My Q-Watt project

Hi Peterphuket,
Thanks for your valued views on my build.
After the numerous delays, my final beast will remain as it is.
Transparent labels? Maybe something to think of in the near future.
Listening pleasure has been is still is great, with many jealous neighbours!

Kay, please see post 613
 
Last edited:
Hi Peterphuket,
Thanks for your valued views on my build.
After the numerous delays, my final beast will remain as it is.
Transparent labels? Maybe something to think of in the near future.
Listening pleasure has been is still is great, with many jealous neighbours!

Kay, please see post 613
Ha, ha, You're not so lucky, my next neighbour is 500 mtr from me.
Enjoy listening, like I do.
 
Input / Output lvs

A query plz.

A query on the output level of the Preamplifier 2012 (Elektor April, May & June 2012) & input level on the Elektor Q-Watt Power Amp (Elektor September 2013).

As there appears to be quite a high level output from the Preamplifier 2012, if it's connected to the Q-Watt then there appears to be a 'mismatch' of levels.

Can something be done to keep them in line, otherwise i fear with the Preamplifiers volume turned up to a high level it could over-drive the Q-Watt.

A query on the output level of the Preamplifier 2012 (Elektor April, May & June 2012) & input level on the Elektor Q-Watt Power Amp (Elektor September 2013).

As there appears to be quite a high level output from the Preamplifier 2012, if it's connected to the Q-Watt then there appears to be a 'mismatch' of levels.

Can something be done to keep them in line, otherwise i fear with the Preamplifiers volume turned up to a high level it could over-drive the Q-Watt?
 

Attachments

  • Q-Watt Spec.jpg
    Q-Watt Spec.jpg
    90.4 KB · Views: 238
  • Preamp.jpg
    Preamp.jpg
    63.1 KB · Views: 245
As there appears to be quite a high level output from the Preamplifier 2012, if it's connected to the Q-Watt then there appears to be a 'mismatch' of levels.

Can something be done to keep them in line, otherwise i fear with the Preamplifiers volume turned up to a high level it could over-drive the Q-Watt?

I use a Tisbury Audio Mini Passive Preamp II.

Tisbury Audio - Mini Passive Preamplifier

Pops.
 
Last edited:
Can something be done to keep them in line, otherwise i fear with the Preamplifiers volume turned up to a high level it could over-drive the Q-Watt?

The easiest way is to use an attenuator between them.
Uneeda Audio - Build your own attenuator pads

Alternatively you could try and modify the gain of the preamp. I believe Douglas even commented on that in one of the two threads on his preamp (can't remember in which one it was but it was here on diyaudio).
 
Hi Calpe,

The problem is that you are using just a small part of the volume range to get say 0.1 to 1.0 Watts typically day to day, and then there is the risk that (normally sticky fingered children) someone cranks the dial up to 130 Watts at an inappropriate occasion.

The Tisbury unit deals with this with a handy dipswitch on the bottom which can switch in fixed attenuation. I have mine set to -20dB so peak output is about 5V at 100% and there is more useful range of control.

The only pity is that the fixed attenuation is not configurable per input channel. Maybe that's where the DIY comes in...

There are 20dB (or other) bullet attenuators available for RCA cables. Maybe that's a good option for you?

Pops.
 
I forgot to mention: the attenuator I use is 20 dB (I have built it inside my Q-Watt amplifier and can be disabled with a swtich). I have created a small (universal) PCB for that but you could just as easily build it on a small breadboard PCB. I use a PI-Pad type of attenuator.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1456.jpg
    IMG_1456.jpg
    83.3 KB · Views: 216
Thanks guys for your feedback.
Sticky fingers are my concern.

Having built the Elektor Preamplifer 2012, I don't really want to use (if I can help it) another unit.

Delange what you have sounds interesting, any chance of getting details, pcb....?

I made the small PCB to be universal so I can use it in different projects.
It basically features to functions: a PI-Pad attenuator or a voltage divider. In both cases there is a switch to allow for two positions. In this particular case the switch would select 0 dB or 20 dB attenuation. The schematic is attached.

For the 20 dB PI-Pad I used with my Q-Watt, I used following components:


R1A = 30k
R1B = 150 ohm
R2 = 5k
R3 = 240 ohms
Rout = 1M

The above resistors are metalic film 1%
The rest of the resistors are not populated.

The DTDP switch is mounted at the solder side of the PCB.

The input connector is wired as following:
IN-1: not connected
IN-2: signal input (connect to output of preamp)
IN-3: gnd

The output connector is wired as following:
OUT-1: signal output (goes to input of Q-Watt)
OUT-2: gnd
OUT-3: not connected
 

Attachments

  • PI-Pad.png
    PI-Pad.png
    16.2 KB · Views: 201
Last edited: