Is there a straightforward power amp I can build that would be good for basS?
I have no preference solid state or tube.
Cheaper is better for me, I would like 500 watts at 8ohms, but I'm flexible, over 200w at 4ohm is the least powerful I would do. 1000w+would be even better.
Is the transformer found in a microwave or high end home stereo useful in a project like this, or does it need to be something specific?
I have no preference solid state or tube.
Cheaper is better for me, I would like 500 watts at 8ohms, but I'm flexible, over 200w at 4ohm is the least powerful I would do. 1000w+would be even better.
Is the transformer found in a microwave or high end home stereo useful in a project like this, or does it need to be something specific?
Check out the esp site ESP Projects Pages - DIY Audio and Electronics he has a number of designs some with PCBs and all will work!
The transformer in a microwave puts out many thousands of volts (beware danger) so would NOT be suitable.
The transformer in a microwave puts out many thousands of volts (beware danger) so would NOT be suitable.
bass as in bass guitar?
an ordinary domestic reproduction type amplifier will probably not be what you need.
A musical instrument type amplifier may be required to give your "playing" the sound you want/need.
an ordinary domestic reproduction type amplifier will probably not be what you need.
A musical instrument type amplifier may be required to give your "playing" the sound you want/need.
three disadvantages to a microwave transformer.
It has all the wrong voltages from the secondaries
It has all the same way EI, instead of alternative opposite directions Es for good flux.
It is not rated for continuous primary current. It is rated for typical "cooking times", i.e. a couple of minutes to maybe 30 minutes and then a LONG cool down.
It is severely short of primary turns and as a result runs HOT.
It has all the wrong voltages from the secondaries
It has all the same way EI, instead of alternative opposite directions Es for good flux.
It is not rated for continuous primary current. It is rated for typical "cooking times", i.e. a couple of minutes to maybe 30 minutes and then a LONG cool down.
It is severely short of primary turns and as a result runs HOT.
If cheap is what you're after, DIY might not be the path to take. And tubes are out of the question all together. A secondhand PA amplifier will happily provide the power you want and can take a beating as required for bass guitar, for much less than it will take to build an amp plus enclosure etc.
If you DO want to build something, than the ESP pages as suggested are a good place to start. There are also some awesome schematics posted by user apexaudio (search).
If you DO want to build something, than the ESP pages as suggested are a good place to start. There are also some awesome schematics posted by user apexaudio (search).
There are lots of audio amplifier modules on ebay.
These are tested before being sold so at least you know it worked once !
You can even pick up lateral mosfet amplifier modules on ebay.
Connecting a module up to power supply isn't rocket science.
These are tested before being sold so at least you know it worked once !
You can even pick up lateral mosfet amplifier modules on ebay.
Connecting a module up to power supply isn't rocket science.
Hi,
The very short answer I think is no. Most DIY amplifiers would
be pretty awful for electric bass. My fantastic (well I like it)
ancient Peavey mkIII bass head has nothing to do with
DIY hifi amplifiers in its design, and you couldn't hope
to build anything like it for its used going price.
A more modern approach would be a modelling preamp
and just a well protected reliable powerful PA amplifier.
Again you can't build the stuff for less than it costs new.
Personally for music I always advise used, its cheapest,
and you can try it before you buy it, and then find
something you like without really knowing why.
rgds, sreten.
The very short answer I think is no. Most DIY amplifiers would
be pretty awful for electric bass. My fantastic (well I like it)
ancient Peavey mkIII bass head has nothing to do with
DIY hifi amplifiers in its design, and you couldn't hope
to build anything like it for its used going price.
A more modern approach would be a modelling preamp
and just a well protected reliable powerful PA amplifier.
Again you can't build the stuff for less than it costs new.
Personally for music I always advise used, its cheapest,
and you can try it before you buy it, and then find
something you like without really knowing why.
rgds, sreten.
I wouldnt buy second hand.
You don't know how it has been treat.
Once bought you don't know how long it will last.
Especially valve gear, the valves could be on their last legs.
I bought a Simm-Watts 100 watt valve head and it only lasted a couple of months before the output valves went.
As sreten says you cant make one cheaper than you can buy ready made, the sellers have the advantage of large volume buying.
You don't know how it has been treat.
Once bought you don't know how long it will last.
Especially valve gear, the valves could be on their last legs.
I bought a Simm-Watts 100 watt valve head and it only lasted a couple of months before the output valves went.
As sreten says you cant make one cheaper than you can buy ready made, the sellers have the advantage of large volume buying.
Hi,
My built like a brickhouse Peavey MkIII was a fine second hand buy.
Obviously for used valve stuff bargain on the basis of a complete revalve.
rgds, sreten.
My built like a brickhouse Peavey MkIII was a fine second hand buy.
Obviously for used valve stuff bargain on the basis of a complete revalve.
rgds, sreten.
I wouldn't recommend class d as it suffers from bus pumping on low frequencies.
Class d would be OK if you used bridged amplifiers.
Class d would be OK if you used bridged amplifiers.
Several people I correspond with have had great results using Hypex Class D modules, with or without their matching power supplies. There are definitely cheaper solutions out there, but if you want a known-good, well documented starting point, something like this and this might get you there.
Really getting the most out of a bass instrument-specific build takes a lot pf homework. You might take a look at my DIY 500 watt head build on Talkbass and the current Amp Build Diary thread on Basschat for a few ideas, and of course there are many great threads with relevance here as well. I bought a used ICE module here, and the seller was very helpful in getting me up and running with it. I've done dozens of gigs very happily with what I built, FWIW.
Sorry flameworker but given your questions you don't seem to have much building experience.
A 500/1000W amp is NOT recommended as first build.
Search around for what Bass amps you can get.
And yes, used is an option, specially because it will be SS.
NO Tube bass amps available at that power level.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.