The "Dummies' Guide to getting parts/assembling CarlosFM's chipamp"

[Spasticteapot]

Seeing as how finding all the necessary parts at Digikey is a pain in the kiester (and I'm not sure if I have the right ones, anyway), I figure I may as well post a list of decent parts usable for a CarlosFM LM3886 chipamp. Except for the gargantuan capacitors used in the PSU, everything's from Digikey.
A quick question or two, though: Can I replace any of the PSU caps with caps of higher values? (such as the 2x 10,000 uf caps with 1 20,000 uf cap, or the 4700 uf cap with a 6200 uf capacitor.) Also, what would be the disadvantage to using a premade bridge rectifier? (A 200v 8A bridge rectifier is $1.50 from the Electronics Goldmine.) Or could some cheaper diodes be used? (They're over 1$ each, or about 18$ for the 16 needed for a monoblock setup?)
Also, how much sound quality would be lost by using one PSU instead of two?

PSU board:
(From Digikey):
2 493-1116-ND CAP 4700UF 50V ELECT VR RADIAL 0 3.49000 $6.98
-These are the 4700uf caps.

5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
-These are the caps used to drain the capacitors, and are placed across the rails. 5 is the minimum order.

2 P1.0W-2BK-ND RES 1 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0 0.28000 $0.56
-These are the 1 ohm resistors between the 4700uf caps and the 10,000 uf caps.

2 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN
0 0.29000 $0.58
-these are the 100nf caps used to bypass the 10,000 uf caps.

2 0.47W-2-ND RES .47 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0 0.23000 $0.46
-These are the .47 ohm resistors used in the "snubber".

10 1395PH-ND CAP 1500PF 100V CERAMIC DISC Y5V 0 0.07700 $0.77
These are the 1.5nF caps used in the "snubber". (NOTE: Ceramics were chosen due to price, not because they're good. 10 are ordered due to minimum order requirements.)

8 RURP860-ND DIODE ULTRAFAST 600V 8A TO-220AC 0 1.11000 $8.88
These are the rectifier diodes. They look almost identical to the MUR860's CarlosFM reccomends.

From Ebay:
4x Nichicon 10,000 uf 50v caps: 10$. Somebody's selling 'em for less than half of Digikey's price.

Total: 30$, + ~4$ shipping for one PSU.
Hmmm....I wonder if the regulated PSU might make more sense? At 7$ for each regulator, they're a little bit pricier, but you don't have to bother with the 10,000 uf caps. Plus, it's regulated, which is likely a good thing.

Chipamp:
2 495-1172-ND CAP 2.2UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.16000 $2.32
5 PPC15.0KXCT-ND RES 15.0K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0 0.19400 $0.97
5 PPC330BCT-ND RES 330 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400 $2.17
6 495-1147-ND CAP .10UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $1.02
4 495-1135-ND CAP .0033UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.68
2 338-1125-ND CAP 300PF 500V MICA CHIP 1812 1.93000 $3.86
5 PPC100BCT-ND RES 100 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400 $2.17
5 PPC2.0KW-1CT-ND RES 2.0K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.34800 $1.74
4 LVRA-.10CT-ND RES .10 OHM 1% 1W METAL STRIP 1.26000 $5.04
2 LM3886TF-ND IC AMP AUDIO PWR HP 68W TO220-11 0 5.99000 $11.98
2 493-1112-ND CAP 2200UF 50V ELECT VR RADIAL 1.91000 $3.82

Total cost for chipamp: 36$.

Total grand cost, not incl. PSU: 56$. (60$ incl. veroboard.)
Not a bad deal, eh?

Now, here's the part y

[Spasticteapot]

The Regulated PSU:
2x 10,000 uf 50-60v capacitors from ApexJr, 1.50$ each. 3$ total.
NOTE:
These replace the 4700 uf caps in the original circut. I'm pretty sure they should work, though. (If not, feel free to correct me.)

Parts for Regulated PSU:
1 2 LM338T-ND IC REGULATOR ADJ 5A TO-220 0 2.50000 $5.00
2 8 RURP860-ND DIODE ULTRAFAST 600V 8A TO-220AC 0 1.11000 $8.88
3 5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
4 4 P5181-ND CAP 47UF 50V ALUM LYTIC RADIAL 0 0.25000 $1.00
5 5 BC91W-2CT-ND RES 91 OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
6 2 495-1143-ND CAP .047UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.34
7 5 PPC.47CCT-ND RES .47 OHM 1W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.88600 $4.43
8 10 1N4003-E3/23CT-ND DIODE GP 1A 200V DO41 0 0.06900 $0.69
9 2 495-1161-ND CAP .47UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.57000 $1.14
Total cost for single PSU:
25$.
This is pretty much Carlos Filipe's regulated PSU circut with bigger capacitors on the input.

