Amanda Harris: the Prius of home audio

NiHaoMike · 02-08-09, 06:56 PM

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:

And here's a view of the circuit boards:

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*).

SVOboy · 02-08-09, 07:24 PM

Neat stuff

Daox · 02-09-09, 07:11 AM

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

Mr. Cheap · 02-21-09, 03:13 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

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

It's never too late to learn.

Daox · 02-21-09, 08:17 AM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Cheap

It's never too late to learn.

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.

NiHaoMike · 02-21-09, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Cheap

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.

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:

It has USB, 12v power, S-video, composite, and line out.

02-08-09, 06:56 PM	#1
NiHaoMike Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,154 Thanks: 14 Thanked 257 Times in 241 Posts	Amanda Harris: the Prius of home audio 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: And here's a view of the circuit boards: 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). __________________ To my surprise, shortly after Naomi Wu gave me a bit of fame for making good use of solar power, Allie Moore got really jealous of her... Last edited by NiHaoMike; 02-08-09 at 07:02 PM..

02-08-09, 07:24 PM	#2
SVOboy Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 291 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Neat stuff

02-09-09, 07:11 AM	#3
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Very cool. I wish I knew enough about electronics to do more stuff.