My first gainclone; which one?

[vaughst]

Hi

I have become facinated with the idea of building a GC or similar. I have built many tube amp kits, and am fine at soldering, and reading schematics. I have never built an amp "from scratch" however!

I am overwhelmed by the number of chip amp alternatives, and would like some suggestions. My ideal would be:

1) Cost effective (ca £300 total project, I guess around$575)
2) Upgradeable, but not so that I will need to make another variant
3) Parts readily available
4) Will sound good from the off.

Any suggestions, circuits etc would be welcomed.

Regards

Steve

[VT67]

Hi Vaughst

The best way to enter the chipamp world is to by one of BrianGT's kits, that's how I got involved with those little suckers. A premium kit based on the LM3875, a transformer, a pair of binding posts, a pair of RCA jacks and a mains plug and switch. Total cost will be around $ 150, give or take a few bucks depending on the quality of the parts used. For the amount of money spend you will get a nice little amplifier with a more than reasonable sound, believe me. From there on you can experiment by adding a buffer, regulated power supplys or whatever. I'm very happy with my LM3875 based amp so far. Currently busy with a design from Peranders based on an LM3886.

Cheers

Walter

[vaughst]

Thanks. Does he have a web site, or where else can I get these from?

[VT67]

Hi Vaughst

He's got a brandnew one

http://www.chipamp.com

Cheers

Walter

[Nuuk]

2) Upgradeable, but not so that I will need to make another variant

Steve, looking at that requirement, I would go for the DIY approach, ie not a kit. That will give you much more flexibility.

Be aware though that the GC is in a state of constant development and some of those improvements may mean building a different version.

Also be aware that playing with this type of amp can become addictive!

If you have not yet been there, have a look at my GC pages and then hop onto the GC web ring.

[VT67]

Yep, the Decibel Dungeon. I totally forgot to mention that other GC reference. Sorry Nuuk!

Walter

[vaughst]

Hi Nuuk

It was your website that got me here in the first place! Thanks.

Bit confused as to the inverting/non inverting issue; which is the more favoured?

[Nuuk]

It was your website that got me here in the first place! Thanks.

I sometimes feel like a drugs dealer - getting so many people hooked on this hobby!

Bit confused as to the inverting/non inverting issue; which is the more favoured?

WORLD WAR III ALERT

I prefer the IGC and from what I have read about half the other GC builders do too. The other half prefer the NIGC. This has been the subject of some (very) heated debate in the past!

IMHO, more important than IGC v NIGC are factors like regulated PSU, T-network configuration, type of buffer (if any).

Personally, I like a buffered IGC and am currently deciding if the T-network suits my tastes. I have tried regulated supplies and found that they gave an improvment too. My problem is that I am trying so many alternatives, I can't keep up with the permutations.

In short, despite claims made by people, most of the variations sound different rather than better or worse and the only way to find out what is 'best' for you, is to try it.

[vaughst]

Sorry. New to all this. Didn't mean to open old wounds!

[Nuuk]

Sorry. New to all this. Didn't mean to open old wounds!

Don't worry! I mentioned the war once but I think that I got away with it. Now, where's Manuel?