The Audiophile’s Project Sourcebook: 80 High-Performance Audio Electronics Projects

357 Pages·2001·10.73 MB·English

by  G. Randy Slone

THE AUDIOPHILE’S PROJECT SOURCEBOOK
THE AUDIOPHILE’S PROJECT
SOURCEBOOK
G. Randy Slone
Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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CONTENTS
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Establishing the Basics
The Psychological Tie Between Sound and the Human Mind
Why Audio Electronics?
The Goal of High-Performance Audio Equipment
Harmonic Distortion
What About Intermodulation Distortion?
Noise
Frequency Response (Bandwidth)
Slew Rate
Phase Considerations
Additive Effects in Audio Systems
A Final Word on Performance
Safety Considerations
Chapter 2 Beginning at the Beginning
To Balun or not to Balun? That Is the Question!
Solid-State Balun Variations
Jumping from the Pot onto the Step Ladder
Chapter 3 Audio Preamplifier Systems
Passive Preamplifiers in an Active World
Conventional Preamplifier Systems
Chapter 4 Audio Filter Circuits
Domestic Hi-Fi Considerations
Professional Considerations
Audio Filter Circuit Projects
Chapter 5 Headphone Amplifiers
Why Listen to Music through Headphones?
Generalities of Headphone Systems
Headphone Amplifier Projects
Chapter 6 Audio Power Amplifiers
Audio Power Amplifier Performance Goals
Audio Power Amplifier Classes
Vacuum Tube Power Amplifiers versus Solid-State Power Amplifiers
Audio Power Amplifier Fundamentals
Audio Power Amplifier Cookbook Designs
Bias Adjustment Without the Use of a Distortion Analyzer
Some Final Thoughts on Audio Power Amplifier Construction
Chapter 7 Power Supplies
Power Supplies for Audio Power Amplifiers
An Evaluation of the Three Main Types of Power Amplifier
Power Supplies
Choosing a Power Supply Type for an Audio Power Amplifier
Application
Power Transformer Considerations
Transformer EMI Problems
Rectification
Power Supply Fusing
Reservoir Capacitors
Typical Power Supply Designs for Audio Power Amplifiers
Power Supply Calculations
Power Supplies for Signal-Processing Applications
Chapter 8 Protection Circuits
DC and Transient Speaker Protection
Soft-Start Circuits
Clip Detection Circuits
Chapter 9 Miscellaneous Audio Circuits
Display Circuits
Phase Control
Delay Effects
Chapter 10 General Construction Information
Hum, Noise, and Grounding Considerations
General Wiring Considerations
Printed Circuit Board Construction Techniques
Making Printed Circuit Boards by Hand
Making Printed Circuit Boards by Computer/Photographic
Methods
Heatsinks
Project Enclosures
Appendix A Audio Electronics Terminology
Appendix B Sources of Information and Materials
Appendix C PC Board Artwork
Index
PREFACE
The Audiophile’s Project Sourcebook is intended for electronics hobbyists and
audiophiles who enjoy constructing their own “high-end” audio equipment, and
who also desire a more complete understanding of the fundamentals involved
with audio design. In addition, the information contained in this book will equip
audio enthusiasts with the practical knowledge for experimentation and
modifications to existing audio equipment, as well as clarifying issues of
application compatibility.
A well-rounded variety of domestic and professional audio projects is
provided, including preamplifiers, filter circuits, headphone amplifiers, power
amplifiers, effects circuits, power supplies, protection circuits, and display
circuits. For the most part, these projects represent the state of the art in
performance capabilities, and will exceed the performance parameters of most
commercially available equipment. In addition to the complete schematics and
technical descriptions, I have provided the PC board artwork and layout
illustrations for many of the more complex designs.
I have assumed that the reader is experienced in the fundamentals of
electronics and electronic construction, but I have made few assumptions
regarding the reader’s expertise relating specifically to audio electronics.
Appendix A provides a reasonably exhaustive clarification of audio electronics
terms and modern “buzz” words as a further barrier against confusion.
The Audiophile’s Project Sourcebook is for hobbyists and audiophiles who
have been discouraged by the apparent schism between audio professionals and
extravagant esoterics. It is designed to help anyone experience the ultimate in
sonic quality at a reasonable expense. The concepts and principles presented are
not subjective, mythical, or traditional; they are scientific and extensively
supported with provable analysis. Many readers will be pleasantly surprised at
the low cost involved with even the best audio systems.
Above all, I have directed this book toward people who want to experience
the fun, satisfaction, and fulfillment of superb and practical electronic projects
(not to mention the significant cost savings). This text is not infested with
watered-down demonstration or educational projects—it is a sourcebook of
impressive, high-performance designs that lend legitimacy to the reader’s
construction efforts. I sincerely hope that many will enjoy it and benefit from it.