@Alexius II Thanks for the info.

My TDA2030A has been lying around with just the main amp and speaker. Its good bragging value (NOI) in my circle. I've been concentrating on my work which is world apart from electronics (I'm a doctoral candidate for Sociology). So, i hardly have time these days. Your inputs will be really helpful. I've check out the circuit you are attempting and i find that i have most of the components. So, it will be really interesting. :-)

Thanks for the quick reply. :-)

I have looked at that circuit earlier, will it be possible to cut the clipping diodes and restrict the volume controls to just one, instead of the volume and the master. To do that modification, what changes will be needed. Or do you suggest leaving things as they are.

In the newcomer section, i have posted my amp. I have finish building it and it sounds fine. With apologies to Mr Fahey, i have build the MXR Dist+, while it sounds good, i want a little more control.I have look at the various runoffgroove.com circuits, while i like them, there are less controls on them (is this a good thing).  Can anyone point out a preamp with the following specification to drive a TDA2030A Amp.

1. With volume, bass, mid and treble control.
2. Utilizing 12v power supply (i used a split 12 v for the amp)
3. No problem if based on either transistors or opamps.
4. Not very complicated. My circuit building skill is still at intermediate stage.

Thanks

Thanks for the kind responses.

I looked at the MXR Dist+ and it looks fine. I'll try to incorporate it with the required modification. I just need a cleadn sound with minimum control.

I got the Eminence 121A from their India distributor, so there was no need for hassles. I placed the order and i expect to get it within the next week. They stock only two speaker here, Legend 121A and Guvnor. I choose 121 as i'm into country music and this is their suggestion (on eminence website). I paid Rs. 3380 or US $ 67. Its the costliest part of my present project.

Around a year ago, i posted my attempt to build a SS Amp. I got lots of help. That one didn't materialize due to time constraint. Now, i'm embarking on a new one. Last time, Mr. Fahey has asked me to post how i put my amplifier together. I'm putting it here and the cost. It might be boring for some, but, its also to show that SS rocks even in India.

The Amp is based on TDA2030. I'm using Eminince Legend 121A. (i know its a small amp for a big speaker, but this is my first SS Amp, so i'm starting small  ) I got the PCB layout from General Guitar gadgets and etch it myself.

Cost of Components:
1. TDA2030A (i piece)          Rs. 10.
2. PCB                              Rs. 5. (approx) I cut a small size from the Copper Clad PCB of 12x10 which cost Rs. 50.
3. Resistor (3)                    Rs. 1.50.
3. Capacitor (7)                  Rs. 10.
4. Diode (2)                       Rs.2.
5. Heatsink                        Rs. 10.
                            Total    Rs.38.50  0r US $ 0.74  :dbtu:

Am planning to construct it soon. I have already etch the PCB. I'll be happy if you can suggest a very simple preamp for it. I'm planning to use it mainly as a guitar amp. (I'll put the pics as soon as i finish it, but compared to some of the very accomplished ones posted here, it will be a simple affair)

Dear Fahey,

Thanks for the quick reply. I am planning to play mostly country music and slow rock so the distortion does not really matters. What i am more worried about was that whether that part will have any effect on the clean channel.

I am ordering the Eminence from the India distributor and expecting it soon. Other than the speaker, quality components are easily available here in India, so there is no problem from that side. I expected that all my components will be ready by end of January and by early february, i should be able to start.

I definitely post stage by stage photos when i start.

Maurawkela

Hello,

I am planning to build a ss guitar amplifier. The design I'm thinking of using is http://www.sound.westhost.com/project27.htm. Mainly due to fact that that the parts are easily available in India (where I'm from) and many seems to be recommending it. I am planning to use Eminence Legend 121A as this is the only guitar speaker i can find in India within my budget.

My questions are:
1. Whether it will be good to change the overdrive/distortion clipper diode as many has report the quality to be not so good, if so any idea?
2. The speaker is 8 ohms and the amplifier is rated for 100w for 4 Ohms. Whether there will be any discernible effect in the functioning. The load being a 150W at 8 Ohms.
3. Any general comments. (if its of any importance, I am planning to use TO3 can transistor due to easy availability of heat-sink for them).

Regarding electronics, i put myself between beginner and intermediate. I can read circuits, troubleshoot them and am a fair hand at soldering. What i cannot do is design circuits or modify intricate circuits as i am a self taught enthusiast.