I built a 20w gainclone some years ago I believe it's an xk202 module, don't remember the chip model. I was going to sell it then thinking what can be bought in a nice solid aluminium case for very little I wondered what people think about a gainclone compared to a T amp or other similar amps
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Good morning Paul
i found nothing about the xk202 amp. it would be nice to send us a pic of your board. its not easy to judge the amp without knowing which version it is and especially the Chinese board layout etc.
if you are happy with the sound why not building a case around- its a good idea. then you have learned to build a "complete" amp.
chris
i found nothing about the xk202 amp. it would be nice to send us a pic of your board. its not easy to judge the amp without knowing which version it is and especially the Chinese board layout etc.
if you are happy with the sound why not building a case around- its a good idea. then you have learned to build a "complete" amp.
chris
If we are talking about actual gainclones, then a set of the KMTech boards were better than Amptastic MiniTs in my second system.
It is in a case with stepped attenuator and 4 way switch for inputs. Has pre out and power in rca's so a sub can be used. I will try to send a photo.
So how to post a photo, if it has to be hosted then it's not going to happen. If you message me an email I can send it to you. I built the amp probably ten years ago and used it for a while. I am more interested in what people think about the gainclone amps compared to other chip amps
I tried to upload a photo, didn't know if it had worked then added text to say don't know what is happening, posted the text and an image as a thumb nail appeared so edited the text and the photo has gone. What a fanny about, now it's back again. Lenco heaven posting images is dead simple every other forum is a pain
Hi paul
after attaching the photos you have to open a bit that window -then you see the button upload pic...
after attaching the photos you have to open a bit that window -then you see the button upload pic...
Hi paul
I can see - from right to left 3 "chips"
power amp chip, rectifier- Voltage regulator?
the first (right) chip - 15pin Multiwatt housing - is the power chip with both (L+ R) channels. with a picture of the front of that chip we can search for the datasheet.
at the right bottom side of the pcb its the terminal for the outputs for L +R channel. the coil with the resistor show here the output for the speakers. as far as i can see the values of the caps-orange for the bocherott cell (output filter). at the right top side i can see a terminal 3 cables--> thats the input signal-or? Left-GND Right. the yellow squared caps are 1µF and that is ok for the input- you could change this to 4,7µF.
the transformers terminal is at the middle bottom side with the red-black-black-red cable. at the left bottom side i can see the a 3 pin terminal with a resistor-is that together with the voltage regulator for a indication LED?...i dont know.
the big decoupling caps are with 4700µF well done, but the right cap looks a bit bloated at the top?
overall this pcb look well build, all components at the power chip are as near as possible.
sorry but i do not have a T-amp so no idea about sound compare.
the gain clones like LM1875 or UTC2050 are sounding well with correct values/components
chris
I can see - from right to left 3 "chips"
power amp chip, rectifier- Voltage regulator?
the first (right) chip - 15pin Multiwatt housing - is the power chip with both (L+ R) channels. with a picture of the front of that chip we can search for the datasheet.
at the right bottom side of the pcb its the terminal for the outputs for L +R channel. the coil with the resistor show here the output for the speakers. as far as i can see the values of the caps-orange for the bocherott cell (output filter). at the right top side i can see a terminal 3 cables--> thats the input signal-or? Left-GND Right. the yellow squared caps are 1µF and that is ok for the input- you could change this to 4,7µF.
the transformers terminal is at the middle bottom side with the red-black-black-red cable. at the left bottom side i can see the a 3 pin terminal with a resistor-is that together with the voltage regulator for a indication LED?...i dont know.
the big decoupling caps are with 4700µF well done, but the right cap looks a bit bloated at the top?
overall this pcb look well build, all components at the power chip are as near as possible.
sorry but i do not have a T-amp so no idea about sound compare.
the gain clones like LM1875 or UTC2050 are sounding well with correct values/components
chris
Cannot see anything on that chip, middle one has KBU6D and 835C. Yes there is a resistor in the line to an LED . I believe it is LM1875 now that you mention it. As you can see the wiring is a mess, I might rewire it all with just one output and stepped attenuator. I had connected to my office set up with sub connected to pre out and power in and the sub did not work. On inspection I had removed the wiring from those rca sockets. My office speakers need a bit of help at the bottom end but without the sub the amp sounds still sounds very nice. I'll look into the bloated cap, hadn't noticed anything. Searching on hifiwigwam I built it in 2009.
