Building the Simplest, Best Sounding, Yet Most Inefficient Audio Amp!

Intro: Building the Simplest, Best Sounding, Yet Most Inefficient Audio Amp!

In this project I will be showing you how to create a class A audio amp. The great thing about such amps is that they only require a few components and sound awesome. On the other hand though, their efficiency is not that great. But since I will be creating this amp for a smartphone with a USB Type-C port for powering the amp, it should be just fine. So let me show you how to calculate a design for such an amp and how to build it! Let's get started!

STEP 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you pretty much all the general information when it comes to building a class A audio amp. During the next steps though, I will present you some additional details.

STEP 2: Order Your Components!

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

2x BC337 NPN BJT: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9I1F1z

2x 100Ω, 2x 22Ω, 2x 3.3kΩ, 2x 1kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

4x 10µF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7dOwRz

1x USB Type-C breakout board: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AonKUJ

1x Audio jack: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9IfcXd

1x Audio plug: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ABC7UL

1x Perfboard: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A5V4B5

STEP 3: Build the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic of the circuit along with reference pictures of my own board. Use it to solder up your own amp.

STEP 4: 3D Print the Enclosure!

Here you can find the .stl files for my enclosure. Print it with your 3D printer and put your class A amp inside!

STEP 5: Success!

You did it! You just created your own class A audio amp!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab
https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[sadmansajid]

Hi, I didn't understand the wiring. Specifically how the output of the transistor and audio socket is to be connected. Can anyone please help.

[sadmansajid]

Hi, I didn't understand the wiring. Specifically how the output of the transistor and audio socket is to be connected. Can anyone please help.

[Whyteboar]

What would you use in place of the USB-C for an iPhone? Or is that not a viable option?

[ko4dnm]

THe connector is simply for power, so just replace it with an iPhone connector breakout and use VCC and GND connections, all else should be the same.

[KB3BYT]

Is this the correct orientation to use electrolytics in this circuit for C1 and C2 ?

[KB3BYT]

WHAT ARE those yellow gumdrop shaped capacitors? Are they non-polar? Is there a PLUS and MINUS side ? Your ALIEXPRESS web link takes me to ELECTROLYTIC capacitor assortments. Can you revise the schematic to show PLUS and MINUS using electrolytic capacitors? I have 10uF electrolytics here now.

[aaamott]

Those are ceramic capacitors, non-polar. The positive side goes on the side attached to VCC and negative (side with a white band) goes to the side labelled "out"

[JohnC430]

those are Tantalum caps. they are polarized just like the Aluminum electrolytic caps and are better quality, less leakage and do not deterioriate over time like the other.

[KB3BYT]

can you mark the circuit to show which way is plus and minus for each capacitor?

[nkoliha]

Tantalum capacitors

[lifexeMPLAR]

and are the capacitors polarized? how do I solder them in if so (the ones you linked on aliexpress are electrolytic)

[aaamott]

Ceramic capacitors are not polarized. If you switched to electrolytic (which look like little cans) you would look for the side marked with a row of negative marks, usually along a white band.

[changkho.acam95]

how is it usable on google pixels? Thank you Sir

[changkho.acam95]

how is it usable on google pixels? Thank everyone

[JohnnyMehl]

The schematic shows a stereo a amplifier but output jack is a single switched output?

[danielabrams555]

The schematic shows a mono amplifier. The component list has enough components listed to built two of these circuits, which you will need to do if you want stereo sound. Notice the schematic shows only two capacitors, but the picture of the circuit on the perf board shows four capacitors. To get stereo sound you build a separate amplifiers for right and left signals.

[lifexeMPLAR]

Hi, is the ground of minijack connected to the ground of 5v line? thanks

[yakacm]

I can't help but read the intro in my head in Great Scott's voice, and that being said...

[ndbaker]

Anyone try it with a rechargeable battery so it doesn't drain the phone?

[nkoliha]

Should still work you just need a good enough lipo a booster and a good charge on protection