okay. sourcing a new transformer as we speak.
If I wanted to have a clean channel as well as a gain channel, can I do this with one LM3886 Stereo kit? Seems like I should be able to, but I've been wrong before.
and I believe I've read before you could take most overdrive/distortion pedal schematics and turn them into a preamp? I was thinking either a Krank distortus maximus or the Dr. Boogey as my high gain channel, both of which I've found the schematics and veroboard layouts. do you need to make any major adjustments to them? I'm sure it's probably already been covered somewhere in this forum, I hate coming along late in the game.

CAn you use any old power transformer, or is there specific ones that work with specific circuits? I have a dead head out of an old Samick 60W amp, where the transformer seems in good shape. there's also a lot of good parts in there I can use I think, like the circuit for the effects loop, and I may even just grind the chassis down and paint it to use in my project.

what are the main differences between the LM3886 and the TDA7294? is one more reliable than the other?

Good point, sometimes I get excited and try to jump in balls deep.
I'll start with the 3886

that link is actually supposed to go directly to a heading of: DISCRETE POWER AMPLIFIER 200W-K8060
you have to scroll down the page about 1/3 of the way

okay... so, if I were to build an amp with a clean channel, and footswitchable distortion channel, would I need two separate power amps?

what do you think of this as a power amp??
http://www.a1parts.com/newkits/amplifiers_kits.htm#DISCRETE POWER AMPLIFIER 200W-K8060

this guy has a lot of stuff to pick from on his website, and I just discovered it today, so there is probably somethng better on there. I figured if I can source my parts within the country, than at least I can save money on duty and exchange

so when you buy the LM3886 stereo kit, you end up building you're power amp, and a clean channel preamp? is that right, or am I still confused?

thanks for all you're advice, everything is coming along nicely in my head so far.

will it show you how everything hooks up on the bottom side, or do you just figure it out from the schematic?

That's really cool. I'm going to go find that program now and play around a bit.
thanks for all the advice guys I really appreciate it. and look forward to lots more! lol

at the risk of asking a "dumb" question, what do you mean by a powered box?

When I look at a schematic and see four diode symbols making a diamond shape, is that just four diodes, or something I've not seen before?

Should I trust myself to use perf board to build a preamp like this, or should I look harder for a PCB?

thank you

it does sound quite good. should i get a power amp circuit from chipamp, or do  I need something more for that kind of power? I've looked into the LM3886 a little bit but I don't see what it's total power rating would be. Or does you're wattage rating come from the preamp? I guess I'm newer at this than I thought.

On another note, is an Opamp just an integrated circuit? Or is there more to them than that. Are they made specifically for amp design, or can I pull one out of say, a cars PCM?
just curious.

Hi all, this is my first post. I've been lurking for a couple days now. I am interested in building my own guitar amp (obviously). I am wondering what is a good starter project?
Ideally, I would like to have a 100W amp with a killer distortion channel similar to a Randall RH100 or better (warhead perhaps), but I do realize it's best to start small.
I have lots of experience in soldering and a fair amount of knowledge of electronics, but I'm by far not an expert. I'm a technician in a Honda dealership, so I do see my fair share of wires.

All input greatly appreciated.