Half Chang build

[Tripmaster]

Hi Guys

I am considering building a pair of HCs, and I just wanted to check if my LM3886 dual mono Chipamp would have enough power to drive these speakers.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

 

[TerryO]

If you're planning on using them in a "normal" room, I'd say yes they should have more than enough power to drive them. If they're to be used in an auditorium, then maybe not.

Are your amps the same as the National Semiconductor's application notes? IIRC, the 3886 chips in their configuration are good for about 68 watts/channel.

Best Regards,
TerryO

 

[planet10]

At normal levels in even a largish room, 10-20w should be more than sufficient. You'll find some of the best amps to drive these have less than half that.

dave

 

[Tripmaster]

Thanks for helping

The amp I currently use is the dual mono version (link below). I am currently driving a pair of B&W 601s (88db-8ohm) speakers and they are more than loud enough for my requirements. The amp uses a Snubberized power supply which I believe helps this amp drive slightly less efficient speakers like my B&Ws.

Are the HCs 4 or 8ohm?

http://www.chipamp.com/lm3886.shtml

Thanks

Richard

 

[planet10]

8 ohms with FE207.

I'd suggest real skinny speaker wire.

dave

 

[Tripmaster]

8 ohms with FE207.

I'd suggest real skinny speaker wire.

dave

I am using CAT5 at the moment (three platted runs of cable per speaker)

 

[planet10]

I am using CAT5 at the moment (three platted runs of cable per speaker)

In my experience pair of single solid core strands will work better in the new application.

dave

 

[Tripmaster]

In my experience pair of single solid core strands will work better in the new application.

dave

Hi Dave

What sort of solid stranded cable would you recommend?

How does the Half Chilli Chang sound when compare to the HC?

Richard

 

[Scottmoose]

IIRC Dave used a pair of 24ga wires extracted from a run of Cat5, straightened out, & run (fairly widely spaced) between two pieces of sticky tape.

FWIW (seriously) bell wire will do a similar job to the Cat5. Shotgun configuration, 24ga conductors. Very cheap indeed, if you don't have any of the network cable to hand.

HCC has a slightly cleaner midband & top end, at the price of some LF extension.

 

[jrn77478]

Hi Dave

What sort of solid stranded cable would you recommend?

A single pair of 24 ga solid copper, stripped out of a cat 5 cable, is what you want, provided that the run is reasonably short, that is.

I know. It seems utterly backwards from most conventional speaker wiring wisdom. Just try it. 🙂

 

[Tripmaster]

Thanks Guys

I will measure the cable runs and post a photo of my lounge later so as to give you a good idea of my listening environment.

Have either of you heard the Half Chilli Chang, and if so how does it sound when compared with HC?

Thanks

Richard

 

[Tripmaster]

Here is the layout of my lounge. The HIFI rack and speakers are at the top of the plan with TV top right.

 

[planet10]

Given the low output impedance of the chipamp, short probably means anything under the order of 5m. FE207e is quite efficient, so it isn't like you'll be pushing much current, at average listing levels we are talking milliwatts.

dave

 

[Puffin]

I received an interesting reply to a question I posed about a regulated PS I have built for my LM3875 amps. I was surprised that the heat sinks remained stone cold. It made me wonder why it was suggested that they be fitted in the first place. I was told that using the 206E in a BLH meant that I was only using milliwatts. Milliwatts for acres of deafening good sound 😀

 

[Tripmaster]

Hello again

I think I have narrowed down my list of possible builds to the following cabinets.

1. Half Chang

2. Half Chilli Chang

3. Solo 206 www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Solo206.html

Before I make a decision I have a couple of questions that you may be able to answer.

As you can see I currently have my speakers quite close to the rear wall, either side of a window. The left hand speaker is located just behind the left hand sofa.

How far from the wall should I place these speakers?

One of the sofas could be in front of the horn mouth, but the driver will be free from obstructions… will this ruin the sound?

Does anyone know if the Solo 206 performs well? It is quite a compact unit that may get full wife approval without any persuasion.

Thanks for your time

Richard

 

[planet10]

Does anyone know if the Solo 206 performs well? It is quite a compact unit that may get full wife approval without any persuasion.

I've not heard it, but 206 needs a horn, and horn & compact don't really go hand-in-hand. Have a look at the Ronhorn Dallas ... it and Sachiko are probably your best bet for 206s.

dave

 

[Scottmoose]

Solo 206 is basically a stretched version of a defunct Fostex design (quite well done). If a single-mouth horn is wanted though, I'd be aiming for Ron's DallasII.

 

[Tripmaster]

Are there any issues with my speaker placement?

 

[Bob Brines]

Are there any issues with my speaker placement?

Have you considered putting your speakers in the corner -- i.e. one speaker on each side of the corner and the listening chair at 45* to the walls?

Bob

 

[Tripmaster]

Have you considered putting your speakers in the corner -- i.e. one speaker on each side of the corner and the listening chair at 45* to the walls?

Bob

Hi Bob

Its not really going to work with the layout of the room, walk ways and radiators etc..

I think the half chilli will work better with the space I have available. I have posted on the half chilli thread and have included a picture.

Thanks

Richard