SS computer amp

[nyazzip]

looking for a cheap practical amp to drive some satellite speakers from my laptop- i find myself playing all kinds of stuff off of Youtube, etc, and i am missing all the low end thru the onboard 1/2" speakers.....
i have this PartsExpress amp in mind. but before i buy it, does anyone have a better suggestion? i don't need or want tube/hifi for this application, all i want to do is power bookshelf speakers so i can hear at least a little below say 1000hz

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdet ... er=300-380

[Geek]

Do you want "good" or "cheap"?

If cheap, pretty much any chipamp kit will pwn that PE thing.

If you want good, try a Nelson Pass something-or-other

Cheers!

[pmarcin]

I agree with Mr. Geek somewhat. You can buy a good and cheap class D, the Gainclone:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kit-GAINCLONE-3875-LM3875-50W-50W-8ohm-Amplifier-board-speaker-protection-SC-/190766300485?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item2c6a8ebd45

I built a fancier version myself from a seller in Canada. I added line filtering, heft PS, and a fancy case. There are many assembly instructions and instructions on the net for this chip.

[pmarcin]

I also built the Charlize with an external Acopian ps:
http://diyparadise.com/charlize2.html

The one I built is Canadian like Mr. Geek and is prettier:
http://www.audiosector.com/

Both of these have received great reviews at 6Moon, but. IMO, they have the SS 'edginess.' I agree with Mr. Geek that the Nelson Pass amps do sound better, very good for the price.

[Geek]

Audio Sector... that's the fella I was thinking of, but couldn't remember the name.

Thanks Pmarcin!

[nyazzip]

i'm not worried about sound quality, as most of my sources will be highly compressed/crummy audio on Youtube and such. i just want to be able to drive some small bookshelf speakers at conversation-level loudness....i know this post doesn't belong in "hi fi" but i didn't know where else to post it...

[pmarcin]

Mr. Geek et al,

Here is a Nelson Pass that's reasonable and well worth building:

http://www.diyaudio.com/store/amplifier-kits/amp-camp-kit-21.html

[pmarcin]

More SS amps by Nelson Pass:
http://www.diyaudio.com/store/amplifier-circuit-boards/power-amplifiers.html >

The PE amp is probably adequate, but you should consider reliability.

[kheper]

Class D or T amps. Most boards are already assembled - because the chips are too small or too heat sensitive for diyers. They can be run off a laptop power supply (Look at the power requirements for every amp, however). At moderate volume levels they produce very low distortion, but clip easily when driven hard. I've built a number of 25+25W amps as soundcard amps. Sure does not make the same 25+25W board anymore.

http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=1586

http://www.sureelectronics.net/category.php?id=150

http://www.sureelectronics.net

[soundbrigade]

I have ordered a smallish SS-amp from China. It has apart from an analogue I/P also an USB-connector and a slot for SD-card.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC12v-Amplifier-Board-MP3-decoder-board-Dual-channel-stereo-10W-10W-With-Remote/813158531.html

Also wanted to try these 3" full-rangers:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Kasun-AV-3305F-3-Full-Range-Speaker/1368985543.html

[pmarcin]

Sound,Looks like a good choice for the amp. It solves the USB question. You can use a wall wart or obtain a LV PS from someone like John Broskie @ Glass-ware.com. You can get a 12v trannie from Mouser.
The PS:
http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/lvregulatorkit.html

The speaker is very inefficient, however. A speaker design expert lurks on these pages and he can elaborate this speaker's problems. I don't think a 10W board will drive it to satisfactory levels.

Chinese Tangband speakers offer the most bang for the buck. This one is easier to drive:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=264-914

Fostex are the gold standard in full range speakers. Madisound has a number of these. ($30 -$50 ea.) There are several DIY projects on the net with Fostex drivers specified with ready-made cabinets from places like Parts Express. The Fostex DIY are all easy to drive.

P

[pmarcin]

Fostex DIY projects are here:

http://diyaudioprojects.com/Speakers/speakers.htm

I built this one. It's excellent and easy to drive with decent bass:

http://diyaudioprojects.com/Speakers/Fostex-FX120-Bass-Reflex/

And the enclosure:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=302-711

Unfortunately, the Fostex FX120 is pricey:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=302-711

This is the complete solution from Fostex:

http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/fostex-p1000e-diy-kanspea-4-full-range-speaker-kit-pair/

This can be used with Shannon's 3-watt SET amp.