Not a bad deal, eh? The LM338's should provide enough power for two gainclones. However, I'd prefer to use standard "bridge" rectifiers, as the diodes alone are nearly half the cost.

[Spasticteapot]

Transformers:
There's two inexpensive options for transformers at ApexJr. (By the way, the guy who runs it is very helpful.)

For non-regulated PSU:
2x Signal BL1752 transformers from ApexJr per PSU, at 8$ each. (36$ total for a monoblock setup.) These put out an impressive 7 amps at 24 volts AC on US line current, and have 3A 14v secondaries for a preamp. If you've got 220v house current, you can use the secondaries instead. (They're rated for 3 amps at 24 volts at 220v for the primary.)

For a regulated PSU:
2x Avel-Lindberg dual 28v output toroidial transformer, 150VA+
$22.00ea, 44$ total for a monoblock set.
These are nice transformers, but you'll likely end up needing to use two.

I do have a few questions, though:
1.
Will the 470nf "bypass" cap allow the 10,000 UF replacement for the 4700 uf capacitor work properly?
2.
Would the 800v/8 amp rectifier listed on ApexJR for $2.50 work in place of the MUR860's?
3. Would it be possible to modify the regulated psu to use the smaller transformer, and to have a smaller output voltage?

[Nuuk]

That's good work Mr Teapot! Now why not make up a nice web page with that information before it gets lost amongst the thousands of GC threads?

[joecool85]

Correct me if I'm wrong...but that doesn't include a transformer, which is the most expensive part. Nevermind the petty things like fuse/fuse holder, power wire, volume pot etc.

[Spasticteapot]

16$ for two of the above transformers, for a 336VA 24-0-24 combined power, should work just fine. ApexJR also has 100VA dual-winding 22v transformers for $17.50, two of which would make for a fine monoblock system if you want to use toroids.
Fuseholders are cheap at RadioShack. Also, this is designed as a "power" amplifer, for use with a preamp or iPod (or whatever.)
ApexJR has some inexpensive pots, though; they've also got some nice knobs.

[Spasticteapot]

Revised version of PSU/Chipamp parts lists!

I made a few mistakes, now corrected.
Here's the parts list for a proper Carlos Filipe gainclone.
(They're all muddled together, and unlabeled; I'll fix that soon.)
Index Quantity Part Number Description Customer Reference Backorder Quantity Unit Price
USD Extended Price
USD
1 5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0 0.32000 $1.60
2 8 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN 0 0.29000 $2.32
3 2 0.47W-2-ND RES .47 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0 0.23000 $0.46
4 10 495-1175-ND CAP .0015UF 250V METAL POLY 0 0.13300 $1.33
5 2 23J1R0E-ND RESISTOR WIREWOUND 1.0 OHM 3W 0 1.28000 $2.56
6 5 PPC15.0KXCT-ND RES 15.0K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0 0.19400 $0.97
7 2 338-1125-ND CAP 300PF 500V MICA CHIP 1812 0 1.93000 $3.86
8 5 PPC100BCT-ND RES 100 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.43400 $2.17
9 5 PPC2.0KW-1CT-ND RES 2.0K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.34800 $1.74
10 4 495-1135-ND CAP .0033UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.68
11 4 493-1112-ND CAP 2200UF 50V ELECT VR RADIAL 0 1.91000 $7.64
12 2 495-1172-ND CAP 2.2UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.16000 $2.32
13 2 495-1173-ND CAP 3.3UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.61000 $3.22
14 5 PPC10KBCT-ND RES 10K OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.43400 $2.17
Subtotal $33.04

And, from ApexJR:
To order from Apexjr:
2x LM3886T's, 3.95 each. Also request insulators.
12,000uf 50V $1.29 x6
Signal BL1752 x2 7.95
IEC receptacle with 6 amp filter 2$
Gold plated RCA jacks A 2$
2x Dual binding posts B 2$
2x 600v 25A bridges from ApexJR
$42.50

Total cost, INCLUDING 330VA transformers:
75.54 + about 10$ shipping from ApexJr.
Transformers, jacks, and whatever are all included in this price; the only thing not included is an enclosure.
Pretty nice value for the money!

Also, if someone could host this info on a page, it would be dandy. I spent ages looking for a list like this when I first started.

[Garnett]

Spasticteapot, I can stick it on my website, if you want. I've been trying to make sure everything gets properly attributed, so is it ok to post a link to your profile on here?

Also, if you can relabel them like you mention, that would be really useful. Thanks.

