Looking for a Good Audio Amplifier kit

[BigRez]

Hi all -

I'm looking for a small (and preferrably inexpensive) audio amplifier to attach to a voice recorder module.  Currently it's only one channel but a dual channel option would also be nice.  I'm thinking 10-20W per channel is what I'm looking for.  12v power to drive it is preferred.

Anyone have an experience with a kit or device out there and could recommend one?

(I know, I could get the AP-16 but right now that's a bit beyond cost restrictions for this item.)

Thanks!

[JackMan]

Don't know if you're into building your own boards but here's the schematic for a really cheap, really easy, very small, great sounding amp. I've built several of these and they work really well. The schematic is for a 14W Mono but you can just double it up if want 2 channels. Works great with a 12v- 1amp power supply. Everything fits very easily on a small Radio Shack project board.  You can get the TDA2030 on ebay for about a buck a piece, you just have to wait about a week or two for shipping. If you're interested I can post a picture of one of my completed boards. Total cost is about $10.

[JackMan]

Here's another choice for a few bucks more if you want a kit. Still pretty cheap at $18.
http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/it.A/id.325/.f

[JackMan]

Man, talk about cheap, have a look at this. I might not roll my own anymore.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120579829674&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[BigRez]

The ebay one looks nice.  Now, do you know what transformer would power it and where to get the heat sink?

[JackMan]

That board needs AC 9v - 12v. Any decent electronics supply should have one. If you want to stick with DC, check out item
120607128821 on ebay. It's a 34Wx2 Amp that will run off AC or DC, $16 free shipping. As far as the heat sinks, take a look at item 130414953080.   $4.99 for 4 heat sinks. The $16 AC/DC amp will need four heat sinks, it has four TDA2030 IC's.

[BigRez]

Thank Jack - been a big help.  I jumped on the AC device last night and ordered a couple as well as the heat sinks. (Love free shipping!)  I'll have AC readily available anyway so that's fine.    I know AC hurts but that's about all  (LOL).  Would a transformer such as the Radio Shack 12.6V CT 1.2A Standard Center Tap Transformer work?

[JackMan]

That should work but one of the reviews stated he couldn't get the voltage below 15 without a regulator so I'm not sure.
Have a look at these.  http://www.at-fairfax.com/P322-Amesco-XF1220.htm