PPA v2 Amplifier Board

PPA, mostly populated

PPAv2 is similar to PPAv1, except with a custom discrete output stage, plus a few other enhancements.

Specs:

    • 6.3 in. × 3.925 in. board size (Eurocard size, 160mm × 100mm)

    • Isolated power rails reduce rail-modulated crosstalk.

    • Differential-drive topology gives the simplicities of virtual ground without the crosstalk problems that normally go with that.

    • The signal channels use the Jung multiloop topology for low distortion.

    • Compatible with most FET-input op-amps.

    • Discrete diamond buffer output stage, with adjustable bias, to let you trade portability for sound quality.

    • Room for thousands of microfarads of rail capacitance, even with low-density audiophile caps. At the same time, differential drive means the qualities of the rail capacitor bank don't affect the sound of the amp as much as in other topologies.

    • Reverse power supply voltage protection.

    • Quiescent power draw ranges from about 40mA on a minimal feature set to about 120mA when maxed out.

    • Enhanced JFET cascodes for biasing the op-amps into class A.

    • Optional bass boost.

    • Board-mounted ALPS RK27 (a.k.a. "Blue Velvet") potentiometers for volume control and bass boost adjustment.

    • Resistors on 0.100" × 0.300" spacing allow the board to be set up for easy experimentation.

    • A companion NiMH battery board allows for portable amplifiers.

    • Optional power LED turn-off circuit for indicating that the batteries need to be recharged.

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