The BEST low cost audio amplifier boards I've tested

[@TutorialMasAri]

Glad to hear that my amps is the winner for class D... :D
I just finish my own handy craft super hifi stereo speaker amplifier with it. And Iam happy enough for low cost budget audiophile

[@KuntalGhosh]

I was looking for this video , and you made it .love it.

[@jamalhalili2173]

Kuntal ghosh modokn?

[@peteytwofinger]

hey jonaudiotech. thanks for your reviews . i have been blindly hacking these amps together for an outdoor rig for the family band for a while . there are videos of us making music remote with amps i built using these boards . i love the sure stuff . lately i have been fond of the tpa3116d2 mono ( or stereo 50x2) boards which are a green pcb , with a black heat sink which is rounded on the corners with blue 10k volume trimmer . those i found for 5-6 dollars and they sem to do well to my ears .

[@raymondheath7668]

I use the tiny PAM8x03 board with two 1.5" speakers in a tiny box as my bench test amp when I'm working on computers

[@TheVideoZombie]

Really good vids JohnA, keep it up :)

[@McCuneWindandSolar]

I picked up a (High Power Digital Bluetooth Power Amplifier Board TDA7498 HiFi Stereo 2*100W) off eBay, have not set it up yet. it comes in a nice acrylic case and a fan to keep it cool. I now need to mode my speaker box so it has a nice little home.

[@xerejuneseve6333]

In my opinion the PAM8410,12V module has a lot more
power and better sound than TPA3116D2 ,18v.

[@tomrisar5492]

A video about which amp kit can drive Sennheiser HD-650 headphones. ie due to 300 ohm impedance. it would generate traffic++++++

[@SianaGearz]

They should all be noisy on headphones, and headphones don't need that much power. His design for a special purpose headphone amplifier is spectacular though.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Great video! You keep us informed on chip amps! I use them in small projects you can use with batteries or in a car. Thankz

[@1marcelfilms]

i once bought 10 PAM8403 for 2$. if you hold the circuit board right you get funny distortion

[@PiratCarribean]

Good

[@RiffHarvester]

I'm interested in the TPS reports....

[@honey322]

Hi, John. I have a 2.1 multimedia speakers, but unfortunately after a months used, suddenly a humming sound appears at the subwoofer. When I turn it on the humming sound appears and you know it's annoying. I would like to ask any suggestions on what would be the best way to resolve resolve this issue with my speaker. Would it be better to replace the built-in amplifier with the one that you already reviewed like the TDA7492, I guess. Or can you make a video on, how to troubleshoot a speaker with particular issue like a humming or hiss sound coming out from the subwoofer. Thank you and I'll wait for your response or video... Have a nice day, and by the way nice videos. I find it very helpful, it teaches me a lot of things about those mini amplifiers and very informative. Keep it up.

[@RandomAudioGuys]

Hey John, sorry just caught this one but I was wondering, on that winner did you ever get a 12 to 14 volt rating on it? I look at alot of this stuff for automotive use where we are limited to around 13.5v on average and almost always use a 4 ohm load. Just curious if you could get a reading on that board or possibly start adding those ratings when available.

[@JohnAudioTech]

Do you mean the LM1875 board? It is really designed for higher voltage dual supplies.

[@RandomAudioGuys]

JohnAudioTech yeah that was the one one was referring to.
I'd like to find one that can make decent power around 35 per channel at 13 to 14 volts but it just seems these boards won't come near that.

[@JohnAudioTech]

It is all about the supply voltage. The output voltage can swing only so high before hitting the rail voltage and clip. The best boards can put out around 8 volts rms into a 4 ohm load (16 clean watts b/f clipping). This accounts for some losses in the amp.
35w into 4 ohms requires about 12v rms which translates into over 20 volts for a bridged output or 40v (+20/-20) for a dual supply single ended amp. To get this kind of power from a 14v supply, you'd need a DC supply that would boost the voltage up for the amplifier.

[@RandomAudioGuys]

Thats the part that loses me. Hard to find videos on 12 volt amplifier builds.
Also bub, I have a car audio shop as you can tell from my channel and I have a ton of old amplifiers I am just going ot be melting down the aluminum from, These amps are not cheap, they range from 150 to 1500.00 per amplifier, all the boards and parts are going to do me no good, would you be intersted in them? No cost bub just shipping and were kinda close, I remeber one of your videos says your in the Dayton Ohio area, Im in the Ashland KY area if you want ot map it out to give you an idea. I know some of the parts in these boards are not cheap. Got some JL audio Slash amplifiers and Memphis Mclass amps, higher end stuff.

