35 years ago, my friend and I started to build the original Ampzilla. After much work, things conspired against us, and we did not finish the project..... Now, I am retired, have lots of time, and funds are not an issue. I would like to build, from scratch, as good of an amplifier as possible and the Ampzilla 2000 version 2 would be very nice. Is this possible? Is there a better, as in more capable, option?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Ampzilla, in its day, was all about big watts for small bucks. I assume this means you want 2 x 200W into 8 ohms? If so, consider a classic Cordell or Self 3-stage circuit (LTP, VAS, OPS) using a 600VA power transformer with 2x45VRMS secondaries, and 8 output devices per channel (4xP plus 4xN). You can design the circuit yourself, build the PCBs from scratch, and build the chassis/cabinet from scratch. And then you can name it anything you like.
Class A amplifiers offer far fewer watts per dollar but some people consider them "more capable" to use your terminology. So that's a decision to revisit.
Class A amplifiers offer far fewer watts per dollar but some people consider them "more capable" to use your terminology. So that's a decision to revisit.
Hi,
Thanks for the information. Would the Cordell amplifier be of similar specifications as the original Ampzilla? Do you think it would be possible to build the new Ampzilla2000?
Thanks for the information. Would the Cordell amplifier be of similar specifications as the original Ampzilla? Do you think it would be possible to build the new Ampzilla2000?
The amp that you design based on Cordell's book or D. Self's book, will perform better and sound better than the original Ampzilla from the 1970's. It was a 2-channel (stereo) amp.
The Ampzilla2000 is a mono amplifier rated 500W into 4 ohms, 300W into 8 ohms. For that you'd need something like an 800VA transformer with (2 x 55VAC) secondaries. (Antek sells one like this for $84 plus shipping). If you're making a pair of amplifiers, you'll need two. Ypu'll probably want to have at least 12 beefy power transistors (6xP and 6xN) in the output stage of each channel. Probably some serious control circuitry too (output muting, output protection, soft start, SOA limiting), blocking DC riding on the AC mains, and so on. Might not be the best choice for a first DIY project.
The Ampzilla2000 is a mono amplifier rated 500W into 4 ohms, 300W into 8 ohms. For that you'd need something like an 800VA transformer with (2 x 55VAC) secondaries. (Antek sells one like this for $84 plus shipping). If you're making a pair of amplifiers, you'll need two. Ypu'll probably want to have at least 12 beefy power transistors (6xP and 6xN) in the output stage of each channel. Probably some serious control circuitry too (output muting, output protection, soft start, SOA limiting), blocking DC riding on the AC mains, and so on. Might not be the best choice for a first DIY project.
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But, are the schematics for Ampzilla2000 available so that you could even start to think of building a similar amplifier? The sizes and costs for the components is not as important to me as is finding the circuit design to use.
I don't have those schematics. I don't know anyone who has them.
Maybe a reader here is able & willing to do you a big favor; I guess you could start a discussion thread "Want to build an exact copy of Ampzilla2000, need all schematics, bills of materials, assembly guides; please help!"
Maybe a reader here is able & willing to do you a big favor; I guess you could start a discussion thread "Want to build an exact copy of Ampzilla2000, need all schematics, bills of materials, assembly guides; please help!"
I suspect the Ampzilla 2000 was more like the Ampzilla II or the Sumo Andromeda II.
AFAIK the schematics were never published for the 2000 (or some of the Sumo gear either.
"Ampzilla, in its day, was all about big watts for small bucks."
Then why did he use a 1.5KVA bi-filar wound transformer with a primary screen?
JB used some very expensive parts in several of his designs. Some minor capacitor quality changes can make the old Ampzilla really make music and sing.
"I guess you could start a discussion thread "Want to build an exact copy of Ampzilla2000, need all schematics, bills of materials, assembly guides; please help!"
I think he has already done just that.
AFAIK the schematics were never published for the 2000 (or some of the Sumo gear either.
"Ampzilla, in its day, was all about big watts for small bucks."
Then why did he use a 1.5KVA bi-filar wound transformer with a primary screen?
JB used some very expensive parts in several of his designs. Some minor capacitor quality changes can make the old Ampzilla really make music and sing.
"I guess you could start a discussion thread "Want to build an exact copy of Ampzilla2000, need all schematics, bills of materials, assembly guides; please help!"
I think he has already done just that.
Agree with Djk except the JB part ( it wasn't only JB as he liked to say there was other people also involved in the design process )
As about Mark .... i could suggest that you should look at the available schematics of the Ampzilla once more ...If possible try to find one to listen from ...
The description """was all about big watts for small bucks """ is wrong to my opinion and had a lot more to offer
Kind regards
Sakis
As about Mark .... i could suggest that you should look at the available schematics of the Ampzilla once more ...If possible try to find one to listen from ...
The description """was all about big watts for small bucks """ is wrong to my opinion and had a lot more to offer
Kind regards
Sakis
From everything I can see, the new Apmzilla2000 circuitry/schematics are not available. I am not sure that you can buy new ones either. Is the company still selling them even? It would be nice to build one, but maybe not possible. I did order Cordell's book from Amazon, so I hope that helps.
"I suspect the Ampzilla 2000 was more like the Ampzilla II or the Sumo Andromeda II."
That should read Ampzilla III, not II.
The Leach v4.5 sounded better than any Ampzilla or Sumo that we sold, partly because of better capacitors.
A Leach would be a better project for those that don't have a lot of build experience.
The Ampzilla III scematics and board layout are available from Audio Amateur back issues, if you really feel compelled to try that route.
That should read Ampzilla III, not II.
The Leach v4.5 sounded better than any Ampzilla or Sumo that we sold, partly because of better capacitors.
A Leach would be a better project for those that don't have a lot of build experience.
The Ampzilla III scematics and board layout are available from Audio Amateur back issues, if you really feel compelled to try that route.
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