Dear all,
first time I post after lurking for some time. I read old posts but I was unable to gather a complete picture...
Although I have very little former experience I would like to build a stereo integrated amplifier using two Hypex Ucd180 modules.
It seems that this should not be very difficult given that these are ready made modules but I would need your kind help in getting started (also general advise on configuration is very welcome).
I have some preliminary questions before I order circuitry:
As far as I understand I would need the following for the core amplifying section:
- n.2 UCD180 AD (Analog Devices 8620)
- n.1 LPWS high end (pls advise here whether one module is sufficient or it would be better a complete dual mono configuration)
- TR27 transformer 160 VA, 230 V/2 x 27 V (pls advise here whether: it would be better (i) a complete dual mono configuration or (ii) a bigger transformer would be required)
Moreover, I would need a sample circuit design to start planning everything properly (could you please help?). In fact, I have no idea how to connect volume control or input selector etc...
Finally, I would need all accessories for assemblying the integrated amplifier with 3 sources:
- cabinet
- n.3 RCA/XLR inputs red + n.3 RCA/XLR inputs black (any advise for good price/quality and for unbalanced vs balanced solution?)
- n.2+n.2 output black/red for fork connections to speakers (any advise for good price/quality?)
- potentiometer for volume control (advice pls)
- selector control for the 3 sources (advice pls)
- plug for 220 V
- internal interconnect cables (advice pls)
- on/off switch (I would prefer in the front panel)
- have I forgotten anything?
Thank you very much for anyone willing to help...
Best regards
first time I post after lurking for some time. I read old posts but I was unable to gather a complete picture...
Although I have very little former experience I would like to build a stereo integrated amplifier using two Hypex Ucd180 modules.
It seems that this should not be very difficult given that these are ready made modules but I would need your kind help in getting started (also general advise on configuration is very welcome).
I have some preliminary questions before I order circuitry:
As far as I understand I would need the following for the core amplifying section:
- n.2 UCD180 AD (Analog Devices 8620)
- n.1 LPWS high end (pls advise here whether one module is sufficient or it would be better a complete dual mono configuration)
- TR27 transformer 160 VA, 230 V/2 x 27 V (pls advise here whether: it would be better (i) a complete dual mono configuration or (ii) a bigger transformer would be required)
Moreover, I would need a sample circuit design to start planning everything properly (could you please help?). In fact, I have no idea how to connect volume control or input selector etc...
Finally, I would need all accessories for assemblying the integrated amplifier with 3 sources:
- cabinet
- n.3 RCA/XLR inputs red + n.3 RCA/XLR inputs black (any advise for good price/quality and for unbalanced vs balanced solution?)
- n.2+n.2 output black/red for fork connections to speakers (any advise for good price/quality?)
- potentiometer for volume control (advice pls)
- selector control for the 3 sources (advice pls)
- plug for 220 V
- internal interconnect cables (advice pls)
- on/off switch (I would prefer in the front panel)
- have I forgotten anything?
Thank you very much for anyone willing to help...
Best regards
Dual mono UCD180AD's would be a nice bet.
Speakerworld sells nice little mono kits.
Diycable sells multichannel kits.
Basically, unless you want to goto alot of work buy all the modules, power supply, etc. from one source.
Some sources include
http://www.hypex.nl/
http://www.diycable.com/ in the USA
http://www.speakerworld.nl/ in Europe
The latter two sell kits with cases included.
Hooking up the UCD modules involves a number of faston connectors. There's very little soldering involved in assembling a stock kit.
If you already have a preamp, I'd use that rather than try to make a UCD kit into an integrated amp. Seems like that should be it's own project.
Speakerworld sells nice little mono kits.
Diycable sells multichannel kits.
Basically, unless you want to goto alot of work buy all the modules, power supply, etc. from one source.
Some sources include
http://www.hypex.nl/
http://www.diycable.com/ in the USA
http://www.speakerworld.nl/ in Europe
The latter two sell kits with cases included.
