Thread: Small and simple USB audio amp anyone?

Originally Posted by JC-S60

It is defenately doable, but we're going for a simpler design. The cmedia ic's aren't easy to get in small quantities and the amp would seriously impact the size and power requirements...

In a second phase we're planning to have a real 6 or 8 channel dac and maybe a bigger amp...

Joachim

True, if you are planing on using only USB 1.1 with no driver you will want to "keep it simple".
However, as someone noted before, most of us have or should have a MB with USB 2.0.

The CM106 can be adjusted to output 2-8 channels and I was only planing on using one of the TAA1004A's providing 4ch at ~ 65Watts RMS with a 12Vdc input. it would also have line outs for sub, center or aux...

The Tripath is a low power chip and the entire board would be less than 75mm x 100mm (3"x4"). That should be small enough to drop in anywhere.

As far as sourcing components, that's always an issue for small production...

Were you planning on powering your amp from the USB power or having an external power source? 5V isn't that much...

I'm sure there would be demand for both a USB1.1 or 2.0.

How about working on two designs one 1.1 and one 2.0 with a more advanced chip/amp?
Let me know if you need any PCB design work as that is one of the things I do.

First prototype is running, first production PCB's are on their way!

More details and specs here:
http://direct.xtronic.be/products/ca...amplifier.html

Looks cool! I think there will be good demand for these even though there wasn't much reaction to them.

Nice wee usb amp you have there. Personally I think benedums idead of the CMedia chip (CM106-F/L) with a multi channel Tripath amp could provide a great solution (I'd go all out with a bridgeable 8 channel solution).

I'm currently using Triapth amps in both my home and one of my car setups, and for the small amounts of power they consume, the audio quality is teriffic.

PS what's would you consider and acceptable price on the cmedia chips (for low volume)?

Originally Posted by pokki

Nice wee usb amp you have there. Personally I think benedums idead of the CMedia chip (CM106-F/L) with a multi channel Tripath amp could provide a great solution (I'd go all out with a bridgeable 8 channel solution).

I'm currently using Triapth amps in both my home and one of my car setups, and for the small amounts of power they consume, the audio quality is teriffic.

PS what's would you consider and acceptable price on the cmedia chips (for low volume)?

Considering all other costs, the chip would have to be in the 10-20 € price range, but all depends on the price customers are willing to pay...do you have some info that could help us?
We are still considering building a bigger version (maybe based on the tripath amps, maybe using 2x our current amplifier) so I'm very interested in anything that could help us along.

Joachim

Originally Posted by benedums

True, if you are planing on using only USB 1.1 with no driver you will want to "keep it simple".
However, as someone noted before, most of us have or should have a MB with USB 2.0.

The CM106 can be adjusted to output 2-8 channels and I was only planing on using one of the TAA1004A's providing 4ch at ~ 65Watts RMS with a 12Vdc input. it would also have line outs for sub, center or aux...

The Tripath is a low power chip and the entire board would be less than 75mm x 100mm (3"x4"). That should be small enough to drop in anywhere.

As far as sourcing components, that's always an issue for small production...

Were you planning on powering your amp from the USB power or having an external power source? 5V isn't that much...

I'm sure there would be demand for both a USB1.1 or 2.0.

How about working on two designs one 1.1 and one 2.0 with a more advanced chip/amp?
Let me know if you need any PCB design work as that is one of the things I do.

Sorry, I overlooked the questions in the post...

We are using 12v from the car to power the amp - the 5v @ 500mA from USB wouldn't cut it at all.
The USB 1.1 isn't really an important factor, just an advantage in terms of signal trouble.

We are working on 2 designs right now - one 2 channel and one surround. Just not sure the second one will be a viable build...

Joachim

Originally Posted by durwood

Looks cool! I think there will be good demand for these even though there wasn't much reaction to them.

Thanks, I hope so too

Joachim

Considering all other costs, the chip would have to be in the 10-20 € price range, but all depends on the price customers are willing to pay...do you have some info that could help us?

If you're happy to desolder the CM chip or build uppon an existing solution, I can help you source a complete CM106 USB soundcard for sub $25 USD.