Working on my K-20X (TDA2030 chipamp)

[joecool85]

My Dean Markley K-20X uses a TDA2030 for its power section. Here is the schematic:
http://deanmarkley.com/Info/LegacyAm...tics/D1515.pdf

Would swapping the 2200uF/25v power filter caps for larger caps help improve the punch of the amp? I know with car audio, adding a large cap before an amp helps a lot.

[Bazukaz]

You don't need larger caps for TDA2030.Adding more will result only in slight increase of output power.For a comparison , 100W amps usually need 10000-15000 uF.

[joecool85]

How slight? I mean, its only a 14w chip, so 1-2w could make a difference to me. My lm3886 project uses a couple 10,000uF caps btw.

[EWorkshop1708]

Originally posted by joecool85
How slight? I mean, its only a 14w chip, so 1-2w could make a difference to me. My lm3886 project uses a couple 10,000uF caps btw.

You can never have too many caps. Add as many as you can afford or have available. More caps gives you tighter bass with less rail sag during peaks. Also less chance of noise entering your chip from your power supply because of the better filtering they provide.

Try to add some more 2200 uf caps, or swap with 4700's.

[Leolabs]

4700uF is a good choice,but should not go futher.

[Original Burnedfingers]

The TDA 2030 is the same output IC used in the Peavey UM10 and UMA12T series of commercial amplifiers. Sure the IC is supposed to be rated at 14watts. In real life the UMA12T didn't have a long life span unless the load on it was less than half the rated output(in the case of the UMA12T it was 12 watts) the UMA12T was downsized to the 10watt version which is the UM10.
Neither of these will last much over a year in normal commercial life even when the load is cut in half.

So, why bother with this chip?

[joecool85]

Because thats what came in the amp....

And its running at full power, its getting +18.2, -18.2

I've had the amp for 4 years and use it all the time, driving the stock 4 ohm speaker, or using my 8 ohm cab. Never heard of anyone having problems with a K20.

[Original Burnedfingers]

I just mentioned its life span in a commercial piece of equipment.

Conditions can aslo vary. The Peavey doesn't have what I consider to be enough heat sinking because the chip is mounted to a 1" piece of aluminum and that is mounted to the chassis.
Yours may have considerably more sinking and therefore a longer life span.

[Bazukaz]

My own experience with TDA2030 is quite poor sound quality.From these times i don't trust TDAxxx anymore.

[joecool85]

Yeah, my dean has way more heat sinking than that. It has a heat sink that is roughly 6" across, 2" high and 2" deep fins. 6 fins on each side of it.