Amanda Harris: the Prius of home audio
 

http://i40.tinypic.com/suvzhw.jpg
Recently, I built an audio amplifier based on TI's hybrid digital chipset. It is made mostly from recycled parts (the only parts I purchased just for it are the chipset, terminal block, and switchover relay). It is built in a case from an old 802.11b router and the power supply is from an old laptop. The chipset uses only 1W (one watt!) at normal listening levels. The power supply is actually quite efficient - level 3 efficiency rating. Here's the schematic:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2r4pwlh.png
And here's a view of the circuit boards:
http://i42.tinypic.com/29fpk5e.jpg
P.S. I named it after a celebrity. Amanda Harris ( http://barbiebarbell.com/ ) is known for her incredible power-to-weight ratio and that's what first came to mind when I cranked up the volume (the chipset is capable of over 60W RMS continuous in my testing, which is *VERY LOUD*).

Neat stuff :)

Very cool. I wish I knew enough about electronics to do more stuff.

That is sweet!
Where is the volume control?
Do those op-amps on the bottom provide a turn-on delay?

I'd really like to see the back panel and more of the dock.
Thanks

It's never too late to learn.

Welcome to the site Mr. Cheap. If you have a minute we'd love to see an introduction post and you can tell us a little about yourself. :)


I agree and I am actually working on my first electronic project that I've done in a long time. Check it out on our sister site EcoModder.com.

The volume control is on the side near the input connectors.
Two of the opamps are used as SE to differential converters and the other two are for the power on reset.
Here's a picture of the homemade cradle:
http://i39.tinypic.com/29eskfd.jpg
It has USB, 12v power, S-video, composite, and line out.