I apologize if I missed a post about this if there is one, but are there any complete kits available anymore? I have built an Audiosector LM3875 and would like to build another chipamp. I've looked but can't find anything. I love my Audiosector kit and might purchase the LM4780, but I'm just checking to see if there are other quality kits available.
If not, any recommendations on a chipamp project that doesn't come as a complete kit?
Thanks,
Mike
If not, any recommendations on a chipamp project that doesn't come as a complete kit?
Thanks,
Mike
I offer a couple of options based on the LM3886:
Tom
- Modulus-86 Rev. 3.0: https://neurochrome.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/modulus-86
- Modulus-86 Rev. 3.0 Stereo Kit: https://neurochrome.com/products/modulus-86-stereo-kit
- Modulus-86 10th Anniversary Edition: https://neurochrome.com/products/modulus-86-10th-anniversary-edition
Tom
Hi Tom,
So, the Modulus 86 kit would need the Power 86 PS and one of the transformers mentioned on page 12 of your documentation, correct? I'm trying to determine the overall cost so I know how much I'll need to complete the project, keeping the price affordable. I'm a retiree on a fixed income, so these things are pretty important.
Another question I have is about the layout of the board. I have a slight tremor and soldering is not as easy as it used to be. However, I've found that if I find a rest for my hand, it helps a lot. I built one of the small headphone amps a while ago and had a tough time with it. I realize this might be hard to answer, but are there many very small pieces that are very close together? The power supply board looks great, but the amp boards make me a little nervous. I apologize if this sounds strange, but it's an unfortunate part of aging a guy has to keep in mind.
Thanks,
Mike
So, the Modulus 86 kit would need the Power 86 PS and one of the transformers mentioned on page 12 of your documentation, correct? I'm trying to determine the overall cost so I know how much I'll need to complete the project, keeping the price affordable. I'm a retiree on a fixed income, so these things are pretty important.
Another question I have is about the layout of the board. I have a slight tremor and soldering is not as easy as it used to be. However, I've found that if I find a rest for my hand, it helps a lot. I built one of the small headphone amps a while ago and had a tough time with it. I realize this might be hard to answer, but are there many very small pieces that are very close together? The power supply board looks great, but the amp boards make me a little nervous. I apologize if this sounds strange, but it's an unfortunate part of aging a guy has to keep in mind.
Thanks,
Mike
The Modulus-86 needs a ±28-30 V power supply. That can be the Power-86 with a suitable mains transformer. It can also be a pair of Mean Well LOP-200-27 with the voltage adjusted up a bit (there's a trimpot on the supply).
Like any Class AB amplifier, it'll also need a heat sink. A heat sink with a thermal resistance of 1.5 K/W is appropriate for a single channel. 0.7 K/W for a stereo amp. The easiest is to buy a chassis with integrated heat sinks such as the ModuShop 2U Dissipante series. Alternatively, you can find tons of heat sinks on eBay or at outfits like HeatsinkUSA.
Tom
Like any Class AB amplifier, it'll also need a heat sink. A heat sink with a thermal resistance of 1.5 K/W is appropriate for a single channel. 0.7 K/W for a stereo amp. The easiest is to buy a chassis with integrated heat sinks such as the ModuShop 2U Dissipante series. Alternatively, you can find tons of heat sinks on eBay or at outfits like HeatsinkUSA.
Tom
I also have this available: https://neurochrome.com/products/lm3886-done-right
I'm currently out of stock but will have more available within the next few months. I'm updating the design to account for component obsolescence.
The LM3886DR is easier to assemble. But unlike the Modulus amps, it does not feature error correction, so it doesn't perform as well. The difference in build cost between the Modulus-86 and the LM3886DR is about 10% of the total project cost, so I tend to steer people in the direction of the Modulus-86. The better performance is well worth the extra cost.
Tom
I'm currently out of stock but will have more available within the next few months. I'm updating the design to account for component obsolescence.
The LM3886DR is easier to assemble. But unlike the Modulus amps, it does not feature error correction, so it doesn't perform as well. The difference in build cost between the Modulus-86 and the LM3886DR is about 10% of the total project cost, so I tend to steer people in the direction of the Modulus-86. The better performance is well worth the extra cost.
Tom
Hi there,
You can try this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334842335447
Thanks for the link. What do you use for a power supply?
You can try this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334842335447
Thanks for the link. What do you use for a power supply?