Another TPA3116 amp

[JDeV]

So I also decided to get one of these little amps. I got the Audiobah green board and an Alps POT, which turned out to be a fake. 🙁

I then took an old CD/DVD ROM and a 5.25" blank cover which I used for the case.

I added a source select switch for either CD player or a Bluetooth dongle (for streaming direct from smart phone or laptop).

Next I am going to add a "Quanzo 6N3" valve buffer stage with an IR remote volume control.
Provisional upgrades will be Mundorf caps and JAN 5670 valves.
Yes, I have read that this is not much of a valve stage and some other mods will make it worth something, I will look into that as well. 🙂

 

[29285]

Very nice design - although I would not go for any tubes in the audio chain.😉

 

[JDeV]

I eventually received my Guanzo 6N3 pre-amp and applied some of the suggested mods to it, as described here:
"Say Hello! to my new little friend" | Page 25 | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums

I used 1uF caps for C4/C7 + C6/C9 as 2.2uF produced too much bass.
I also did some mods to the PSU. Installed all AC parts in a separate enclosure, added some more filtering to it as well. Had some annoying ground loop issues, which I resolved.

I adjusted the HT voltage to 155V to be more friendly to the 200V PSU caps, the heaters supply was changed to 6.2V.

It still have too much gain, volume POT at 9 o'clock is just right. Must say I am using Fostex drivers with 95dB/W(m).

The sound is now as I expected it to be with the tubes. Not so clinically as it was with only the TPA3116.

I must now still paint the enclosures and will then post pics of the finished product.

Here is my version of the schematic:

 

[JDeV]

Here is the pics of my 6N3 buffer stage. The system is now complete and I am very pleased with the final result. A "cheap" setup with amazing sound. 😉

I fitted 2 power connectors to the rear. The one supplies the HT and heaters (both already rectified and smoothed) and the other is 12v for the remote controlled POT.