found no generic threads on the forums from a search (if there is an existing thread, please link me to it.)

Am I right in thinking that a chip amp is a better choice, over a solid state amp? What power output should I be looking at - 50W/ch at least?

Thanks in advance!

[jerryo]

Hi,
there are way to many to list now but I would urge you too continue searching on the forum as you "will" find what you are looking for.
Also try a Google search for a site called;

41Hz

which sells amp kits using "Tripath" technology and are reported to be very good and reasonably priced.

Cheers

[bcmbob]

Can you explain where you want to use this system - meaning main listening area or as a monitor system for a computer? What is the size of the room where you will use it? What will you be using to control your power amps - preamp or simple volume pot/attenuator?

[rampantandroid]

Originally Posted by bcmbob

Can you explain where you want to use this system - meaning main listening area or as a monitor system for a computer? What is the size of the room where you will use it? What will you be using to control your power amps - preamp or simple volume pot/attenuator?

With my PC, yes - for basic use, some TV/Movies, though that will be limited (I have a 5.1 system and a plasma for this), music and gaming.

The area is large; I sit close to the speakers, but I'm in an apartment where my PC sits in my living room/dining room area.

The DAC I'm using is a AMB Labs gamma2 - no volume control built into it. If I use the s/pdif outputs from my PC, my PC can regulate the volume. If I use the TI USB chip build in (the 2707 iirc) there is no way to control the master volume. Preferrably anything I build will have a volume adjustment built into it. Might something like the AMB or Pear Labs relay attenuators be a good option?

Originally Posted by jerryo

Hi,
there are way to many to list now but I would urge you too continue searching on the forum as you "will" find what you are looking for.
Also try a Google search for a site called;

41Hz

which sells amp kits using "Tripath" technology and are reported to be very good and reasonably priced.

Cheers

Will do, thanks!

[panson_hk]

I suggest LM3886. If possible, find a kit with x2 / x 3 LME3886 in parallel per channel.

[roymail]

Agree with the LM3886 chip amp. I like the Brian Bell kit. A great performer.

Chipamp.com

One other option would be Class D Audio SDS-224 or SDS-254

Class D Audio Home page

There is a large thread on AudioCircle where you can read all day.

All the best.

[apoopoo999]

MyRef LM3886 is the best sounding and very easy to assemble in my opinion. Try to wait for one of the group buys ClaveFremen is developing the latest version.
My_Ref Fremen Edition - need help on PCB evaluation

[bcmbob]

rampa.......,

While I believe the MyRef-C is the best thing since sliced bread, a user should consider the application when selecting what to build. I have both the BrianGT and several MyRefs. I consider the MyRef as exactly that - a reference quality amp that outperforms many commercial offerings into the thousands of dollars. IMHO unless one matches that amp with "reference quality speakers" the beauty and magic of the MyRefs will never be fully realized. I don't mean to imply the speakers need to cost a fortune but should be based on a proven design. The DIY approach can again meet the needs of a top quality system at significant savings. Check out the DIY speakers at places like Parts Express.

Speaker Projects Gallery,Speaker Design Goals, Project Materials, Enclosure Assembly, Speaker Project Photos and More, Submitted By Parts Express Customers.

If you check around I am sure you will find thousands of BrianGT builders who feel that it's a great starting point with excellent results - maybe second only to the MyRefs.

Also, please be aware that linuxguru has advanced V1.4 copper and gold MyRef kits and boards available now.

[revelator]

Is there a link to the v1.4 Myrefs boards offered by linuxguru?

thanks

[rampantandroid]

At this point I'm kinda just looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers for my PC - given I'm playing plenty of MP3s on it, I'm not so sure I'm terribly worried about everything being reference level given my encoding is lossy.

I'd love to build speakers on day, but at current don't really have the tools required.

I don't know much about Class D - what would I gain by going to that - looks like it is more efficient, how is it quality wise?

Are there kits out there currently for the myref?

Why do you recommend multiple LME3886 in parallel - simply for more power? Where would I find such a design?

Thanks again!