[@JohnAudioTech]

This video, although about transformers for audio amps, might explain it better: ruclips.net/video/iki2nTcbkvA/видео.html
Of course, car amps have their own built in DC booster supply so they can achieve very high wattage ratings.
Yes, I'd be delighted to have the parts. Thanks for offering them.
JohnAudioTech
PO BOX 362
Vandalia, OH 45377
Since these won't physically fit in the PO box, let me know when you send them so I'll know to go get them. The post office will hold them for me for a while.

[@xragexxx]

hi John, thank you for your video I was wondering do you know how to combine 2 of these amps to make a 2.1 speaker box? or can you recommend a 2.1 class d amp?

[@JohnAudioTech]

There are a few three channel amps available so you could use a subwoofer. I probably will review one at some point.

[@66shreerangvilla]

Pls review TDA 7498 amp

[@izzzzzz6]

Have you tried the 600W at 2ohms 32-46V? TPA3255

[@hemanthkumarHere]

4:25 , this thing along with bluetooth connectivity comes for $9 at aliexpress. I am going to try out.

[@saadman920]

Sir have you tested TDA7297?

[@wd3574]

The LM1875t board is very nice, but you need a split power supply and transformer with enough current to power it, plus a heatsink. Those items aren't cheap. I like the TA2020 orTA2024 boards. Not as many watts, but low power requirements and heatsink not absolutely necessary. A 12v battery can power them.

[@JohnAudioTech]

Yes those boards are easy to use plus are stereo where the LM1875 board is just single channel (unless you buy a stereo board). Still, I like the 1875 more.

[@Darryl603]

Hi,
I have a Technics SA-410. When it's cold and I turn it on, the left channel works fine. The right channel is silent until I turn it up to around 3 and then it comes on and stays on and works fine. I can turn it off and on and it will stay on once it's warmed up. What do you think the problem is? Thanks

[@nidzabgd]

Hello John, Any reason you haven't tested any TDA2030A boards that are out there? There's a bunh of them for under 5$ with a chip per each channel. Is it possible you review some of them? Thanks and keep up the good work, you are one of the few with really fact-applied thoughts on youtube!

[@damascenoalisson]

I'm not John, but IMHO, the sound quality in LM1875T is so much better than TDA2030A, that I feel it isin't worth it...
Also, as they are pin-compatible, I got literally dozens of TDA boards, wich I replaced with LM chips later :-)

[@SianaGearz]

I wonder whether LM1875 is even genuine...

[@Cheese_1337]

@@SianaGearz he tested the short circuit protection on the 1875 chip and it worked tho.

[@sergiuandone3075]

@@damascenoalisson that s true

[@vaser888]

John, I've made the lm1875 circuit and I want to add a volume knob to it. I followed you instructions in your video that you made with the 10k pot at the input to ground however when I tried adding it it did not really work. The pot only acts like an on/off switch with little control over the volume unless you move it a hairs width forward (which might make the volume halved). do you have any idea why it would not act like it's suppose to. (and yes i set up the pot correctly because i can adjust the resistance without a problem and see it change linearly with my multimeter).
Thanks in advance,
Vaser888

[@effelog]

vaser888 Are you using a logarithmic potentiometer?

[@vaser888]

No, it's a linear potentiometer. It is technically a 25k pot but i put a resistor in parallel between the wiper and an input to make it a 10k pot.

[@JohnAudioTech]

Is the resistor connected between the wiper pin and ground? Are you sure the wiper (normally the center pin) is connected to the amp's input (not the source input side)?

[@vaser888]

Yes the resistor is connected between the wiper pin and ground. I could have possibly mixed that up but i believe I tried both just in case. I'll set everything up and try it again. if it does not work then ill make a quick video to show you how i have everything wired and set up.
Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

[@JohnAudioTech]

I replied to your video.

[@kechmo301]

hi I was wondering which one of these boards you would recommend for a diy soundbar build I have been looking into doing?

[@jonfrost885]

Theres 2 type of pam8610, with built in audio jack, volume knob etc and the 1 that circuit board only, which one is better to another and why?!

