F5 power amplifier

I agree with your post untill you say:

"At 100W output the dissipation has increased to approximately 60W. Much the same as it dissipates at the quiescent state."

So, according to you, the amp can produce more power than it draws from its psu?
This is impossible. I certainly misanderstand your words.
 
How do I calculate the biased current? I am currently running my F5 at 0.7v across r11 & r12, which brings the temperature on heatsinks a little closer to the touch test.

Also, I am using 3w panas for R11 & R12 which seem real hot. Should I replace with a higher wattage resistor to run a higher bias?

Thanks Nick
 
npapp said:
How do I calculate the biased current? I am currently running my F5 at 0.7v across r11 & r12, which brings the temperature on heatsinks a little closer to the touch test.

Also, I am using 3w panas for R11 & R12 which seem real hot. Should I replace with a higher wattage resistor to run a higher bias?

Thanks Nick


I always set my bias with a signal generator and a scope.
I first set the bias to minimum.
I set the input to around 1 volt pk to pk and watch the output on the scope.
I turn the bias up slowly until crossover distortion goes.
This gives good results.

Less bias would give crossover distortion.
More bias is a waste of power turned inbto heat.
 
I think what he is trying to do is set the bias for his speakers knowing how much power he needs for his listening requirements.
If he never uses more than 5W there is no need for 20W class A.
Then he could reduce the bias to give Class A up to 5W or maybe 8W just to be sure.
 
My speakers are 4 ohms. My understanding is with a 4 Ohm load I am only in Class A for 12.5W. I am hoping to extend the Class A rating by increasing the bias for the max that my heatsinks can dissipate. If I move to 1.5A bias doesn't this give me up 3A output in Class A increasing the rating a few watts before crossover to AB?

I am a noobie and usually just paint by numbers so please educate me if I am wrong or messing this wonderful amp.
 
I initially set it for 1.3A, then slowly set it to 2A over a period of a few days....whats next? 3A...why not. I think it sounds better with higher bias, there's a difference, however subtle it may seem. Listen in the dark, it'll keep the tree huggers happy.:clown: