sans amp gt2 + LM386 for a small amp?

[slajeune]

Hi All,

I want to know if there could be any issues in using a Sans AMP GT2 and an LM386 as a small very versatile amp.  I want to build a small portable practice amp.  The LM396 (i.e. little gem) would provide the 'power' stage.  I was thinking of using a sans amp gt2 as a sort of preamp / modeller stage before the LM386.  I do understand that using a sans amp gt2 in an amp kinda defeats it's purpose (SANS amp), but, this could allow someone to build a cheap amp that is very versatile.

Any comments or concerns before I try to tackle this?

Thanks,
Stephane.

[Marcos - Munky]

Hi Stephane. If you want a good, small and VERY simple amp, enter in my site and pick the GES Double Jam schematic, then add a tone control to it and change the output cap (use 220uF as a first value, then use a lower/higher value until you find a cool sound).

[Mark Hammer]

You can save yourself some grief by trying out the PocketRockit project, posted at my site (hammer.ampage.org).  It's a pretty simple LM386-based practice amp, with 3-band EQ, decent overdrive, AND the article already has a board layout.  I can heartily endorse powering it with an 8-pack of AA's instead of a 9v battery.  It *will* work fine off a 9v but a robust 12v supply will yield more output and longer usable battery life.  An 8-pack of AA's and a decent 4" full-range speaker in a small enclosure doesn't take up that much room and will be much louder than you'd expect.  I built one in a Hammond 1590D, and that sucker can take AND give it.

[bwanasonic]

I do understand that using a sans amp gt2 in an amp kinda defeats it's purpose (SANS amp), but, this could allow someone to build a cheap amp that is very versatile.

Tech 21 doesn't think it defeats the purpose at all, as they they make several amps that are precisely this combo of GT2 into power amp. The Trademark 10 gets great reviews and  is reasonably priced.

http://www.tech21nyc.com/TM10.html


Kerry M