Just Starting out

[Freestyling]

Hello all,

As the subject says I'm just starting out in the field of DIY audio, and I'm looking for some help as to wher I should start. I'm looking to build myself a good quality sound system (aren't we all), mostly for listening to classical music, but I have absolutely no idea where to start.

I have done some reading around, google searches etc. but I can't find much for the beginner, most of what I read goes over my head. I would be grateful if someone could point me in the direction of not only a good first project, but more importantly something that will explain the basics of how amplifiers work and the rules that govern their performance etc.

Many thanks in Advance

Phil Tooley

[ssmith]

Hi Phil,

I'm in much the same position as you -- googling and so on like mad. It is a very steep learning curve.

As a first amp project I decided to go for an an assembled T-amp (you can also get a kit version) for several reasons:

- This whole Class-D thing is interesting.
- not too expensive
- review(s) have been good
- The documentation provided is very good
- it doesn't use tricky surface mount components.
- power supply of 12-13.5v dc is straightforward.
- can also be run off a battery

This means that even with my noob soldering skills, I can experiment with modding. This I feel is a good way of getting into understanding how each component works and changes things. Not a very challenging I know, but I feel it is a good starting point. I will start with connecting wire, upgrade the input & PS caps, change the gain resistors, change output filter caps...

Other kits are available, although most looked too complicated for me. You could even start with a $40 Sonic Impact T-amp which has a very active modding community.

I see this as a very first project. Depending on how things go, I may eventually move on to higher powered Class-D modules, such as the Hypex UCD's, or maybe even SET tubes.

For speakers, I am planning the Frugel horn full range. One of the recommended drivers, Fostex FE126E's, are very cheap. No crossover involved, just woodwork based on published plans.... not very ambitious I know.

For a DAC I opted for a DDDac. Mainly because it also has a USB-in module (I use the PC as source). This I'll couple with a simple buffer and a volume pot. The DDDac has been getting good reviews, doesn't break the bank and can be expanded with additional modules. Like the T-amp, it also runs off a noob-friendly 12vdc.

I hope that helps in some way.

You are right about the info here and elsewhere on the net being very tricky for the noob. I allso don't know how much of a noob you are. So all I can suggest is search, search, search and read, read, read. Divide up the system into source->amp->speakers, and take each individually, while at the same time studying system 'synergy'. Eventually your reading will reach a point where things just about start to fall into place -- although beware that it is a bottomless pit out there....

good luck,
stefan

[dce]

Phil,

Hello! try this site: http://diyamp.net/
hope it will give you some idea.
Also, there is a book there by Randy Slone
Guide to understanding Electricity and Electronics 2nd edition
you can get this pretty much on any online bookstore.
The book really explain about basic electronics and amplifier.
There is also one good book by douglas self I cant remember the tittle.

dce

[Cal Weldon]

Welcome to the forums Phil.

[planet10]

As the subject says I'm just starting out in the field of DIY audio, and I'm looking for some help as to wher I should start. I'm looking to build myself a good quality sound system (aren't we all), mostly for listening to classical music, but I have absolutely no idea where to start.

Welcome to the forum... where you start should be driven somewhat by your skill set... good at woodworking? Then perhaps some speakers.

Done some electronics, then ....

dave

[audio3000]

Welcome to the forum.

Building kit is a good starting point. Read more on this forum. Guys here are very helpful.

Good luck,

[narcotiks]

hi im new to this place as well. infact this is my first post. i have been into car audio and know a bit about amps and the basic rules to audio. but home audio is where i want to go next. i have never had the pleasure of ever owning an audiophile systeml. infact i have never heard one properly. i hope this is the place where i can learn these things, looking through the forum there are so many things that didnt even occur to me in car audio and its begging to confuse me.

anyway im in the same place as you guys really looking for a place to put my foot. as one of you said i went and got a class T sonic impact amplifier. i have heard its a very easy amp to work on and this is why i want to use it as a basis for my stepping stone. so i was wondering what i should do about it and the speakers. frantic searching has got me nowhere and im getting really frustrated.