J

JaceTheAce

Audioholic
Can someone recommend a really good DIY power amp schematic/plan (or even a kit) that would be considered audiophile grade? I may look into a tube amps, but I'm concerned about cost. I'm thinking a solid state amp will do. I'd like to spend no more than $200. I'm looking for a 2 channel design that puts out around 100 to 200 watts per channel @ 8ohms that will work for a pre-amp situation.
 
mike c

mike c

Audioholic Warlord
DIY for 200 bucks? hmmm, don't know anything about that
how about a good 2ch amp for 200 bucks ...

Behringer A500
 
J

JaceTheAce

Audioholic
Swerd said:
Try asking at http://www.diyaudio.com/ where lots of DIY amp builders post.
Thanks...Just found that website - I'll head on over there and ask.

I forgot how expensive vacuum tubes are - looks like it'll be solid state for my budget :D
 
J

JaceTheAce

Audioholic
mike c said:
DIY for 200 bucks? hmmm, don't know anything about that
how about a good 2ch amp for 200 bucks ...

Behringer A500
I thought Behringer was strictly DJ equipment?
 
WmAx

WmAx

Audioholic Samurai
JaceTheAce said:
I thought Behringer was strictly DJ equipment?
Behringer makes only 'pro sound' equipment, but much of the gear is useful for home applications. The A500 is a verified [by 3rd party measurements] amplifier suited for home applications. It performs very well, remaining stabile and with low distortion even out to extreme +/- 60 degree electrical phase loads. It's functionally great, but the front faceplate is a molded plastic material, so it may not be sufficiently impressive looking for some applications where ashetics of the equipment is important. The rest of the chassis is metal, and with massive side mounted aluminum heatsinks; but the front faceplate leaves something to be desired.

-Chris
 
Rip Van Woofer

Rip Van Woofer

Audioholic General
Check out Elliot Sound:

http://sound.westhost.com/index2.html

I built two 4 channel 60W amps with his designs and printed circuit boards for my tri-amped speakers and they're superb. Even with the shipping from Australia his PCBs are a good deal.

The site has a very active forum where you can get help with building. You can even follow my amp building (mis)adventures there in old threads for enlighenment and amusement. (my username there is just bcoppola)

A little electronic knowledge is needed, though. Nothing sophisticated; just the basics.

There is also a kit maker (AKSA, I think) based in Australia that ships worldwide. I've heard good things about them. Something in the water Down Under?

Now, let me caution you: DIY is fun for it's own sake if you're "that kind of person", but do not be under the illusion that you will save big bucks thereby. In particular, your first project will have a lot of extra costs in the form of tools, equipment, cases, and plain old screw ups. Trust me; that's experience talking! Now, in spite of that I enjoyed building my amps and am glad for the experience and knowledge gained. However, you can buy the Behringer or any number of very good used amps for what you're likely to spend.

Just make sure you know what you're getting in to and why. Things WILL go wrong (maybe not with a kit if you're careful). As Dan Banquer told me, "you're not a member of the club until you blow something up due to a stupid mistake".

I am a member in good standing!

(BIG HINT: When buying components, order extras of EVERYTHING.)
 
Last edited:
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
Rip Van Woofer said:
I am a member in good standing!

Does that mean you continually blow things up? From mistakes? :D

Or, just a one time blow up job is a lifetime membership. :D
 
J

JaceTheAce

Audioholic
I never blew anything up, but maybe that's because anything audio-related that I've ever done was a 9volt powered headphone amp shown here on my website:

www.jasonevart.com/amp

It's really not a good amp, but it does the job to power the Sennheisers.

Question: If I can make this amp with no problems, should I not have too much difficulty for a DIY power amp? I want to make one for the experience and knowledge gain, not to save money.
 
Rip Van Woofer

Rip Van Woofer

Audioholic General
Nice project! I had about as much experience when I built my amps so you should be fine.
 

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