2Watt Audio Amplifier

Description

This amplifier was designed to be self-contained in a small loudspeaker box. It can be feed by Walkman, Mini-Disc, iPod and CD players, computers and similar devices fitted with line or headphone output. Of course, in most cases you will have to make two boxes to obtain stereo.

Circuit Diagram:

Circuit Diagram

Parts:

  • P1 = 10K
  • R1 = 33K
  • R2 = 33K
  • R3 = 33R
  • R4 = 15K
  • R5 = 1K
  • R6 = 1K
  • R7 = 680R
  • R8 = 120R-1/2W
  • R9 = 100R-1/2W Trimmer Cermet
  • C1 = 10µF-63V
  • C2 = 10µF-63V
  • C3 = 100µF-25V
  • C4 = 470µF-25V
  • C5 = 47pF-63V
  • C7 = 470µF-25V
  • C6 = 220nF-63V
  • C8 = 1000µF-25V
  • D1 = 1N4148
  • Q1 = BC560C
  • Q2 = BC337
  • Q3 = TIP31A
  • Q4 = TIP32A
  • SW1 = SPST switch
  • SPKR = 3-5 Watt Loudspeaker

Circuit Operation:

The circuit was deliberately designed using no ICs and in a rather old-fashioned manner in order to obtain good harmonic distortion behavior and to avoid hard to find components. The amplifier(s) can be conveniently supplied by a 12V wall plug-in adapter. Closing SW1 a bass-boost is provided but, at the same time, volume control must be increased to compensate for power loss at higher frequencies. In use, R9 should be carefully adjusted to provide minimal audible signal cross-over distortion consistent with minimal measured quiescent current consumption; a good compromise is to set the quiescent current at about 10-15 mA. To measure this current, wire a DC current meter temporarily in series with the collector of Q3.