More power needed!

[stubs]

Hi, I'm new to this site, and also to home audio.

I'm trying to start out with a few cheap items, and wish to get them sounding the best they can without speading a fotune etc.

Currently, I have a pair of Eltax "x-treme 400" speakers, being run off a Cambridge Audio A300 & Cambridge Audio P500.

Is it possible to modify the amps to produce more power output? and if so, where can I look to find advice about doing it?


Any advice/comments would be great.

Cheers,
Stuart.

[EchoWars]

Originally posted by stubs
Is it possible to modify the amps to produce more power output?

I'd say a flat 'NO', but some yahoo here will tell me I'm wrong. Let's just say then 'not realistically'. The power output is a function of the supply voltage and available current, and the degree of regulation, all of which are functions of the power transformer. Unless you plan on changing out the transformer (which is going to be a lot harder than you think), then no, you can't get more power from it.

If the amp uses some sort of V/I limiter to reduce the drive to the output transistors, this can be disabled to increase power output by a couple of watts at the expense of reliability. Not recommended.

If you need a bigger amp, buy or build one.

[stubs]

I appreciate your quick & honest reply, and you have kind of confirmed something I already knew (albeit without the technical knowledge), but wanted to deny.

Would there be any components within the P500 amp that I could use to create a better power amp of my own? I would like to use the external casing, to keep it looking the same as the A300, but want plenty more power!

Are there any good designs knocking around that you could reccomend?

Or would you just recomend bi-amping with a second P500?


Thanks again for your reply.
Stu

[EchoWars]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these reasonably well-regarded units? If that's right, seems a shame to see them destroyed...

Perhaps someone else will have an opinion on the subject...I'm not terribly familiar with Cambridge Audio stuff.

[anatech]

Hi stubs,
EchoWars is right on the money. Cambridge today is owned by a different group I think and not related to the original firm. Just a name plate now.

You really ought to start fresh with new parts, new case and build it to last. A half step will not do.

There are a number of amplifiers offered as kits or designs if you look about. These have verified performance amougst the world's biggest skeptics. Us, DIY'ers who have built these kits and designs.

One bit of advice. Be realistic about your needs. In this venue, 50 watts are 50 real watts. So 200 watts may end the life of many "500 watt" woofers. Also understand that power costs money, and the more power there is, the farther wrong mistakes can go!

-Chris

[pinkmouse]

Those Cambridge amps are not that bad. I'd be looking at building some more sensitive speakers rather than trying to bodge them into something they are not.

[anatech]

Hi Al,
I agree they aren't too bad, and your speaker comment (going the other way for a solution).

Who was it that bouight all those names?

-Chris

[ilimzn]

And to add a bit to Echo's post:
Even if you increase the size of the power supply, and the capabilities of the output transostors, AND adjust the V-I limiting, you still need better heatsinking.
Also, what is a 'lot more power'? If you are after a lot more loudness, keep in mind this is not a linear scale. Twice the loudness of 50W is 500W... so you mayhave to do some lateral thinking...