Hi All,
Im looking to kick off my first real DIY build on amp/dac/Bluetooth device (I’ve only done one or two very basic amp kits before) I was hoping to get some advice from those more experienced (assume I know nothing!) who have
Built a similar device previously. Here’s what I would like to achieve.
Would like to build a little integrated amp that has AMP/DAC/Bluetooth for a kitchen setup driving some mini 3” speakers. I have seen some great cheap options for off the shelf stuff but I really would like to roll my sleeves up and give it
A crack even if I have some heartache along the way! Here is things Im looking for
- Amp – Preferably up to 25/15w at usable THD levels 4/8ohmsEither decent onboard potentiometer or ability to connect external one.
- DAC – Decent quality DAC (not fussed on sample rate ) ideally can take USB either on board or external board.
- Blue tooth (either inbuilt on DAC or DAC has ability to connect to external module) for mp3/wav
- Run on DC pwr and rechargeable batt (batt is desirable not essential though). Not car battery size but would be good something say under 3inches X 1.5x half think
- Connection wise - Bluetooth is must, 3.5mm headphone is a must also. Ideally with USB but not essential
As I have limited knowledge if soldering SMD or design is tricky preference would be a pre-assembled. If anyone has untaken a similar build or has some advice on some amp/dac modules, power supplies/battery setups you have previously used
Would be great to get some feedback, overall budget would like to keep under 130-140 inc case ‘if’ possible.
Thanks for any feedback or experiences
Im looking to kick off my first real DIY build on amp/dac/Bluetooth device (I’ve only done one or two very basic amp kits before) I was hoping to get some advice from those more experienced (assume I know nothing!) who have
Built a similar device previously. Here’s what I would like to achieve.
Would like to build a little integrated amp that has AMP/DAC/Bluetooth for a kitchen setup driving some mini 3” speakers. I have seen some great cheap options for off the shelf stuff but I really would like to roll my sleeves up and give it
A crack even if I have some heartache along the way! Here is things Im looking for
- Amp – Preferably up to 25/15w at usable THD levels 4/8ohmsEither decent onboard potentiometer or ability to connect external one.
- DAC – Decent quality DAC (not fussed on sample rate ) ideally can take USB either on board or external board.
- Blue tooth (either inbuilt on DAC or DAC has ability to connect to external module) for mp3/wav
- Run on DC pwr and rechargeable batt (batt is desirable not essential though). Not car battery size but would be good something say under 3inches X 1.5x half think
- Connection wise - Bluetooth is must, 3.5mm headphone is a must also. Ideally with USB but not essential
As I have limited knowledge if soldering SMD or design is tricky preference would be a pre-assembled. If anyone has untaken a similar build or has some advice on some amp/dac modules, power supplies/battery setups you have previously used
Would be great to get some feedback, overall budget would like to keep under 130-140 inc case ‘if’ possible.
Thanks for any feedback or experiences
If the speakers are small, I'd go for a chip amp. LM3886 is quite popular, but it might be too much. LM1875 is smaller and less powerful.
You can find pre-assembled boards, but if you're into making PCBs and soldering, you'll probably do a better job yourself.
You can also find class D amps (preassembled) - a lot smaller, easy to fit in a box.
As for the DAC and bluetooth, aliexpress and ebay are a good resource for those. I have a PCM2704 DAC and it sounds good.
The power supply is the real issue. This one you'll have to build yourself from a transformer, rectifier and filter caps, and if you integrate the DAC and bluetooth receiver, you'll need a 5V supply. I would hack a USB power brick and put it inside the case.
Look for eliott sound products, it has a lot of projects you can get inspired from.
You can find pre-assembled boards, but if you're into making PCBs and soldering, you'll probably do a better job yourself.
You can also find class D amps (preassembled) - a lot smaller, easy to fit in a box.
As for the DAC and bluetooth, aliexpress and ebay are a good resource for those. I have a PCM2704 DAC and it sounds good.
The power supply is the real issue. This one you'll have to build yourself from a transformer, rectifier and filter caps, and if you integrate the DAC and bluetooth receiver, you'll need a 5V supply. I would hack a USB power brick and put it inside the case.
Look for eliott sound products, it has a lot of projects you can get inspired from.
Thanks mate appreciate your feedback. I'll take a look at some other options. I gave a little tpa3116 a go with Bluetooth which for the money around 17 bucks sounded pretty good , although I found that it got distorted by time it was at decent level. I had some little 3 inch speakers lying around, not sure about their sensitivity but I suspect given the low output they must be in the loooow 80s because I had to push the little amp pretty hard to get any decent level and by then could tell amp was struggling.
Maybe if the speakers were more sensitive it might not actually be a too bad option because at low levels it actually sounded pretty good and board is pretty compact around 3.5 inches by 2.5.
Thanks again for your feedback appreciate your advice I'll take a look at PCM2704 and other suggestions..
Peace
A member here (the user name escapes me) uses these in boomboxes and says he is happy with the sound.
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Module-Player-decoder-display/dp/B00KW0GASE
It looks like a lot of functions for the money if you can live with mp3, I have yet to try one myself.
John
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Module-Player-decoder-display/dp/B00KW0GASE
It looks like a lot of functions for the money if you can live with mp3, I have yet to try one myself.
John
Hey john
Thx for reply. Looks interesting, bought a tpa3116 w/ Bluetooth which doesn't sound too bad at all, actually pretty good for $17 bucks! Like this options though as it gives an easy external interface + remote. Think I might give one of these a go at the price can't go wrong! 🙂
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