mini amplifier

[TheCruncher]

I have a media streamer with which I stream audio files on my private server.

On my Patio and in my bedroom I have ceiling speakers mounted and these are connected to me Marantz receiver, to which my media streamer is connected by HDMI.

I would like to find a solution, which would involve a very small amplifier connected to only the outdoor speakers, so that I don't need to open the big receiver when I want to play audio files.

Does something like this exist, small enough to hide behind a cabinet or TV and which can deliver the sound to 8 Ohm speakers?

My media box has 1 HDMI out, which is already occupied, an optical out and headphone out.

[Don Mega]

using the headphone socket on the media box.

3.5mm audio to RCA cable

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/jack-cable-2-rca-male-to-3-5-male-audio-cable-1-5m-3m-5m-aux/32625200221.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.1.sZVq8t&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_4_2000017_10036_10035_10034_507_10020_10001_10002_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10021_10004_10022_10009_10008_10018_10019,searchweb201603_7&btsid=f4d3b65c-4ce5-4349-9beb-1e4493c4a23a

small amp

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MUSE-M20-EX2-TA2020-T-Amp-Mini-Stereo-Amplifier-20WX2-Black/32216965841.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.104.5xTFtu&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_4_10036_10035_10034_507_10020_10001_10002_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10021_10004_10022_10009_10008_10018_10019,searchweb201603_7&btsid=029997f2-b918-4ecb-979f-14f869d3504b

Edited March 25, 2016 by Don Mega

[Lannig]

I'm about to suggest something very cheap that requires some DYI skills: large electronics shops like Natthapong (NPE) sell small "kits" which include low-power amplifiers boards. Some have pre-soldered components, some don't (need to solder them yourself).

With the pre-soldered ones you basically have to hook up a power source, connectors and put the thing in a plastic or metal case you can buy there after drilling the required holes. Add volume buttons (sold there too) and you have a very cheap mini-amplifier.

Since they really have a lot of cheap electronics in there, they might even have ready-to-use mini-amplifiers as well.

NPE has a branch in Zeer Rangsit (basement floor) and many other places, see http://www.mynpe.com/mynpe/home.php

I think that you can order online too.

Edited March 25, 2016 by Lannig

[TheCruncher]

using the headphone socket on the media box.

3.5mm audio to RCA cable

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/jack-cable-2-rca-male-to-3-5-male-audio-cable-1-5m-3m-5m-aux/32625200221.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.1.sZVq8t&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_4_2000017_10036_10035_10034_507_10020_10001_10002_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10021_10004_10022_10009_10008_10018_10019,searchweb201603_7&btsid=f4d3b65c-4ce5-4349-9beb-1e4493c4a23a

small amp

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MUSE-M20-EX2-TA2020-T-Amp-Mini-Stereo-Amplifier-20WX2-Black/32216965841.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.104.5xTFtu&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_4_10036_10035_10034_507_10020_10001_10002_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10021_10004_10022_10009_10008_10018_10019,searchweb201603_7&btsid=029997f2-b918-4ecb-979f-14f869d3504b

The small amp looks interesting, so will have a closer look into it.

[TheCruncher]

I'm about to suggest something very cheap that requires some DYI skills: large electronics shops like Natthapong (NPE) sell small "kits" which include low-power amplifiers boards. Some have pre-soldered components, some don't (need to solder them yourself).

With the pre-soldered ones you basically have to hook up a power source, connectors and put the thing in a plastic or metal case you can buy there after drilling the required holes. Add volume buttons (sold there too) and you have a very cheap mini-amplifier.

Since they really have a lot of cheap electronics in there, they might even have ready-to-use mini-amplifiers as well.

NPE has a branch in Zeer Rangsit (basement floor) and many other places, see http://www.mynpe.com/mynpe/home.php

I think that you can order online too.

Are those diy kits capable of handling 8 Ohm speakers? Actually it are left and right 2 x 4Ohm speakers connected in series.

Any online link to how such a kit looks like so I can ask in my local components shop?

[Lannig]

8 ohm is pretty much standard impedance for speakers so I suspect that should be no problem.

I've browsed through their site and this looks close to what I had bought: http://www.mynpe.com/mynpe/more.php?data=014390020902&quantity=1&c=class2

Details are scarce to say the least.

[TheCruncher]

Actually, does a headphone out deliver a strong enough signal for an amplifier input ?

[Lannig]

Yes it does. That's precisely what I was using: headphone out jack from my notebook.

[TheCruncher]

Thanks, as that was one of my primary concerns.

I ahve looked at the diy kit as well as the mini amplifier from Don Mega and found in the mean time a few others on Ebay that are actually about the same cost as the diy kit, without any hassle of soldering and whatever.

So a mini amplifier it will be. Will have a look at the local component store if they have such an amplifier at a reasonable price, otherwise it will be online purchase.

[Thailand J]

For years I have read good reviews on Lepy/Lepai mini amps.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-LEPY-Lepai-LP-2020A-Digital-Mini-Hi-Fi-Audio-Stereo-Home-Car-Amplifier-Tripath-TA2020/32491638859.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000014.8.vpHuHH

Some mini amps do not come with power supply so you better check first.

Edited March 25, 2016 by Thailand J

[TheCruncher]

For years I have read good reviews on Lepy/Lepai mini amps.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-LEPY-Lepai-LP-2020A-Digital-Mini-Hi-Fi-Audio-Stereo-Home-Car-Amplifier-Tripath-TA2020/32491638859.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000014.8.vpHuHH

Some mini amps do not come with power supply so you better check first.

I was looking at those on Ebay, as I don't like the Aliexpress scammers, and there is a third version called Lvpin. I assume they are all 3 knock offs, because they all look the same, or is one of them a genuine brand?

On Ebay they go for about 400 Baht include shipping.

Edit: the prices on Ebay are without adapter.

Edited March 25, 2016 by TheCruncher

[Thailand J]

400B may not be one that has Tripath TA2020 chip plus the power supply. Lazada also has one for about 600B.

[TheCruncher]

400B may not be one that has Tripath TA2020 chip plus the power supply. Lazada also has one for about 600B.

Correct they are without power supply, and the exact same model as you linked to goes for 700 Baht, again without adapter.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-Hi-Fi-Stereo-Audio-Mini-Amplifier-for-Lepai-Home-Car-Motorcycle-Black-/201427915321?hash=item2ee60a1239:g:6nwAAOSwl8NVWrVY

Edit again : the exact same model goes for 900 Baht actually

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lepai-Class-T-Tripath-TA2020-Hi-Fi-Stereo-Amplifier-Amp-20WX2-w-DC-RCA-cable-/330621419118?hash=item4cfa927e6e:m:mQ6lzMNMdgELwfA4CCHyZ4A

Is that Tripath chip something special?

Edited March 25, 2016 by TheCruncher