Help, I Want to Build a Set of Active Speakers and Ditch my Amp Altogether

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#21
Ok then a small 2 way with Purifi 6.5” along with 1 “ Tweeter of your choice could do that. And only need a cabinet volume of 4L sealed if going active. To keep the budget low you can use the upcoming MiniDSP flex unit to drive the amps and handle all the DSP for the crossovers.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/flex
And I’d build in Icepower 200AS2 amp into each the speaker cabinet due to the high performance/cost/size/efficiency

https://icepower.dk/products/amplifier-power-modules/as-series/#200as2-popup
 
#23
I'm not sure if you've seen this site before, but it's a fun place to look at some designs by a popular member in the community (Troels Gravesen)

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/Diy_Loudspeaker_Projects.htm
These are all ready to go, I think you just have to purchase the bits from the site he works with. Some of the designs are active. I wouldn't be surprised if he can give some advice on making the passive ones active.

This might help you decide what sort of size speaker you want too
 
#25
xrk971 said:
Yes, if cost is no object for you. The Purifi is currently one of the lowest THD Class D amps out there. TPA3255 amps are also great sounding and a bit more economical. But even TPA3116 sounds fine if all you need is 30w or so.

Also Class AB amps modules based on TDA7293 are superb sounding if well implemented.
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I agree with the TPA3255 and have burned through quite a few Aiyima AO7 making active speakers, they're an incredible value. Now that I've just seen the audiosciencereview testing measurements of the Topping PA5, I had to grab one to have a listen. Seems they've really done some great engineering with this one although a bit pricey for active speakers at $349, as I could get 4 x AO7 for that.
 
#26
The Icepower 100AS1/2 uses the TPA3251. And the Icepower 200AS1/2 uses the TPA3255. Very nice little amp boards with integrated power supplies. Run super cool as well. Top quality Japanese caps used throughout. Awesome to build into active speakers.
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#30
You’ll need to order them direct from Purifi. But the modules are useless without an input board and power supply. So unless you build your own from scratch, you’ll need them as well. The Purifi input boards are probably the best you’ll find. And the Hypex SMPS1200A400 is the power supply to use. Although they’re out of stock till probably March. There is some available at some European vendors if you look hard enough.
 
#31
Amplifier dude said:
You’ll need to order them direct from Purifi. But the modules are useless without an input board and power supply. So unless you build your own from scratch, you’ll need them as well. The Purifi input boards are probably the best you’ll find. And the Hypex SMPS1200A400 is the power supply to use. Although they’re out of stock till probably March. There is some available at some European vendors if you look hard enough.
Click to expand...
Thank you.
 
#36
His SMPS conforms to strict CE certifications like low power usage while in standby, and EMI emissions etc. They are reliable - I have bought and used hundreds for my commercial amps in production. No issues. They are also supremely quiet and can take a huge cap bank without going into hiccup mode due to unqiue topology.

https://micro-audio.com/store/product/smps630-so/
I only recommend these because they work super well.
 
#40
Based on experience of a buddy who’s been car install / home audio service tech for a local hi-fi shop for several decades, I’d be inclined to agree with Planet10’s opinion re installing amps within the speaker enclosures themselves. One of his biggest headaches, and the dealer’s PR conflicts is with dead plate amps in powered subwoofers. While one would need to be of a conspiratorial mindset to opine they are intentionally designed to fail only after the end of whatever qualifies for warranty period these days, and long after replacement parts are available; based on his collection of “dead” units (drivers are in perfect operating condition, but the sealed and potted plate amps are toast ), that does seem to occur.😉

I‘ve used the ICEpower A200 series myself with quite satisfactory results; the 200ASC module with onboard SMPS supports up to two 200AC modules. In my case the application was for 3 front row channels of HT surround, and as is not surprising, a very nice custom chassis cost more than the three amp boards.

Re anticipated operating SPLs, maybe take some measurements of existing systems - whether your own, or friends/family - to assess what you can live with. Even when watching blockbuster action movies - I rather enjoyed Free Guy, and 6 Underground - I seldom breach 90dB A in my 340sq ft room.
 
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