[@iblesbosuok]

Good bye LM377. Good bye LM379.
Cheers from Indonesia

[@hughthomson8086]

Hey john it'd be cool if you reviewed the tpa 3118

[@rare_grooves_shack_1983]

i'd really like to hear how you think a $30 on up (complete) TDA/TPA 3116 by breeze audio, fosi, K. GuSS, nobsound, weiliang or yeeco... apparently all the same amp, but based on the same 3116 chip as the well respected $500 TPI millenia fares against your favorite here. haven't watched the video yet... still in a long commercial

[@ford1546]

I have tested many of the class-d boards that you have. none of the class-d has particularly good sound compared to the class-ab L12, L20 from LJM which you can buy on ebay or many other class-ab.
TDA7492 has a little too light sound and has a little too much upper part.
TPA3116 I think has a little more correct sound.
but both and almost every other ic. Amplifiers on eBay are built the same way except for different ICs.
frequency response will vary up and down by different ohms.

[@al-elchannel5898]

How about tpa3116???

[@bossofhind7900]

Hi, sir,
I want to know low budget 2×50watt and 2×100 watts amplifier with gain control available in market ?
I want to develop speaker with two diffrant audio supply one for tweeter and one for woofer.
But I want Boths gain should same how would I do ?

[@enemyhero]

Is there anything that exists that can function with a 4ohm 180wrms Pa speaker? I want to build an amp for a Pa that can run with 12vdc but I can't find any class D amplifiers on 12vdc that can go anywhere near 180wrms

[@abdulsamadkhan8544]

HI John, i want to build a customs PA powered Speaker.. I have Selected P-Audio E12-200s is a 12inch 200watts continuous Speaker. can you suggest me a Good power Board + its power supply ...for it.. Should be Cheap also... waiting for your reply

[@flhusa1]

Could you do a video on which board would be a good choice for a small or practice guitar amplifier board? My nephew is learning to play the acoustic and electric guitar and he would be happy if i could make him his own custom amplifier. i have plenty of different voltages filtered power supplies to power it with. i have been collecting speakers for years out of everything that quit working or i was not able to fix. 4 ohm and 8 ohm. Do some of these boards have their own filtering for the supply voltage coming in?
thanks
john

[@JohnAudioTech]

It all depends on the power he wants. You don't need a lot of power in a practice amp. Anywhere from a half a watt up to 10. You would need a pre amp for these boards as the signal from a guitar is quite small. It is best to use a speaker made for guitars for the best sound.

[@BBXFX]

Any thoughts about powering these with 18650 considering they are probably the best power to weight and virtually free if you pull them from laptop batteries. 3 in series or 4S with a step down buck.

[@JohnAudioTech]

It could work if cells are protected.

[@afrog2666]

I am currently planning a DIY speaker build powered by two packs of 4s 18650`s.
I`ll be using two TDA 7297`s and four samsung HT 15W 8ohm speakers.
(and two tiny tweeters)
I have been running a previous project with the same amp and speakers on 3s LiPo with no issues apart from low input sensitivity, which I am hoping 4s will help reduce a bit.
The TDA7297 is fine with 15V, but I have yet to find out how they react to a max of 16.8V, don`t really think I`ll need a step down :/
LVC is a must though :)
(btw, condition your cells and check for inconsistencies if you get junkyard batteries)

[@adryanyork3581]

Can you use 12 aa batteries to create the -,+ power needed to run the LM1875.? . Like in your vid 'How to use op amps with a single rail power supply' (I tried it but there could be a number of reasons it didn't work for me) Thanks

[@vaser888]

You can technically do it with the 12 aa batteries but i'd recommend making your life easier and just using two 9V batteries. I used two 9V batteries to test my lm1875s and it worked fine.
Do you know how to set up the batteries to create the +,-? or do you need help with that?

[@adryanyork3581]

mate, I need help with most of this stuff ha, but mmm I followed Johns 'How to use op amps with a single rail power supply' Vid and got the correct reading +,-, but I couldn't get it to make a sound, when applied to lm1875 board. (I may have damaged my LM1875 board some how, before)... And the batteries got so hot, couldn't even touch em... If you can check John's Vid I pasted that would be cool, see if i'm on the right track...... Any other suggestions would be great too. Thanks :)

[@vaser888]

So johns video that you talked about only shows how to give an output of about +4v and -4v. The LM1875 needs a voltage of at least -8v and +8v to work (which explains why you could not get anything out of the amplifier) I'd recommended trying this set up to power and test the amplifier www.instructables.com/id/Dual-Voltage-Supply-9V-batteries/
(you dont need to make it as fancy as the instructable but set up the batteries as shown and you should be able to power the amplifier properly)
As for the batteries, they got hot because they were probably being shorted (which i've done before and know that they get as hot as you described). I don't know if the low voltage and you trying to power the amplifier with it would cause the batteries to get hot. i'd recommend just looking over your wiring just in case. (the two 9v batteries should not get hot btw if you end up trying it. if they do get hot then something is for sure shorting).

