Class-A Headphone Amplifier

This circuit is derived from the Portable Headphone Amplifier featuring an NPN/PNP compound pair emitter follower output stage. An improved output driving capability is gained by making this a push-pull Class-A arrangement. Output power can reach 427mW RMS into a 32 Ohm load at a fixed standing current of 100mA. The single voltage gain stage allows the easy implementation of a shunt-feedback circuitry giving excellent frequency stability.

Class-A Headphone Amplifier Circuit diagram

The above mentioned shunt-feedback configuration also allows the easy addition of frequency dependent networks in order to obtain an useful, unobtrusive, switchable Tilt control (optional). When SW1 is set in the first position a gentle, shelving bass lift and treble cut is obtained. The central position of SW1 allows a flat frequency response, whereas the third position of this switch enables a shelving treble lift and bass cut.

Note:

• Before setting quiescent current rotate the volume control P1 to the minimum, Trimmer R6 to zero resistance and Trimmer R3 to about the middle of its travel.
• Connect a suitable headphone set or, better, a 33 Ohm 1/2W resistor to the amplifier output.
• Connect a Multimeter, set to measure about 10Vdc fsd, across the positive end of C5 and the negative ground.
• Switch on the supply and rotate R3 in order to read about 7.7-7.8V on the Multimeter display.
• Switch off the supply, disconnect the Multimeter and reconnect it, set to measure at least 200mA fsd, in series to the positive supply of the amplifier.
• Switch on the supply and rotate R6 slowly until a reading of about 100mA is displayed.
• Check again the voltage at the positive end of C5 and readjust R3 if necessary.
• Wait about 15 minutes, watch if the current is varying and readjust if necessary.

Parts List :

P1          : 22K  Dual gang Log Potentiometer 
R1          : 15K 
R2          : 220K
R3          : 100K
R4          : 33K 
R5          : 68K 
R6          : 50K 
R7          : 10K 
R8,R9       : 47K 
R10,R11     : 2R2 
R12         : 4K7
R13         : 4R7
R14         : 1K2
R15,R18     : 330K
R16         : 680K
R17,R19     : 220K
R20,R21     : 22K
C1,C2,C3,C4 : 10µF/25V 
C5,C7       : 220µF/25V
C6,C11      : 100nF
C8          : 2200µF/25V
C9,C12      : 1nF
C10         : 470pF
C13         : 15nF
D1          : LED
D2,D3       : 1N4002 
Q1,Q2       : BC550C 
Q3          : BC560C  
Q4          : BD136   
Q5          : BD135   
IC1         : 7815
T1          : 15CT/5VA Mains transformer
SW1         : 4 poles 3 ways rotary Switch 
SW2         : SPST slide or toggle Switch

Tweet