Searching for information on the net I found this amplifier: Music Angel Mini X5.1
It says it is 5.1 surround with an output of 12w per channel and 20w for the sub. However, it seems to only have rca input connectors. Just wondering how can something be 5.1 surround when you have stereo input? Can anyone clearify?
It says it is 5.1 surround with an output of 12w per channel and 20w for the sub. However, it seems to only have rca input connectors. Just wondering how can something be 5.1 surround when you have stereo input? Can anyone clearify?
Correct. It has 6 RCA inputs (5+1) on the left side. I believe You'll have to provide decoded surround inputs from a pre-amp. A Computer soundcard for example.
Yup. It's just a 5.1 (6) channel amplifier. It doesn't do the decoding, and will need to be used with a separate surround sound decoding module.
Price isn't too bad, but I doubt the measurements are that accurate.
Price isn't too bad, but I doubt the measurements are that accurate.
Oh it might do 12WPC, but it'll be at least 10% THD judging by the size of the transformer set... 🙂 Speaking of which, there doesn't appear to be enough transformers for 6 channels unless there are more than one coil in each cover. Minimum you'd need 6 if the PSU is SMPS, right?
Just noticed there's only six transformers 
I wonder what's really going on in there. I can't seem to find any reviews either.
I wonder what's really going on in there. I can't seem to find any reviews either.
Just noticed there's only six transformers
I wonder what's really going on in there. I can't seem to find any reviews either.
Yeah thats the point, there is a website in the Netherlands that also offers these, but just like the Chinese website, there is no information whatsoever. And no reviews anywhere.
It is just weird as most the amps they offer seem pretty ok, but most far over 5 or 600 dollars for a 2 channel, and the 6 channel (5.1) sells for less then 300.
It also says 20W for bass so I'd assume a solid state buffer/amp is used for the single bass channel. The output tubes for that channel might not even do anything.
I've always dreamed of having a surround system with tubes but haven't gotten there yet... Surround sound receivers that have only pre-amp outs are usually expensive too since they are targeting the audiophile crowd.
But who could argue with a pair of 4cx250 tubes pushing a sub at 300W peak and a bank of sweep tubes giving you 50W+ to each of your other 7 surround channels. Probably best to run it in the winter...
I've always dreamed of having a surround system with tubes but haven't gotten there yet... Surround sound receivers that have only pre-amp outs are usually expensive too since they are targeting the audiophile crowd.
But who could argue with a pair of 4cx250 tubes pushing a sub at 300W peak and a bank of sweep tubes giving you 50W+ to each of your other 7 surround channels. Probably best to run it in the winter...
I built up a six channel amplifier using 6SL7 and garter biased 6AS7G outputs a while back, and was very happy with it. I used toroidal transformers for power and output, and it was a pretty affordable build for sure- I think I had less than $250 into it. The most difficult part was the chassis and finding cheap transformer covers.
If using small efficient speakers I think it's a great way to go, seeing as most of the cheaper home theatre setups use cheaper, low-efficiency drivers and overstate the power output greatly. You don't push the surround, center, or main left and rights very low anyway, so small transformers are generally fine, unless you are running without a sub and reaching into deeper bass on the mains.
If I were to do it again now (and I plan to soon, actually 🙂) I would probably look at using smaller sweep tubes like the 6AV5GA, 6BQ6, or maybe low impedance bottles like the EL86/6CW5. using any of the above it's trivial to do 25+ watts clean per channel, and it would be cheap too. I would likely go for solid state (likely class D) for the subwoofer(s) unless you are using high efficiency types, in which case a parallel-output sweep or crazy drive amplifier using some moderately sized weeps may be a good choice.
The push-pull amplifier boards I'm working on could be an affordable, neat and modular way to do this with EL84/86 types, just add boards as needed per the desired number of channels. Five channels with the boards mounted side-by-side will be 20" wide, not too terribly big, just need depth for transformers. Mount the class D stuff internally, with two channels for subs for flexibilty. Could do a 24 volt DC SMPS for the Class D as well as the filament supply, with a big stinking toroid for power on the tubes, or maybe a couple HV SMPS modules for it. Lots of possibilities 🙂
Maybe I should post up my dolby pro-logic/quad circuit I've been playing with soon? It may be a good fit, even if it's not true "surround sound" and is intended for music. Another thread, perhaps.
If using small efficient speakers I think it's a great way to go, seeing as most of the cheaper home theatre setups use cheaper, low-efficiency drivers and overstate the power output greatly. You don't push the surround, center, or main left and rights very low anyway, so small transformers are generally fine, unless you are running without a sub and reaching into deeper bass on the mains.
If I were to do it again now (and I plan to soon, actually 🙂) I would probably look at using smaller sweep tubes like the 6AV5GA, 6BQ6, or maybe low impedance bottles like the EL86/6CW5. using any of the above it's trivial to do 25+ watts clean per channel, and it would be cheap too. I would likely go for solid state (likely class D) for the subwoofer(s) unless you are using high efficiency types, in which case a parallel-output sweep or crazy drive amplifier using some moderately sized weeps may be a good choice.
The push-pull amplifier boards I'm working on could be an affordable, neat and modular way to do this with EL84/86 types, just add boards as needed per the desired number of channels. Five channels with the boards mounted side-by-side will be 20" wide, not too terribly big, just need depth for transformers. Mount the class D stuff internally, with two channels for subs for flexibilty. Could do a 24 volt DC SMPS for the Class D as well as the filament supply, with a big stinking toroid for power on the tubes, or maybe a couple HV SMPS modules for it. Lots of possibilities 🙂
Maybe I should post up my dolby pro-logic/quad circuit I've been playing with soon? It may be a good fit, even if it's not true "surround sound" and is intended for music. Another thread, perhaps.
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