My methods, calculations, thoughts and conclusions during the construction of an audio power amplifier of class-B topology are presented on this page.
The initial inspiration for this project came after reading the book Audio power amplifier design handbook by Douglas Self. Although I’m not very well read in the audio electronics scene, I think I can still highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to further their amplifier design knowledge, since it was very thoroughly written, without being boring or too analytic.
During the book, he sketches a design schematic for a 50W class-B amplifier, which serves as the base for my project.
Initial, vague specifications for the project idea are summarized here:
- Stereo channels, at 50W each into 8-ohm speaker outputs
- A preamplifier capable of basic tone-control and volume/balance
- Possibly an input selection unit with built-in line-level amps for things like guitar/XLR cable inputs (though since the goal for the amp is to be distortion-free, I know it won’t sound very good as a guitar amp)
On the pages linked below I will present all updates to the project, and try to write down (and hopefully near the end, summarize) all the things I should have done differently. This page is intended just as much for my own memory and learning as it is for anyone wanting to read a project diary / get some hints and tips for own designs.
Project progress so far: