Build a cheap hi-end amp
2006-09-24 09:03:42 Other , Electronic Projects Jump to CommentsLet's see how we can made a cheap amplifier.This amp cost less than $100 in parts, but it sold for $3300 with its small power supply.
History
I decided to make a high quality car amplifier for a friend of mine.
This amp is based on the 47 Laboratory 4706 Gaincard. After rave
reviews of this amplifier in Japan, it was determined that the main
component of this amplifier was a readily available $5 chip, made by
National Semiconductor. This chip, the LM3875, when properly
implemented creates a high quality amplifier. This started a new trend
in DIY amplifiers, as this is the first time that such a high quality
amplifier could be made so easily and for such little money.
Note:In this guide, i refer to a car amplifier (12VDC). Of course this amp can used as home amplifier.
Components needed
I used premium components for the best sound possible.Of course you can use cheaper components.
Standard components (for one channel/mono):
(In brackets are the parts list for Digikey)
1 x LM3875TF (LM3875TF-ND)
2 x 1500uF 50v Panasonic FC Capacitor (P10334-ND)
2 x 22.1k ohm resistor (PPC22.1KXCT-ND)
1 x 680 ohm resistor (P680BBCT-ND)
1 x 220 ohm resistor (PPC20.0KXCT-ND)
The circuit
The gain for this amplifier (RNFB/R3) is approximately 32.
The amplifier
This is a basic design with a single LM3875TF chip per side.
This is the ampplifier into chassis.
Building the PSU
The first we need for a PSU is the tranformer.A transformer with 25V transformer secondaries and 220VA is a good choise.The fuse required will be dictated by the size of the transformer, due to the inrush current when power is first applied. A 2 amp slo-blo typically works fine for transformers around 220VA or less, while a 3 amp slo-blo fuse might be required if using a larger transformer.
Schematic for transformer with true center tapped secondaries

Schematic for transformer with dual secondaries

12 to 36v DC to DC converter
To work this amp into a car, a VDC converter is needed.
Below is a shematic from a simple DC to DC converter and the second image is the converter.
Conclusion
The first thing you notice when
connecting speakers is how much power it has. Quite impressive. The
trafo pushes the chip to its limits and the heatsink gets very hot. So
i replaced with an old CPU heatsink.
Listening Impressions
Comparing it to a couple of mid-fi cheapo amplifiers lying around, this
is clearly better sounding.I observed more bass, a touch more clarity
on the highs, and better overall imaging than the others.
Try it.

