Hi all
I wondered if anyone knew of a power amplifier board / kit for a 2.1 power amp which has auto switch-on via audio sensing? I can't seem to find anything aside from higher end zone amps most of which are just stereo. I've tried all manner of search words / combinations but can't seem to find anything. I'm based in the UK (230v).
Thanks!
I wondered if anyone knew of a power amplifier board / kit for a 2.1 power amp which has auto switch-on via audio sensing? I can't seem to find anything aside from higher end zone amps most of which are just stereo. I've tried all manner of search words / combinations but can't seem to find anything. I'm based in the UK (230v).
Thanks!
In recent years, 2.1 seems to apply to budget desktop audio rather than domestic hifi systems so assuming that you are looking for a smaller system, this class D plate amplifier system is auto-powering. There is another version that packs a 250W sub. power amp too. Dayton Audio MCA2250E 2.1 Channel Class D Plate Amplifier
It is'nt straightforward having separate amps for this kind of multi-channel switching. They are probably better sharing the chassis too and these are the only types Iv'e come across so far with auto power.
Of course, there could be many better design possibilities with class AB but it seems you are on your own for building them.
It is'nt straightforward having separate amps for this kind of multi-channel switching. They are probably better sharing the chassis too and these are the only types Iv'e come across so far with auto power.
Of course, there could be many better design possibilities with class AB but it seems you are on your own for building them.
Thanks Ian
Yes is would appear what I am looking for is by no means a mainstream product. I guess my other options are to use a passive crossover for the sub / sat's. I will have a search for a (decent / cheap) signal sensing stereo amp this side of the pond!
Yes is would appear what I am looking for is by no means a mainstream product. I guess my other options are to use a passive crossover for the sub / sat's. I will have a search for a (decent / cheap) signal sensing stereo amp this side of the pond!
Don't forget the many audio systems with 12V control wire interconnections that allow you to power up audio systems all together or as selected units from the control amplifier. Maybe you can take advantage of this type of circuit if your system demands warrant it.
However, a 2.1 system is a stereo amplifier unit with a line level output for a powered sub, in the same manner as any 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 or 8.1 system. These subs generally come with an inbuilt auto sense power-up and adjustable active sub-bass filter anyway. They are freely available everywhere for much less than you can build them, in all qualities too. Is a standard, auto powered sub. not what you are actually looking for?
You can buy the plate amps including complete active filter/auto sense controls on board or you can buy Ebay DIY kits of the subwoofer control circuits if you wish but unless you already have a powered sub missing this just this feature, the idea becomes a bit pointless when it's already included in complete, probably cheaper overall, commercial products.
However, a 2.1 system is a stereo amplifier unit with a line level output for a powered sub, in the same manner as any 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 or 8.1 system. These subs generally come with an inbuilt auto sense power-up and adjustable active sub-bass filter anyway. They are freely available everywhere for much less than you can build them, in all qualities too. Is a standard, auto powered sub. not what you are actually looking for?
You can buy the plate amps including complete active filter/auto sense controls on board or you can buy Ebay DIY kits of the subwoofer control circuits if you wish but unless you already have a powered sub missing this just this feature, the idea becomes a bit pointless when it's already included in complete, probably cheaper overall, commercial products.
Thanks Ian
I perhaps should elaborate a little on my intentions... I have a study & bathroom adjacent to each other - both of which I want to install discrete but good quality sound systems - preferably with a sub because I like my bass😀.
I already have a Tannoy in-ceiling passive subwoofer for one room. I didn't want to have too many amps / transformers sat on standby consuming power (hence the passive sub & request for 2.1 amps).
I've done more searching into multi-room amps - and it would appear that most of these do in fact have signal sensing - and many also have bridging abilities. So I thought - what about an 8 channel amp (4 stereo pairs) - with bridgeable channels (sub) and signal sense. That way just one amp on standby. I have seen a few used amps on eBay that would match my requirements by searching for 'zone amplifier' or '8 channel amplifier' - so I think that is the route I will go down. Some have sold for reasonable prices - I guess because they are a fairly obscure item - and some sold cheap because they were badly listed!
I perhaps should elaborate a little on my intentions... I have a study & bathroom adjacent to each other - both of which I want to install discrete but good quality sound systems - preferably with a sub because I like my bass😀.
I already have a Tannoy in-ceiling passive subwoofer for one room. I didn't want to have too many amps / transformers sat on standby consuming power (hence the passive sub & request for 2.1 amps).
I've done more searching into multi-room amps - and it would appear that most of these do in fact have signal sensing - and many also have bridging abilities. So I thought - what about an 8 channel amp (4 stereo pairs) - with bridgeable channels (sub) and signal sense. That way just one amp on standby. I have seen a few used amps on eBay that would match my requirements by searching for 'zone amplifier' or '8 channel amplifier' - so I think that is the route I will go down. Some have sold for reasonable prices - I guess because they are a fairly obscure item - and some sold cheap because they were badly listed!
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