Hooking up the UCD modules involves a number of faston connectors. There's very little soldering involved in assembling a stock kit.
If you already have a preamp, I'd use that rather than try to make a UCD kit into an integrated amp. Seems like that should be it's own project.
Daveis said:
Thanks for your help Daveis.
I understand Dual mono configuration is preferred, since I am on a rather strict budget I only wonder whether a 250 euros additional gear will be good value for money vs a solution with only one supply module feeding two UCD 180. Here really more comment are very welcome from people who tried this configuration.
Regarding the pre-amplifier (I do not have one now) I take the point that this should be a project on its own and I may leave it to a later stage. Could someone please suggest some other solution (may be available on the european market) for a budget pre that fits nice with UCD technology?
Tha and regards
fokker said:
Do you mean the UcD180???? Or any other UcD module?
Anyway the UcD module can be loaded with any impedance, even with 1 ohm load the THD stays in general below 0.05%...😉
Cheers,
Jan-Peter
zazzero:
I agree with Daveis that a dual mono configuration is best. Even better: Use two separate chassis, i.e. two monoblocks. This is a little more expensive, but you can now locate the amps in close proximity to the speakers. That's what I have done.
All my modules are from Hypex: UCD180AD, HG power supply, TR100A transformer. These work well together. I don't know what the TR27 and the LPWS is that you mention, so I cannot comment on those.
If budget is a concern, I suggest that you look for a used preamp at ebay. Or use a simple 10K log pot between the cd-player and the power amp.
I agree with Daveis that a dual mono configuration is best. Even better: Use two separate chassis, i.e. two monoblocks. This is a little more expensive, but you can now locate the amps in close proximity to the speakers. That's what I have done.
All my modules are from Hypex: UCD180AD, HG power supply, TR100A transformer. These work well together. I don't know what the TR27 and the LPWS is that you mention, so I cannot comment on those.
If budget is a concern, I suggest that you look for a used preamp at ebay. Or use a simple 10K log pot between the cd-player and the power amp.
Javin5 said:
Also the modules I mentioned are from hypex: this is my mistake since I used the code the italian distributor is using TR27 is equivalent to TR100A and the LPWS stands for Supply HG.
Javin5 said:
Is there any suggestion on goog quality/price ratio in pre for UCD ampli?
SDF said:
Thank you SDF. It seems that building a pre myself following your suggestion would be far from my capabilities
.I like to specify that my primary aim is to build a good quality amp on a budget. I started looking at UCD ampli because it was simple to assemble and affordable but now I am told that (I try to summarise):
- dual mono is a must (+ 300 euro)
- not advisable to include a simple input selector + simple potentiometer circuit for passive volume control (+ XXX euro for a suitable commercial pre)
thus the amount of money to invest start to appear rather more substantial than I hoped...
anyone is willing to comment on this problem?
Thanks a lot in advance
I currently have UCD180 mono amps. They are high quality and surpisingly similar to good Class A, A/B amps. Contrast the UCD's to the Tripath which are also very good, but have a distinct sound to them.
I'll be putting a stereo UCD400 together. It has an oversized transformer (1000VA). I may try to put 4 channels in it. I'll let you know if it sounds different than the mono-amps.
It might be better to build the source selection and volume control in it's own case. I am thinking your amp case might get overcrowded quickly if you try to put too much in it.
Passive will get you by for awhile. You might find your frequency response is thrown off a bit. Or maybe you could drive your amps directly from your sources if they have variable out? Then all you need is a source selection switch.
The UGS sounds killer, but if you want a cheaper/easier alternative how about using one of the headphone amp circuits?
Such as PPA, PiMeta, M3+. I am currently using the M3+ as a headphone amp and it also serves well as a preamp/volume control. Many of the headphone amp designs are setup for battery operation so they should be fairly inexpensive to construct.
I'll be putting a stereo UCD400 together. It has an oversized transformer (1000VA). I may try to put 4 channels in it. I'll let you know if it sounds different than the mono-amps.
