2. amps-preamps
  3. 143557-20253

How to DIY yourself very nice Class D monoblocks

If you want to know what the hoopla is about Class D and want to put together a very nice sounding kit I have a starter recommendation for you.

Go to Parts Express and search for "ICEPower ASP"
Next, look online for Ghent Audio. They make many sets of cases.

You'll need a high power soldering iron, and screw skills.
Between those two, you can put together a very nice monoblock for around $500 a piece.

I highly recommend both. I have no financial interest in either. 
You may need wiring kits, so make sure to order appropriately.
erik_squires
erik_squires OP
16,446 posts
 
Belles reference 150 v2 class ’B’ amp


Well, that certainly IS what is claimed. Interestingly, and sadly, none of the reviews I’ve found explain it. I know of no class B circuit which allows an amplifier to operate without significant distortion through the zero V crossing point, which is why I said earlier it couldn’t be. If I was reviewing such an amp I would have made it a point to explain this.

I don’t know everything, and I’m not an EE, but this is now a very curious thing to me.
This is certainly the first Class B amplifier I've heard of with high end cred.

Best,
E


Post removed 
erik_squires OP
16,446 posts
 
I seriously doubt there's an SMPS in any audio amplifier that's as life threatening as the big linear supplies resting in the heart of any class A amp


What's life threatening is high voltages. It only takes a few milliamps to stop your heart. I believe that switching power supplies have much higher peak voltages than linear amps of the same power. In the 200-300V range. The amplifier portion itself runs lower. This is all quite fuzzy and old knowledge so I can be wrong.


That thing takes nothing more than screwing boards into a box and running wires to a power switch and signal posts. I can't imagine it being more simple than that.

And this is also true. Assembly is dead simple. Keep your fingers and tools out of the way when it's on, and be aware the caps can maintain a very high voltage even after they are off.

Best,
E

Post removed 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,993 posts
 
Well, that certainly IS what is claimed. Interestingly, and sadly, none of the reviews I’ve found explain it. I know of no class B circuit which allows an amplifier to operate without significant distortion through the zero V crossing point, which is why I said earlier it couldn’t be. If I was reviewing such an amp I would have made it a point to explain this.
FWIW Electro Voice sold a class B with low distortion back in the 1950s. To avoid spikes due to collapse of the magnetic field in the output transformer that transformer was not exposed to DC- just audio. So the amp didn’t have any crossover artifacts. But its tricky and expensive to do, so the idea didn’t catch on.


Nice thread BTW.
More to discover