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Diy AudioDIY Audio means "do it yourself" audio. Rather than buying a piece of audio equipment, such as an amplifier, a person makes it themself. Stems from the DIY movement. DIY audio is a hobby for many technically savvy people and engineers. Many think that they can make equipment for less money than it would cost if it were bought new. Many do it for the enjoyment, spending much more time and money on a project than it would have cost to purchase something similar. DIY audio involves "projects" directed to audio. Many DIY audio people fancy themselves to be an audiophile. These people use rare and expensive parts and components in their projects. Common DIY Projects 1. The GainClone or "chip amp". The Gainclone or "chip amp" is probably the most commonly built and well known amplifier project, it is extremely simple to build and involves only a few parts which all are readily accessible, and is very inexpensive. As an amplifier it is highly regarded by many in the DIY community. The term "Gainclone" derives from the 47 Labs Gaincardamplifier. The Gaincard shook up the audiophile community by being unconventional. It had fewer parts, less capacitance and simpler construction than virtually anything preceding it, and relied on a 50 watt chip for amplification, the National Semiconductor LM3875. (found Here) These construction techniques went against the current thinking at the time, which favored large power supplies and discrete amplification. Estimates are that this amp cost less than $100 in parts, but it sold for $3300 with its small power supply. Controversy ensued, with a number of positive reviews (see here). The DIY community started building replicas (or improvements, or modificiations, depending on how you look at it) of the Gaincard using various chip amps from National Semiconductor and other manufacturers in an attempt to see if good sound could be obtained. The simple circuit was easy to make and some even started offering printed circuit boards and kits to make construction even easier. Controversy over these "Gainclones" or "chip amps" still exists, and variations have spawned. There are hundreds of web sites with examples, kits, circuits, and descriptions of the Gainclone amplifier. Gainclone external links. 2. Pass Labs "Zen" and Other Projects. Notable high end audio circuit designer Nelson Pass of Pass labs is a long time supporter of the DIY audio movement, and publishes articles on the Pass Labs domain: passdiy.com. These articles explain basic concepts of amplifier, preamplifier and other audio designs. There is a complete line (or evolution) of the "Zen" series of amplifiers, which are intended to be very simple and to provide good quality sound. The Pass DIY Gallery contains photos and descriptions of Pass projects from around the world. A discussion board devoted to Pass projects is found here. Most Pass projects are based on a MOSFET circuit. Pass Labs DIY auido projects are extremely popular due to the sensible circuit designs, and the articles which attempt to provide a clear explanation of the circuit theory and operation, as well as identify all parts that are used, and where the parts can be obtained. See also External links - DIY Audio A web site devoted to DIY Audio and some DIY video.
* DIY Turntables Pictures and descriptions of DIY turntables
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