It might be better to build the source selection and volume control in it's own case. I am thinking your amp case might get overcrowded quickly if you try to put too much in it.
Passive will get you by for awhile. You might find your frequency response is thrown off a bit. Or maybe you could drive your amps directly from your sources if they have variable out? Then all you need is a source selection switch.
The UGS sounds killer, but if you want a cheaper/easier alternative how about using one of the headphone amp circuits?
Such as PPA, PiMeta, M3+. I am currently using the M3+ as a headphone amp and it also serves well as a preamp/volume control. Many of the headphone amp designs are setup for battery operation so they should be fairly inexpensive to construct.
zazzero:
It's difficult to recommend a particular model of an older preamp. If you see something that fits your budget, try to find some reviews before you buy. Or ask in the forum if anybody has experience with that model.
Some comments on the cost issue:
If you want the best sound, this comes at a certain cost. I agree that even the DIY- implemetations are not that cheap if you add a nice case, all the connectors, etc. You may reduce the cost by
- not going dual mono with the UCD (you will still get good sound)
- instead of the UCD, use a class D kit that you assemble yourself (check the forum)
It's difficult to recommend a particular model of an older preamp. If you see something that fits your budget, try to find some reviews before you buy. Or ask in the forum if anybody has experience with that model.
Some comments on the cost issue:
If you want the best sound, this comes at a certain cost. I agree that even the DIY- implemetations are not that cheap if you add a nice case, all the connectors, etc. You may reduce the cost by
- not going dual mono with the UCD (you will still get good sound)
- instead of the UCD, use a class D kit that you assemble yourself (check the forum)
Daveis said:
Thank you very much: very useful. My current/provisional idea is to start with a single supply HG solution (in case no major drawback arises in the meantime) but to leave some room for a dual supply solution tn the case I change my mind at a later stage...
Daveis said:
Sorry but what "UGS sounds killer" means?
Since I have no volume control in CD source, my original idea is to replicate, if possible, the volume control and the input selection capabilities of a normal integrated ampli but I have no idea about details... It should not be a nightmare of a complex circuit nor dimensionally enormous for a HiFi2000 galaxy (80x330x280 cm), should be?
How can I get some simple circuit and good choice components (keeping budget in control) for input selection and volume? Would it be possible to build for a beginner?
Thanking you all...
What I meant was the UGS sounds like a very high-quality preamp. It might be one of the best designs floating around diyaudio.
An easier and much cheaper to build solution would be using opamps. My M3 headphone amp, which doubles as a preamp, has an OPA627 opamp with a MOSFET output stage. It sounds very good and is a good example of what can be done with opamps. The problem is that it would cost about $200 to $300 to build one.
I hate to admit it but a good used receiver with pre-outs would probably be about equal to a DIY opamp preamp in sound quality and cost less. I had an Sony ES receiver with pre-outs hooked to Threshold amps and the sound was very good. Brand new it cost in the $300 to $400 range.
A UCD amp built entirely with modules should be within a beginners capability. I would start with that first.
An opamp preamp, like one of the headphone amps I suggested, would require some surface mount soldering. A good example video of the skill needed for that is on Tangent's website. He's one of the people involved with the M3 headphone amp.
An easier and much cheaper to build solution would be using opamps. My M3 headphone amp, which doubles as a preamp, has an OPA627 opamp with a MOSFET output stage. It sounds very good and is a good example of what can be done with opamps. The problem is that it would cost about $200 to $300 to build one.
I hate to admit it but a good used receiver with pre-outs would probably be about equal to a DIY opamp preamp in sound quality and cost less. I had an Sony ES receiver with pre-outs hooked to Threshold amps and the sound was very good. Brand new it cost in the $300 to $400 range.
A UCD amp built entirely with modules should be within a beginners capability. I would start with that first.
An opamp preamp, like one of the headphone amps I suggested, would require some surface mount soldering. A good example video of the skill needed for that is on Tangent's website. He's one of the people involved with the M3 headphone amp.
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