I would like to build some BBC LS3/5A type speakers, and build a nice amp to power it. OR mod/repair an old one. Can anyone suggest a kit that would do the job? The wattage should be a good quality 50 per channel at least, preferably class A if possible. I am fairly new to this but have done work on electric guitars and pedals so have a little experience, and am willing to really take my time and learn through these projects.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Thanks for any suggestions!
50W in classA would be a major undertaking. It needs a very substantial power supply and a large area of heatsink due to its very low efficiency.
Seeing as LS3/5A if I recall correctly are 15ohm impedance they'd work well with a smallish classD amp like TDA8932 in BTL mode. You can get modules to do this very cheap, for example : H74 Low Power TDA8932 35W Digital Amplifier Board Module Mono Power-in Integrated Circuits from Electronic Components & Supplies on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
Seeing as LS3/5A if I recall correctly are 15ohm impedance they'd work well with a smallish classD amp like TDA8932 in BTL mode. You can get modules to do this very cheap, for example : H74 Low Power TDA8932 35W Digital Amplifier Board Module Mono Power-in Integrated Circuits from Electronic Components & Supplies on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
There is new LJM QUAD 405-2 clone. Search AliExpress or e-bay. Although 405 is great for 16 Ohm speakers I doubt that there is any LS3/5a clones with such impedance. Or any closed box small speaker kit with such impedance. There was LS3/5a clone from Wilmslow Audio (UK) but that was 25 or 30 years ago.
Bet you'd give your back teeth for this KT88 integrated kit!
35W of valve amplification is worth 50W of solid state amplification any day! 😉
integrated amplifiers
35W of valve amplification is worth 50W of solid state amplification any day! 😉
integrated amplifiers
Wilmslow Audio claim only that the WA LS3 is based on the LS3/5A.
I auditioned the original WA LS3 monitor kit around 30 years ago in the WA loudspeaker comparator room. At that time the company was still located in Wilmslow.
Of the many WA designs I listened to that day, that little box impressed me most. I always regret not buying the kit.
P.S. The impedance is of no real significance. 15 ohm was merely the BBC standard of the day.
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TDA7298 “Lunch Money” Amp is also a good choice for cheap start.
50w Ranchu Aksa Very Simple Quasi Mosfet would also be great choice.
50w Ranchu Aksa Very Simple Quasi Mosfet would also be great choice.
Thanks all of you so far. Lots to think about. That integrated Galu posted a few posts back looks amazing. I am at this point looking at variants and updates to the venerable ST-70, that can be upgraded quite nicely to work with the speakers it seems and then find a relatively inexpensive suitable pre-amp. @Galu , I wish there were like buttons here. I would like almost all your posts. Very helpful! Also, I would love to visit your country someday, and bring my mountain bike. Looks like some really nice biking up there.
And thanks, all, for the great information.
Cheers!
And thanks, all, for the great information.
Cheers!
Chip Amp Kit
Search ebay for " LM3886 kit ". This title auction looks good. " LM3886 Amp Board+rectify filter LM3886TF KIT" I use one to power my 3/5a clone speakers. Plenty of power and clean. Easy to build.
Search ebay for " LM3886 kit ". This title auction looks good. " LM3886 Amp Board+rectify filter LM3886TF KIT" I use one to power my 3/5a clone speakers. Plenty of power and clean. Easy to build.
Buy a used NAD ? It will be More than 'good 'nuff' .
Despite Fanboys... Ls35a Originals (which are shoulders above the various imitations / Clones) were simply not that great a speaker.
Despite Fanboys... Ls35a Originals (which are shoulders above the various imitations / Clones) were simply not that great a speaker.
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This build from someone looks like an interesting starting point. 60 watt KT88 Tube Amplifier with Ultra Linear circuit | eBay
I found the thread on the Lunch Money amp. But am confused in finding the correct info on the 50w Ranchu Aksa Very Simple Quasi Mosfet. Can you please point me in the right direction? Thanks! EDIT: Never mind. I think I found it. Very simple quasi complimentary MOSFET amplifier . Page 1
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