DIY 6 channel Icepower amp

[NBPK402]

I have 7 125w modules, and 3 50w modules. I am trying to figure ou what layout would work best... I also would like to know if cooling will be required. I know the heat sinks will not be functional... I just liked the look of the case so I bought it. We will be making a new back panel as I will be using only Balanced XLRS for inputs, and SpeakOn connectors for output. I am planning on making a shield of some sort for the power wiring too. I want to have 4 separate power cords too. This will enable me 2 power up only the amps I want for the current time...example: I want to listen to stereo.. I only turn on the stereo channels. If I want to listen to tv with the center channel, I turn on the center channel too.
EACH power pug will have a Insteon outdoor outlet installed, and will be controlled via my HTPC.

I am concerned with EMF, and isolating noise as much as reasonable.

Suggestions welcome.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

You’ve got one ambitious build on your hands! Love the case, it looks like a Krell.
Following!

 

[NBPK402]

Thanks, it's one of the EBay China ones. I have always like the Krell amp cases of the 80s, and 90s, and this was the only way to get one.

 

[NBPK402]

I have the wiring for the modules now. I am waiting on the XLRs, Speakons, PowerCon, and 3 power switches.

 

[NBPK402]

I am trying to think of what to do with the large hole that used to be the nameplate, and had several holes that would not work for me. My friend is going to machine a new piece (I am currently waiting for the piece of aluminum to arrive) for the center.
I will have 3 lighted power buttons, and 7 LEDS to display my amp status. I was thinking it might be nice to have a ring around the center hole plate.
Sorry my tablet takes bad pics.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Very interesting.... anxious to see how it all turns out. Don't know anything about building them... but you can teach me.

 

[AudiocRaver]

Nice work. Wish I had the patience to create DIY gear that beautiful.

 

[NBPK402]

Thanks, I wish I had the skills to assemble it. I am just trying to come up with a amp that will do what I cannot afford to buy, and looks, and sounds great.

 

[NBPK402]

Ok, this in an idea I am thinking of...
The lines separating the buttons are grooves that extend to the end of the piece of metal. I am thinking that the 1/2" piece of aluminum could either curve down to flush with the front plate or angle down. the grooves would extend to the rack handles.
The top button is for stereo, and on each side of the button (in the groove) would be recessed LED.
The second button is for 5 channel with the left and right LEDs same as the stereo button, but we also have the center channel needed so it is below the button. I am thinking it should go below since it is also used in a 7 channel setup, and the last button is for 7 channel.
I guess this eliminates the backlit unless I have the Negatron 10 cut all the way through.

What do you think? Ideas suggestions?

 

[NBPK402]

We changed the design of the front plate I designed, and it will have squared corners, and will be the full height of the amplifier. In addition my friend will be machining the grooves to continue to the area behind the rack mount handles.
We will be running 3 Powercon connectors centered on the bottom of the rear plate, and the left side of the amp will be all the left XLRs, and Speakon outputs. The center of the plate toward the top will be the center channel XLRS, and a single Speakon connector. On the Right side of the amp will be the right XLRs, and Speakon outputs.

I am still debating on whether or not we should shield the amp power or not.... we did not when we were running 7 amp modules, but now we will have 10...any ideas?

My friend should be starting on it soon, as he has been working on the completion of a race car he has been fabricating suspension parts for.

I also finally got the info for switching the 125wpch amp modules to bridged/balanced amps. What you do is solder a wire from one pin to ground under the amp module. This will bring the power up to around 400wpc into a 4 ohm load. Now I will not be using anywhere near that amount of power as the 2 15" woofers per channel are pretty efficient. The smaller amp modules are already 170wpc into a 4 ohm load, and my horn drivers are 6 or 8 ohm (not sure as the specs tend to vary, and the markings for these old EV DH1A drivers). Obviously with drivers that are 114db with 1 watt... I will not be using more than a watt normally. I am only using the balanced setup because... Originally I was going to run the amps as mono amps with each amp being at the speaker for the front 3 bi-amped speakers, and now I am using a multichannel amp which will be in the rack.

I will post up pics as soon as it is ready.

 

[NBPK402]

Amp is almost ready...my friend is wiring the amp inputs, and power up now.

Question...there is a ground wire in the Icepower wiring harness...where would that go? Is it necessary since the amp modules are grounding to the case?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

That's looking like something pretty serious there... can't wait to see the finished product.

How are you going to get it to my house for testing?

 

[NBPK402]

If I recall correctly the case alone was over 20Kg...it is a beast.

 

[NBPK402]

Update... I brought the amp home today, and now I need to wire it. If anyone can help please post up...if you look up rookie in the dictionary you will see me.

