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Plate amps

#2
Take a look at what I have been gassing over:

www.coldamp.com
www.hypex.nl
www.41hz.com
www.diyaudio.com

I built one of the 41hz kits, and it worked out well, but was not powerful enough for my needs. Hypex modules get a lot of forum traffic at www.diyaudio.com. My leanings are towards ColdAmp, because they have a switching power supply.

Get it done before I get a chance to start, so I can benefit from your experience!
 
#3
#4
I built the AMP1 kit, plus a DIY power supply using a 22+22 VAC toroidal transformer. I used it in bridge mode driving 8 Ohms. I was delighted with the tone quality. But the underlying chip -- the Tripath TA2020 -- has an internal current limit threshold that makes the amp likely to go into protect mode if driven into hard clipping. For a lot of applications, that's OK, but I was afraid it would be a distraction when playing bass.
 
#6
I've built some of the 41Hz kits and have Hypex and LC Audio modules here. All are good, as hifi / reproducer amps the Hypex are noticably better sounding and the LC's quite gritty. The Hypex are small, simple and convenient, but not as high power as some of the 41Hz and LC applications. They're also easier to mount to a 'sink.

I'm going to order two 41Hz Truepath modules for my new stereo <150Hz application when I recover from my current bout of 'empty wallet syndrome' and I intend to try them out for the new bass rig. I already have the LR24 xovers for both applications. In the bass rig, I'll bridge one for the LF channel. The plan is eventually to have two of these cabs, so that I can stack if I really need it that loud, and as an integrated system to hire out as PA monitors when I'm not using them.

I'm going to use the 41Hz slowstart PSU board and a conventional mains freq PSU, as I'm still not convinced about SMPS in really high power applications yet. I'm still vacillating on what size mains Tx to buy for them trying to find a balance I'm happy with between weight and performance. I've got a thing for cool electronics, so I'm going to fan cool everything in the PA application.

Hypex and 41Hz have PSU and other application data. Just follow the suggestions.
 
#11
Another source:
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I don't think there's much value in building your own amp, unless you want to do it as a hobby. The built modules and pretty fool proof and come with some kind of warranty. I view it as building your own speaker driver. Sure you could do it, but there's not much value in it. You couldn't do it better/cheaper than a manufactured one.
 
#12
Here's another one that at least one Talkbasser has used successfully for bass: http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/ClassD/ClassD.htm .

Are you looking to build powered speakers, or just to adapt a plate amp for use as a standalone power amp?

I've had my eye on the 700 watt Hypex power module for a while, but I've been waiting to see how the Hypex SMPS develops, and whether they make it available to DIY-ers.
 
#13
Passinwind said:
Here's another one that at least one Talkbasser has used successfully for bass: http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/ClassD/ClassD.htm .

Are you looking to build powered speakers, or just to adapt a plate amp for use as a standalone power amp?

I've had my eye on the 700 watt Hypex power module for a while, but I've been waiting to see how the Hypex SMPS develops, and whether they make it available to DIY-ers.
Click to expand...

Their SWPS is in the final stages and due for release shortly.

Paul
 
#14
BassmanPaul said:
Their SWPS is in the final stages and due for release shortly.
Click to expand...

Cool, then I get to wait a year or so to make sure it's actually sorted out. ;)

In any case, my results with the SpeakerPower module have quelled any lingering doubts about using SMPS for my particular bass applications.
 

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