[@adryanyork3581]

Ta, before I check instructables out (soldering a little LM386 guitar amp right now :)...) but, 12 x aa batteries = 18v as do 2 x 9v batteries. Isn't that the same? I went with aa for longer life... Is the a difference?

[@vaser888]

Theoretically yeah 12 aa batteries = 18v but they all have independent voltages and 1.5V is like brand new and best case scenario. lets say the 12 actually only output 1.3v each. 12x1.3 = 15.4 volts /2 = 7.7 volts +,-.
The minimum voltage the lm1875 must have is 16v so your 12 aa setup would not work. the two 9v will only stop powering the amplifier when both 9v go down to 7.9-8v (mine even got down to 7.8v each before it could not power the amplifier any more).
but yeah as you can see having two 9v instead of 12 1.5v batteries mean that you have more control over the total voltage.

[@Burnin-U]

Can any of them be used in a guitar amp?

[@teodorroscan726]

Wow I wish I could have that many amplifier boards(in fact i need just 1 haha).I have a 5.1 surround system and i want a 7.1 one.Fortunately i found 2 speakers good enough for my system.Where can i find a good and CHEAP amp board for my speakers? (8 ohm speakers)?

[@cafe80s]

You might like to see my test of mini amps here: ruclips.net/video/648i4Ol42iM/видео.html

[@sergiuandone3075]

all LMxxxx amplifiers are damn good.. even my diy audio is baded in them. but STK's amplifiers are better.. you can modelate sound at higher level .

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hi John, Some how I guessed the LM 1875 having watched your review, I know your partial to them. I hope all is good. C.

[@JohnAudioTech]

Yes, I'm a fan of the LM1875, but it has the performance to back it up.

[@phgodts]

John, is there a way to keychain ic amps like LM3886 to deliver more power? Can you make a video about it?

[@JohnAudioTech]

It is possible to bridge and/or parallel them for more power.

[@mac2484]

JohnAudioTech hey was just waiting for this
ok now can u make a video on the best filter boards and other accessories
best speakers in different sizes
etc

[@easytuning7050]

hey man i have some peerless woofers with 12w and 30w peak. i want realy much bass! what do you suggest?

[@JohnAudioTech]

Most of those amps will work. You might want to add a low pass filter and have an amp just for the subs.

[@jonnyboy5019]

I've had a few boards from Sure Electronics they were quite nice. but i also had a ton of rubbish fake Lepais and Kinters which were No good at all its quite difficult today to find good china Amps

[@willmac5642]

TPA3255 from 3e is v good, if you can find one

[@roblinea6]

Hi John , very good videos! I definitely need your help, I bought on eBay one of these tda2050 amplifier, it was sold to me as "100 watt 5-24 dc volt amplifier board", I'm powering it with a 12 volt 1 ampere dc power supply but as I play it at low volumes the sound suddenly starts to distorting..what can I do ? Thank you John

[@JohnAudioTech]

Can you provide a link to the amp you ordered? Normally a TDA2050 would require a dual polarity supply. It can be setup for single polarity but it is not often done that way with kits.

[@roblinea6]

JohnAudioTech yes I can, it was this m.ebay.it/itm/TDA2050-DC-12-24V-5W-120W-1-Channel-Audio-Power-Amplifier-Board-/291984374564?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIM.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202400%2526meid%253Dde0d5d567f1c404db39aa2d65990666d%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D7%2526rkt%253D25%2526sd%253D272729726360&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460 the beautiful thing is that the exactly same board is sold among different sellers as 100 watt 5-24 volt class D amp or 12-24 120 watt amp or 30 watt class AB amp..