I'll strip it out of the case and get a better look at it
I'll strip it out of the case and get a better look at it
I have made several Gainclones, mostly P2P on perfboard. Some were LM3886 some were LM3875. They are very good for a simple to put together amp. You can tweak them if you want and use exotic components. IMO they give a very honest sound.
ClassT/D amps. I have played around with these for years, starting with the ones that made "audiophiles" sit up, the Tripath TA2024 based boards (Google Sonic Impact Amps) They were only good for around 5w without distortion and run from a 12vdc supply.. With the sensitive monster BLH speakers I had at the time those were 5 very special watts.
Others I have had. TA2020, TPA3116, IRS2092 and some Sure Electronics boards that I can't remember the name/number of the chips that I am using at the moment. IMO Over the years the quality of ClassD has improved, but the biggest draw for me was playing with amps that are often not much more than a couple of rounds of drinks. Admittedly you have to make or buy a power supply. The one for one of my IRS2092 boards was more expensive than I would have liked, but it will give out 250wpc into 4 Ohms. All the ClassD iterations are worth giving a go.
ClassT/D amps. I have played around with these for years, starting with the ones that made "audiophiles" sit up, the Tripath TA2024 based boards (Google Sonic Impact Amps) They were only good for around 5w without distortion and run from a 12vdc supply.. With the sensitive monster BLH speakers I had at the time those were 5 very special watts.
Others I have had. TA2020, TPA3116, IRS2092 and some Sure Electronics boards that I can't remember the name/number of the chips that I am using at the moment. IMO Over the years the quality of ClassD has improved, but the biggest draw for me was playing with amps that are often not much more than a couple of rounds of drinks. Admittedly you have to make or buy a power supply. The one for one of my IRS2092 boards was more expensive than I would have liked, but it will give out 250wpc into 4 Ohms. All the ClassD iterations are worth giving a go.
I know nothing about any of these amps, I have built a power supply for a lenco turntable following instructions and it worked fine but didn't know anything about how it worked. Woodwork,metalwork, welding of all kinds, refrigeration and domestic and commercial electrical work are my thing. So basically electronics is beyond me and too long in the tooth to learn.
RESPECT to both. i remember other person which are not interested to learn something new and they are decades younger 😀😉
my experience is that a chip amp gives you more learning about electronics and a class D + SMPS is much simpler for building an amp if its working correctly. for both its important to re check the values according to some other clones or to the datasheet because some ready amps are not well done.
chris
my experience is that a chip amp gives you more learning about electronics and a class D + SMPS is much simpler for building an amp if its working correctly. for both its important to re check the values according to some other clones or to the datasheet because some ready amps are not well done.
chris
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Yes Chermann you are so right. A Class D amp is very easy to get up and running, but you must check the voltage requirements for the amp and get the right power supply.
Best Regards in these very difficult times. Stay Healthy. I have visited Austria, but didn't manage to get to Vienna.
Best Regards in these very difficult times. Stay Healthy. I have visited Austria, but didn't manage to get to Vienna.
Hi Puffin
yes the power supply voltage is important but its for every amp. class D is single supply - mostly configuration in AB amps are need dual rail supply. the current capability at low impedance e.g. 4R is important for choose the correct voltage then.
thank you puffin - i am getting in august 49years and we are still healthy here at home now....thx...
hard time now...stay at home, keep distance and ware this mask if you have to go out!
chris