How to Build an Audio Amplifier
Audio amplifiers are capable of converting a small voltage audio signal into a larger voltage audio signal of identical frequency. An audio amplifier must reproduce a larger version of the same waveform; otherwise the output is said to be distorted. Because distortion can be a problem with some types of amplifiers (such as the push-pull Class AB amplifier), many amplifier builders opt to utilize a high-fidelity integrated circuit called an operational amplifier.
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Things You'll Need
- LM158 Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp)
- Two 10 KΩ resistors
- One 1 KΩ resistor
- One 3.3 KΩ resistor
- Three 10µF dielectric (non-polarized) capacitors
- One 6V DC power supply
- Electrical wire
- Electrical pliers
- Soldering iron and solder
Instructions
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1
Cut a length of electrical wire and strip each end of ½ inch of insulation. Connect one end of this wire to the positive terminal on the power supply. Connect the other end of this wire jointly to pin 8 on the Op-Amp and one of the 10 KΩ resistors and solder the connection.
Connect the free lead of the 10 KΩ resistor jointly to one of the leads on the other 10 KΩ resistor, pin 3 on the Op-Amp, and one of the capacitor leads. Solder this connection.
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2
Cut a second length of wire, and strip each end of ½ inch of insulation. Attach one end of this wire to the negative terminal on the power supply. Attach the other end of this wire jointly to the unconnected lead on the soldered capacitor, pin 4 on the Op-Amp, and the free 10 KΩ resistor lead. Solder this connection.
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3
Attach one of the unused capacitors to the 1 KΩ resistor, and solder this connection. Connect the free lead on the 1 KΩ resistor jointly to the 3.3 KΩ resistor and pin 2 on the Op-Amp. Solder this connection. Attach the 3.3 KΩ resistor jointly to the unused capacitor and pin 1 on the Op-Amp, and solder this connection.
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