My new Journey

[N7XG]

After reading and reading and more reading I have finally made the decision to jump into building a new system using Chipamp's. So far I really like what I see and will soon get my order off to Brain. I am planning on using the LM3886 kits as the basis.

Other things I have planned:

1) Building small inexpensive book shelf speakers

2) CDROM Controller

3) FM Radio

So to get this started several questions come to mind:

1) Selection of transformer. Good deals, best one without going broke, etc.

2) Case selection. Again I do not want to go over the top, just want something that looks nice.

3) Heat sinks for the LM3886's. How much heat do they really produce. I have seen pictures of projects with massive heat sinks and others using aluminum bar in case construction.

4) I have found a CDROM controller from HiLife (China I think). Am I wasting my money here?

So let the journey begin.

Dean

[nightanole]

For a transformer id shoot for a 150-200va unit from parts express(avel) or from antekinc.com

They seem to be the cheapest with still nice quallity.

for a case id shoot for one made out of alum and mount them directly to the case. The kit comes with 3886 with no backs so they are not conductive. Im mounting mine to the case aluminum part of the case.

Your really going to play cds??? a computer cd audio out is going to be the worse sounding way of getting music from a cd to your unit. Your better off using a ipod with a bottom line out and a volume pot. That bypasses the crappy ipod amps and is just cap coupled rca out. believe it or not ipods have a decent dac in them.
for me im planing on using an older 1AA powered mp3 player with a built in fm radio for the shop.

[N7XG]

Thanks for the heads up. Just more decisions in my new journey.

I would like to build my own speakers and do not want to break the bank. Any suggestions here?

[nightanole]

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I highly recommend spending the $50 each for the prebuilt cabinet. it saves so much time.

[N7XG]

I am curious if anyone knows the requirements for heat sinks for the LM3886. How warm to these puppies really get?

[jimbo1968]

Non-technical answer is that they don't require much heat sinking. I'd be happy with a small thick plate connected to the side or base of any metal chassis.

Technical answer is in the datasheet.

Also consider a wireless music streamer, it's the only source I use (ripped CDs and internet radio).

[N7XG]

I thought that might be the case.

Wireless music streamer.... Please explain more.

[nightanole]

Newegg.com - NETGEAR MP101 Wireless Digital Music Player - Network Media Players

[N7XG]

What a cool device. Sounds way much better than the PC drive and CDROM controller. I guess you don't even need to use the wireless.

[jimbo1968]

I've had a couple of squeezebox 3s for some years (Logitech® Squeezebox?) , and think they're great.

No idea what competition it has as I haven't felt the need to look.

The classic is discontinued now, but well worth picking up a new or nearly new one on eBay.