Components UK

dome406 · 28th March 2004, 09:15 PM

I am completly new to building audio amplifiers etc. so purchased a book by Elector Electronics called 'build your own high-end audio equipment' and wanted to know if the products you build are any good.

The main thing I want to ask though is that I live in the UK and would like to know where the bestplace is to buy all the components, integrated circuits and transformers at good prices.

Thanks,
William

bigparsnip · 28th March 2004, 11:26 PM

There are a fair few electronics suppliers in the UK, some you have probably heard of others not so. However if you keep up with this for any length of time, you will probably end up realising that most of these places are rather expensive when it comes to the sorts of things you will need in many audio projects. Whilest I have listed a few below, whenever you do want something and it looks like it may be expensive, try a few different places to get your components from (ebay can be great if you are in the right place at the right time to find something useful to you), or post up in the trading post to see if people here can help you out.

Anyway, enough of my babbling, I'll put a list below of some of the ones that I use and see if anyone else would care to add to the list once I have finished.

RS - Big, good service and range but quite expensive.

Farnel - A bit like RS, but not quite as easy to find stuff on their website (occasionaly impossible)

CPC - subsiduary of Farnell, not a huge range, but some things are a bit cheeper

Maplin - very small stock, handy for popping into town to pick up the odd bit though

Rapid - Quite a good range and good prices on most items (especialy resistors)

DigiKey - not in the UK, but good for getting hard to find semiconductors and chips at decent prices

Distel - Surplus store based near london, random stock but often have a good bargin if you know what you want

dome406 · 29th March 2004, 05:18 AM

Thanks a great help,
William

Ouroboros · 29th March 2004, 06:14 AM

Digikey now have a UK distribution division. (It's accessed via the normal website)

Farnell are excellent as they are quite happy to accept private credit card orders, and have very fast delivery. RS used to have a seperate number for private orders, but remember that their trade counters dotted around the country don't accept private buyers. You have to set up an account to use the trade counters. (A real pain considering that there's one not too far from me in Nottingham).

Don't forget that a lot of components are on sale at the big electronics/radio rallies that take place. For example, the big one held towards the end of June at Elvaston Castle (near Derby) is well worth visiting.

28th March 2004, 09:15 PM	#1
dome406 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: uk	Components UK I am completly new to building audio amplifiers etc. so purchased a book by Elector Electronics called 'build your own high-end audio equipment' and wanted to know if the products you build are any good. The main thing I want to ask though is that I live in the UK and would like to know where the bestplace is to buy all the components, integrated circuits and transformers at good prices. Thanks, William

29th March 2004, 05:18 AM	#3
dome406 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: uk	Thanks Thanks a great help, William

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
NCD components	rootbeer	Class D	4	15th March 2009 04:09 PM
where to buy components	dayking79	Solid State	4	6th February 2009 06:46 PM
What are these components?	Mrpong	Parts	4	15th January 2006 09:33 AM
components	Swanic	Parts	0	11th November 2004 09:00 AM
amp and components for a 911?	jbrinkely	Car Audio	2	23rd September 2004 12:18 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

28th March 2004, 11:26 PM	#2
bigparsnip diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cambridge	There are a fair few electronics suppliers in the UK, some you have probably heard of others not so. However if you keep up with this for any length of time, you will probably end up realising that most of these places are rather expensive when it comes to the sorts of things you will need in many audio projects. Whilest I have listed a few below, whenever you do want something and it looks like it may be expensive, try a few different places to get your components from (ebay can be great if you are in the right place at the right time to find something useful to you), or post up in the trading post to see if people here can help you out. Anyway, enough of my babbling, I'll put a list below of some of the ones that I use and see if anyone else would care to add to the list once I have finished. RS - Big, good service and range but quite expensive. Farnel - A bit like RS, but not quite as easy to find stuff on their website (occasionaly impossible) CPC - subsiduary of Farnell, not a huge range, but some things are a bit cheeper Maplin - very small stock, handy for popping into town to pick up the odd bit though Rapid - Quite a good range and good prices on most items (especialy resistors) DigiKey - not in the UK, but good for getting hard to find semiconductors and chips at decent prices Distel - Surplus store based near london, random stock but often have a good bargin if you know what you want

29th March 2004, 06:14 AM	#4
Ouroboros diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Nottingham UK	Digikey now have a UK distribution division. (It's accessed via the normal website) Farnell are excellent as they are quite happy to accept private credit card orders, and have very fast delivery. RS used to have a seperate number for private orders, but remember that their trade counters dotted around the country don't accept private buyers. You have to set up an account to use the trade counters. (A real pain considering that there's one not too far from me in Nottingham). Don't forget that a lot of components are on sale at the big electronics/radio rallies that take place. For example, the big one held towards the end of June at Elvaston Castle (near Derby) is well worth visiting.