Which amp to build????

[SteveT]

I am going to build a chip amp but cant decide which design to go for. I want something that could drive Sub and full range speakers of various loads.
Electronics theory is not my strong point, but I can build most things with instructions.
SO.
Basically what I want is a well documented, indestructable, proven design that can output in excess of 100w.

ANY recomendations would be welcomed

Cheers

Steve T

Did I say it has to be cheap?

 

[wxn]

You need LM3886/LM4780 in parallel (up to 100W) or bridged/parallel (>200W)

 

[Nuuk]

Same advice I always give to these questions. Start with a simple GC and then build a high-powered one when you have some experience. There are a few tried and tested designs on my web site.

 

[robselina]

maybe this would be up your alley?

http://www.chipamp.com/lm4780.shtml

 

[slackman]

If you have boxes with impedances never go below 8 Ohms, you can try the bridged version of the lm4780 (or two separate lm3886).

This guy: http://tech-diy.com/LM4780_bridgedamp.htm
has a perfect pcb.

unfortunately it seems to be a little difficult to buy some lm4780 - they are out of stock in many shops an will be there in one ore two month...

 

[planet10]

I'm with Nuuk on this... build a simple one 1st. 25-35 W. Then if you need more power build another and bi-amp. Most of the cost is in the power transformer...

In a bi-amp situation 2 25 W amps is approximately equivalent to a 100 W amp (& the system usually sounds better)

There is a general rule of thumb... smaller amps tend to sound better.

dave

 

[matjans]

i concur...

if i were you i'd build a lm3886 based amplifier (kit available from www.chipamp.com link above), a tried and tested design. It has more power than a lm3875 and is said to sound ~the same.

If that's not enough poof, biamp.

 

[SteveT]

Thanks Guys.
I will check out the links and have a good think.
Although this is my first amp, it is not by any means my first electronics project. I dont really want a kit, as I like to make my own boards. but yes I have to agree that starting small is probably the sensible thing to do.
But then again who wants to be sensible?

Thanks again.

Steve T

 

[Nuuk]

But then again who wants to be sensible?

I know what you mean Steve. When I don't want to be sensible there is a friend that I go and see

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

but when it comes to electricity, I don't bring her home with me!