[@JohnAudioTech]

Aha! It does appear to be setup for single supply. Ignore the silly power rating. The best you can do with 8 ohms at 24 volts is around 6 or 7 clean watts. Forget 4 ohm loads with that thing because the heat sink is too small for anything over 15v. The TDA2050 was discontinued 4 years ago and the one used there is probably a fake. There is not much beyond hooking up the wires to the board, so it could simply be defective, causing the distortion.

[@roblinea6]

JohnAudioTech good bye to my 2.87 USD I paid for this thing XD so there is no hope to get a decent sound supplying it with 20 volt instead of 12 ? Thank you John , great YT channel, fan of you ! Continua così !

[@rawux1228]

you should try iraudamp7 (20$ amplifier)

[@TechBrant]

Hey John,
For me, your channel is a reference and an inspiration to my personal channel! I really like the way how you explain.
I'm developing and Boombox with TPS3116 that you can follow on that playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLX2YtMdpQuUnVOhxGmTQAcGQYj0CuCnn4
All explanations are in Portuguese so, I believe you won't understand, but I have one questions for you:
The TDA3116 that I'm using are having a very strange behavior as you can see on the last 2 videos on that playlist. Even without any signal input, there are some pulses on one output. I think it was fake, so I'll buy another amp.
As I will power with batteries, I'll need an amp that delivers more than 30W per channel with the minimum power consumption. That's why I choose a class D (that I didn't like very much).
For that kind of application, what's your recommendation?

[@JohnAudioTech]

Looking at the video, I agree. This is unusual and I think a fault of the board you have. When done right, class D can be fine but these boards are cheap for a reason. I always find small faults with them, like a hiss noise you hear in my videos. I like linear amps the best but for battery use, I'd try to find a good class D board.

[@TechBrant]

Noted!
Tks John!

[@martinvaldez8745]

What would you power that LM1875 board with John?

[@JohnAudioTech]

+18 / - 18 volt supply for 4 ohm loads or +22 / -22 volt for 8. It is a dual supply amp meaning a positive and negative voltages are needed (3 wire supply) relative to common ground. Supply should be able to handle 2.5 amps.

[@martinvaldez8745]

JohnAudioTech thanks for replying John. It's a great channel and I'm really interested in these small boards and just how good some of them can sound especially since I'm looking into replacing my Sony amplifier of 20 plus years

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

@@martinvaldez8745 Why not repair it?
What model SOny?

[@yanke3s1]

i love this build!@ im trying to make my own google home max type speaker! but i dont know how im going to add Bluetooth to my amp i got. ive seen the Bluetooth boards on ebay but im not sure how im going to power it? I was thinking i could open the amp and split off the positive and negative to the bluetooth but i think my powersupply is 36volts and the bluetooth adapters only accept 5v to 24v mostly . would i just then wire in a downstep for voltage then ive seen those on ebay too
this is the amp i got coming
www.ebay.com/itm/G-E-K-GA-98-TDA7498E-2-0-Ch-160Wx2-HIFI-Digital-Amplifier-Power-Supply-Black/263121908312?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[@barameus]

hi john,
thanks for your review, i have 2 speakers i would like to use as a stand alone bluetooth speaker
prntscr.com/f6emwm
im a beginner and have a question, can you help me what amp should i use for the 2 speakers (2 channel) above ?
i would love to try the pam8403,
is it enough power (plan to use 3 battery 4,5v) 1.66watt for that 2 speakers? (spec said 20watt)
I saw in this tes video that 8403 can drive your test speaker

[@JohnAudioTech]

Yes, those speakers would work. They are small and won't play very loudly. If you want higher volume, you can try a more powerful amp board, or more sensitive speakers.

[@barameus]

thankyou for the respond john

[@octavianconstantintudora9804]

Kinter MA-150 is not class D

[@cdshawn]

I am going to take an amplifier and put it in this chunky wood speakers I have with high efficient speakers, and maybe Bluetooth..projects take budgets, so give me a sub, and stay tuned, great video BTW!
#ghettoaudiophile

[@dawg0608]

just buy a cheap bluetooth car head unit. you will probably get it for the same price as these. and be better off

[@ArdiNugrohocilacap]

Ewww kinter... i have one,, but without usb

[@abdulsamadkhan8544]

HI John, i want to build a customs PA powered Speaker.. I have Selected P-Audio E12-200s is a 12inch 200watts continuous Speaker. can you suggest me a Good power Board + its power supply ...for it.. Should be Cheap also... waiting for your reply