The layout is...
Left channel amps are on the left heat sink with the small amp for the horn, and the large amp for the woofers.
Center is in the center, and right is on the right heat sink. Top button is for the left, center for center, and bottom bottom is for right channels. XLRs, Speakons, and PowerCons are all arranged so from the back left channels are on the left, Center is center, and right is right.this part I think is simple and logical to me...now for the hard part.

1: What is the best way to run the power wires...they will need to go in pairs to a single switch on the front, and then to a single powerCon on the rear. Switches and PowerCons are arranged as above.
2: How do I wire the switch up... it has 4 pins down the middle, 1 close on the side, and 1 far to the opposite side. The switch also has a LED which I am debating on using as I will most likely just use the LEDs for that or have the LEDs fire down the slots. I think I know how to wire it now... the device is the amp modules and the battery is my source of electricity, correct?
3: I was told that the BTL pin on the asx125 board goes to any signal ground...what does that mean? Does it mean it goes to the chassis?

 

[NBPK402]

This is how I am running the power lines to the switch...is this ok? Is it ok to wire tie multiple power lines together..if so can I or should I also tie the power lines from the switch to the amp modules too? Where do I run the ground from each of the Powercons? Do they go to the amp case? DO I run all 3 grounds to the same spot?

one of the Powercon cables was reversed polarity and has been corrected.

 

[NBPK402]

A little more progress... I have run the speaker wires for one channel, and I think I have the BTL pin 1 in the correct position...just waiting for someone who knows to tell me it is correct before I cut it.
BTL was wrong...THE. NUMBER 1 PIN FOR BTL WAS ON THE OTHER END OF THE CONNECTOR...DO NOT FOLLOW THE PIC FOR PROPER CONSTRUCTION. BTL pin is the YELLOW cable.

 

[NBPK402]

I now have all 6 amps hooked up to the proper Speakons, and the power leads laying close to the switches. I need to solder the power leads to the connectors as the connectors cannot handle 2 cables.
I also know now that the BTL spot is correct and will just need to get some crimp connectors for that part too. My screw type XLRs should be here by Monday. Hopefully next week I will be able to fire it up, and then the next week I will have my 2nd finished K402 cabinet ready. I will then have the carpenter make me a 3' wide cabinet to match my rack, but only 2' high. This rack will hold the front amp, crossover, and Furman. Next I will try making a wood version that is square...if this works out well I might make 3 of them, and use for the center and surrounds.

 

[NBPK402]

Today I cleaned up the wiring some...hopefully it looks better and will not cause any problems.

Questions:
What do I do about the grounds for all of the amp modules... I am thinking the standoff are good?

What about the grounds for the Speakons...run all 3 together, and ground to the screw that holds the feet on?

For the XLRs...I run pin 5 and 8 to a XLR? Do I run both pin 6, and 7 to the 3rd pin on the XLR?

Tomorrow I hope to get the grounding done, and then Saturday get the XLRs done.

 

[NBPK402]

Fired it up today...checked out all 3 channels and they work fine. Tomorrow, I will make 2 more Speakon speaker cables, and 2 more power cords, and button it up until I get ready to install the LEDs. For now listening to Tidal on Roon, and it sounds great! I can't wait to actually get the speakers tuned completely. I should be getting my 2nd speaker with a veneered cabinet next week. Next will be the center channel, and stand.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Nice work. Looking like a uber hi-end amp there. Amazing that it does not take anymore circuitry than this to make an amp.

 

[NBPK402]

Thanks Sonnie...I am very happy the way it turned out. I am disappointed that the manufacturer of the switches failed to disclose that the LEDs were 12v only though. Now I am looking into options to integrate 12v LEDs into the amp (since I have them and holes were cut for them).

 

[NBPK402]

Nice work. Looking like a uber hi-end amp there. Amazing that it does not take anymore circuitry than this to make an amp.

See Sonnie, if I can do it you can do it! With instructions you could put this together in a day...just like the Amp Camp does.

 

[NBPK402]

Been getting some hours in (morning to bedtime), and, my Yamaha cxa 55100 runs about the same temp. This amp sounds great too. I highly recommend people to try a DIY build, as it is nice to see what you can do, and how good it can sound for the money spent. Even if you save no money (most likely you will save money)... you will feel that accomplishment over a store bought one everytime you turn iton.

 

[NBPK402]

I just ordered another case...this one will also have 6 amps, but they will all be asx125 stereo amps...for a 12 channel amp. This amp will also have 2 minidsp2x4Hd modules in it too. This amp will be powering 2 pairs of biamped speakers and 4 height channels.

 

[what bass]

Been reading threads throughout the forum and ran into this.
What a great project! I'm glad it worked out and you like the sound. Looks fantastic.