Not to long ago, I decided I wanted an amplifier that I could use out in the field, and it be loud enough, but also, didn't take a lot of power. I finally decided on a 20 watt x 2, amp kit from Canakits.com, kit: UK194. I made a box for it the first time with in and out level meters, and it kinda looked horrid, so I got a new project box, and made it look a little better!
Running this amp, using 13.8v, I've seen stereo peaks at 18v @ 8ohms, which gives me a 40 watt peak!! The chips they use are TDA2003, and are a high current setup. Two of these are used per channel, and that gives a nice high current peak of 7 amps!! This chip is also famious for very low TDH at is given power output.
The sound is very awesome and clean. Bass is very punchy, and the high end sparkles. Not bad for a 30 bucks!! Half the fun is, it's a kit, and who doesn't like building fun stuff with electronics?!?!
I've included some before and after pictures of the changes I've made to the box.
I'm going to make a 3 LED passive VU meter, siginal, 0 db, and 18v clip light, at a later date. Then I'll tighty up the wires even more!
Before Pictures
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New Box!!
5-11-2008