[Spasticteapot]

No problem!
I'll get right on it.
(thanks, by the way!)
Also, feel free to use my actual name (Joseph Shaul) on the page.

[Spasticteapot]

The now-annotated and corrected lists:

5 BC2.2KW-2CT-ND RES 2.2K OHM METAL FILM 2W 5% 0.32000/ $1.60 total
R1, R2 on PSU
These are the 2.2k “bleeder� resistors in the front of carlosFM's psu circuit.

8 495-1617-ND CAP 0.1UF 275VAC EMI SUPPRESSN 0.29000/$2.32 total
C7, C8 on PSU, CZ C3 and C5 on amplifier.
These are the 100nf capacitors (MKT polyester film) used on the amplifier and psu circuit. This is enough for 1 PSU, and 2 amplifers. 2 are needed per PSU, 3 per amplifier.

2 0.47W-2-ND RES .47 OHM 2W 5% METAL OXIDE 0.23000/$0.46 total
R5, R6 on PSU
These are the .47 ohm snubber resistors. They're metal oxide instead of metal film; however, from what I've read, this should'nt hurt quality much.

10 495-1175-ND CAP .0015UF 250V METAL POLY 0 0.13300/ $1.33 total
PSU C9, C10
These are the 1.5 nf caps used in the PSU snubber. 10 ordered due to minimum order restriction.

2 23J1R0E-ND RESISTOR WIREWOUND 1.0 OHM 3W 0 1.28000 /$2.56 total
R3, R4 on PSU
These are the 2 1 ohm resistors used in the PSU's “smoothing� section.

5 PPC15.0KXCT-ND RES 15.0K OHM METAL FILM .50W 1% 0.19400/ $0.97total
R1 on amp
These are the 15k resistors on the input to the circuit.


5 PPC100BCT-ND RES 100 OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0.43400 /$2.17 total
R2 on amp
These are the 100 ohm resistors

5 PPC2.0KW-1CT-ND RES 2.0K OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0.34800 $1.74
R3 on amp
These are the 2k resistors in the circuit.

4 495-1135-ND CAP .0033UF 100V METAL POLY 0 0.17000 $0.68
These are the 3.3 NF snubber capacitors
C7, C8 on amp

2 495-1172-ND CAP 2.2UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.16000 $2.32
C1 on amp
These are the input capacitors

2 495-1173-ND CAP 3.3UF 100V METAL POLY 0 1.61000 $3.22
C6 on amp
These are the 3.3 uf capacitors on the amp. (Feedback?)



5 PPC10KBCT-ND RES 10K OHM .50W 5% MF FUSIBLE 0 0.43400 $2.17
RM on amp.
I'm not quite sure what these do.

4 P10333-ND CAP 1000UF 50V ELECT FC RADIAL 0 1.75000 $7.00
C2, C4 on amp
These are the power capacitors on the amp.

2 338-1065-ND CAP 300PF 500V MICA RADIAL 0 2.00000 $4.00
Cs on amp
These are the 300pf capacitors on the amp.

5 BC2.7W-1CT-ND RES 2.7 OHM METAL FILM 1W 5% 0 0.16000 $0.80
Rz on amp
These are the Zobel network resistors.

4 LVRA-.10CT-ND RES .10 OHM 1% 1W METAL STRIP 0 1.26000 $5.04
R4, R5 on amp
These are the snubber resistors. They're metal oxide film by necessity; 1w metal film resistors cost 4$ each, and must be bought in groups of 10! I don't know what these will do to sound quality.

Subtotal: $38.48 + shipping.

To order from Apexjr:
2x LM3886T's, 3.95 each. Also request insulators; he'll likely give you some for free with a good-sized order.

10,000 uf 63v x8, 12$. (C3, C4, C5, C6 in PSU).
These are the big power capacitors.
Signal BL1752 x2 7.95
These are some inexpensive power transformers. (They also have some nice toroids; 2 of the $17.50 toroids at 100VA each should make for a nice monoblock setup.) 2 are needed; tie the center leads together for the ground to form a 24-0-24 transformer.

IEC receptacle with 6 amp filter 2$
This is a place to put in a power cable. It's also got a filter, for what it's worth.

Gold plated RCA jacks A 2$
Input!

2x Dual binding posts B 2$
Output!
Total from ApexJR:
42$

Not included from either location:
MUR680 diodes x8. Expect to pay 10$ for the lot.
These are the power diodes. Digikey no longer carries them; you'll have to find them somewhere else. Alternately, use a bridge rectifier.


Expected total cost:
100$, incl. shipping. Does not include case; I'd just find something interesting and broken (a toaster?) and use it instead.

Next up:
The parts for the BrianGT psu (much cheaper!) and Chill Amp amplifier.