help on designing/building solid state amp

[Hons Gruber]

Hello,
I would like to build a solid state amp to go with the speakers I'm building.
My specifications for it is that it has about 30watt per channel at 8ohms. My plan is to have the input then a preamp with a volume knob that will control the signal going to the main amp and the sub out.
So really only about two knobs unless more is easy.
I don't know if I should by a kit or build it myself. It should be around $120 tops. Thats why I am thinking maybe it's better if I build it.
so if anybody knows designs that work well and slightly relate to my specifications...
thanks.
Hans

[smartx21]

I think you should provide some more information.
Will it be a 2.1 system? Already has amp for sub?
Also the speakers project would be welcome.
And maybe a chip amp will be the simplest choice...
Kindest regards,
Max.

[Hons Gruber]

It will be a 2.1 system yes. both speakers and the sub are using passive radiators. It will have two fullrange 3" speakers. Thats what this amp will be powering. The sub will have its own 100watt amp. I have the speakers question under fullrange.

The design I am using for the sub is Wyse
except my will have a different plate amp on the back.

The tools I currently have are a soldering iron, an old drill, Allen wrenches and such. If I need other tools I can see what I can steal from my friends.

I will maybe be using a design similar to this Hi resolution images of the W3-871S Monitors
with different drivers (same brand, but higher end) and two PR's.


here's a link to my fullrange post
fullrange cabinet design help

peace,
hans

[smartx21]

Well, if you feel being skilled to manage to build your own amp, this is the right place.
Otherwise.... buy a kit!
Being able to do all the hard work by yourself, projects will fall here in a glance.
Otherwise.... don't expect much from Solid State folks.
Even though, people will try to help you.
Peace,
Max.
(sorry for rough English)

[Hons Gruber]

I think I'm up to trying to build myself. It will definitely give me a better sound for a lower price. Now to find some schematics (in this area suggestions are helpful)

peace,
hans

[Hons Gruber]

Oh and I guess I wouldn't mind tubes, but just not too many. (the more you have the more expensive it tends to be.
I don't think I can change my thread title though.
cheers,
Hans

[AndrewT]

if you choose any type of solid state amplifier, whether chipamp or discrete or hybrid of chip driver & discrete output stage, ensure it is AC coupled NOT DC coupled.

This requires a DC blocking capacitor in the input feed and if non-inverting a DC blocking cap in the Negative FeedBack line. I don't recommend an inverting design for a newish builder.

[Hons Gruber]

ok will do.

[CBS240]

Hi

How far along is your electronic design skills? If you choose to build your own amp from scratch and not use a pre-designed and proven kit, you will most likely need at least a DMM, O-scope, and function generator. If the sub is powered by only 100W, the other speakers are not going to need nearly that much power. A chip amp solution might be the way to go.

[wakibaki]

Here's a Velleman kit with 2x40WRMS into 8 ohms:

Velleman Inc.

Don't forget you need a heatsink...

Here's a PSU board from the same company, you'll need to buy a transformer too...

Velleman Inc.

You should be able to find a distributor near you, they're a US company.

I haven't built this particular kit, but I have built Velleman kits in the past, they're straightforward and pretty cheap to buy here in the UK anyway.

w