Class A dilemma

[4real]

Well, here is the thing:

I want to use a Class A amp with my ribbon tweeter in an active speaker setup (and a LM3886 for thewoofers).

So I'm looking for a Class A design that is fairly simple, and can produce about 10 W into 6 Ohms. And of cource, it should sound fantastic! The problem is that most designs produce a little more power, and that would mean that the amps would produce an bit of extra waste heat (I know they do that anyway, but it gets worse with more power ).

I found these designs:

- http://www.tcaas.btinternet.co.uk/index-1.htm
- http://sound.westhost.com/project3b.htm
- http://sound.westhost.com/project36.htm
- http://www.passdiy.com/

Now the big question: which one to choose. Since it is used with a ribbon the amp should be able to amplify upto at least 20 Khz flat. How do they compare? Which one sound best? Which one can be used at a lower voltage, and at what voltage..., to get less power output (I understand that not all amps work will at lower voltages). 10W is more that engough for a 94 dB ribbon that is used from 3.5 Khz.

Any other nice designs are of cource welcome!

[destroyer X]

Take a look in ESP pages.

regards

Carlos

[destroyer X]

Thinking about your dilemma....hehe...this is the worst place on earth to clear dilemma.

Each one have it's own idea related what is good and what is bad...some will came with instruments...other with circuitation...technologie...and you will have 360 ways to go....

Your dilemma will be multiplied, you will kick your amplifier and will go to another hobby.

Here.... when entered i was ignorant and had no dilemma...now i am full of culture...and have hundred dilemmas.

regards,

Carlos

[EchoWars]

Just got done building Rod Elliot's DoZ amp...other than the fact that it gets too hot (because the voltage is about 44.5V) and that I have transformer shielding issues, it is quite good sounding.

[E. Pardaans]

You could also build a Zen amplifier or mini Aleph.
Try the Pass Labs section.
There are quite a few people who can help you.

[Panelhead]

For a tweeter, you owe it to yourself to try the Sonic Impact T amp. They are 19.95 right now. They will put out about 7 - 8 watts into 6 ohms, generate no heat, and run off batteries.
I just had to try a couple, and find the highs are extremely good. The sound was a big surprise. They sound better than some of the amps I own when used on my horns. I do not think they will work with normal full range speakers.
Buy a couple, the dc offset varies a lot, the two I have range 20 - 100 mv. Use the pair with the lowest offset.
But they are not Class A.

George

[destroyer X]

Go to DOZ...will be cheap and good enougth.

others are good...but will confuse your mind...they are many!

regards,

Carlos

[4real]

Originally posted by destroyer X
Thinking about your dilemma....hehe...this is the worst place on earth to clear dilemma.

Each one have it's own idea related what is good and what is bad...some will came with instruments...other with circuitation...technologie...and you will have 360 ways to go....

Your dilemma will be multiplied, you will kick your amplifier and will go to another hobby.

Here.... when entered i was ignorant and had no dilemma...now i am full of culture...and have hundred dilemmas.

regards,

Carlos

Haha, what is a life without a confused mind... It is darn dull if you ask me. So more delemma's is not always a bad thing . It is even more fun confusing other peoples minds

I am also more interested in the technical possibilities. I saw that the pass amps have a not so verry good high frequence response (just upto 16 Khz), or am I wrong. The other thing is the power output. Since most amps give more power, I want to lower the voltage, but upto what voltage can I use the amps without getting unstable?

[Rudy]

Thats depending on the topology off the amp in question.

Rudy

[4real]

Originally posted by Rudy
Thats depending on the topology off the amp in question.

Rudy

Sure, that is exactly why I'm asking about it! What is the best topology in my case ?