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After getting Alans DVD and downloading a frequency generator I need an amp with volume control suitable and wondered if anyone else had tried this

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

Chris Paulick was looking around for amps for the same reason. Might find some posts by searching. I've been looking around for a cheap amp I can use for this too. Not long ago I sold a small Crate practice amp that would have been perfect; at least it went to a young girl who needed it to play in church.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

I use the amp built-in an old set of computer speakers. I have it connected to a 4" handheld speaker. I use teh volume control on the front of the speakers to adjust the power. I usually turn it as loud as it will go without distorting.......which isn't that loud, but it works.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Just about any old amp or receiver from a stereo system will work fine. You need about 20 watts per channel, which can be had with many medium priced old amps. I've seen suitable ones at thrift stores. I have an old Pioneer from the 70s that works fine for this, with the headphone output on a beater iBook running into the Aux input on the receiver.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

You can even get by with 12-15W, or a bit less in a pinch. It takes more power to form patterns on the assembled guitar than the 'free' plates, so it's nice to have the extra power sometimes.

Hi Guys, would something like this product be suitable ?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37737

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

John-
It might work, but-
-40W 'music power' is not the same as 40W RMS - keep in mind that pushing out a continuous high-volume sine wave is a lot more demanding than music amplification
-that power level is with a 16V DC power supply; it will be less with a lower voltage PS
-you'll have to work out the DC power supply details, or buy something, and the PS will have to push out several amps.

Thrift store stereo would be the easiest, if you can get one cheaply.
Another (similar to the Maplin unit) possibility would be a chip amp or T-amp from eBay - mostly Chinese sellers who ship from HongKong.

Cheers
John

I'm asking around at the moment for old hi-fi's a friend thinks he may have an old 20w unit in the loft so I may even get one for free only trouble is that may be 20w at 1000Hz so I'm guessing it'll be around 10w at 500Hz or doesn't it work like that?

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

Most of those (solid state) amps have pretty flat response down to 100Hz or so, so you should be OK.
The power is rated into a given load, so if the amp will drive a 4 ohm speaker that will be the combo that will give the most power 'out', I think.
Anyway, start with something cheap or free- you can always work up from there!

Cheers
John

Just scored 2 10w speakers I know they'll burn out quick but now just a hi fi and i'm up and running

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

I have an old iBook G4 that I plan on using for this .
But I'm not sure where the input is.
Can this be done through a USB port?

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

Dave,

It's the headphone output port. You can get a cable at Radio Shack with a headphone plug on one and two (though you really only need one for this) RCA male plugs at the other. I don't think the USB port would work directly, though you could use an iMic, but that's 30 or 40 $.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Thanks Pat
I should've thought of that

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

This one might work. They stop short of using industry standard teminology i.e. 15W RMS, but it does say 15W "continuous power", and these little T-class amps have a good reputation.



Peace,
Sanaka

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...imagine there were no hypothetical situations...