QUASAR PROJECT # 3100v2 - Stereo Preamplifier with Tone Control

Current sensing is used to provide a flat

response when R5 is connected to pin 17, and
a loudness contour when disconnected.

his is a preamplifier and tone control unit

which will make a useful addition to any
of our power amplifier kits. It is
extremely easy to construct due to the use of a
special IC, the Philips TDA 1524A. This
contains all the circuitry required to provide
up to 20 dB of voltage gain, +/-15 dB of bass
and treble control, channel balance, and a
switchable loudness contour.
Because it uses voltage control, linear single
gang pots can be used , which lowers the costs
and reduces tracking errors. It also allows for
control by switches or microprocessor if
desired.
Features

Simple construction
Few external components.
Low noise and distortion.
Switchable loudness.
Will drive most power amps.

Specification
D.C. Input :

15V DC supply or 12V

battery at 50 mA.
Gain
20 dB max.
Maximum output : > 3 V RMS
Maximum input : > 300 mV, G = 20 dB
> 3V RMS, G = 0dB
Input Z
> 10 k ohm
Output Z
< 300 ohm
Frequency resp. : < 10 Hz to > 50 kHz
+ / 1 dB
THD at 1kHz :
< 0.1 % at 1V output
S/N ratio :
> 85 dB, G = 0 dB
Bass boost/cut
~ 15 dB at 50 Hz
Treble boost/cut
~ 15 dB at 15 kHz
How it works
All signal processing is done within the
TDA1524A by voltage controlled amplifiers
and voltage controlled filters. The IC provides
a fixed voltage (~ 3.8V DC) at pin 17, and this
is used by all the variable resistors to provide
an adjustable DC voltage to the appropriate
control pins.

100 nF capacitors are used on each pot to

decouple any AC signals from the control
inputs. 10 uF capacitors are used to couple
both input and output audio signals whilst
blocking DC. R1 and R2, are to ensure
stability with capacitive loads. R3 and R4
make sure there are no DC spikes at the output
sockets if the load is switched. C3 and C4
control the loudness contour. C5 and C6
control the treble turn-over frequency. C18
and C19 have been added to roll off the gain
above 70 kHz. Low volume settings coupled
with treble boost was causing HF instability in
some instances. This should no longer be a
problem.
C15, 16, 17 provide power supply filtering. D1
provides protection in case of incorrect supply
polarity. The LED is a power on indicator and
may be omitted if not required, or preferably
mounted on the enclosure. If you are not using
a switch pot, you can connect an external
switch across the P1 switch pins, or connect a
wire link there and switch the power supply.
The power supply is critical to the noise
performance of the pre-amp. An on board
regulator is provided to reduce mains hum. If
you wish to use it with a car or other 12V
battery, then you should omit the 7812
regulator, and place a wire link between the
regulator input and output pin positions on the
PC board. Do not short to earth! This will be
necessary because the regulator must have an
input voltage at least 2-3V greater than its
output, for it to maintain regulation. However
the regulator will not be necessary with a
battery supply.
If using a plug pack, its output voltage should
be 15 to 18V DC. Because most plug packs
have poor regulation, one rated at 12V DC will
often be around 15V when lightly loaded. The
current drain of the pre-amp is less than 50
mA, so many 12 V unregulated supplies may
be adequate if you have one. Replace D1 with
a wire link if necessary, making sure you have
the supply polarity correct!
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QUASAR PROJECT # 3100v2 - Stereo Preamplifier with Tone Control

If you are using a 15-20V supply for your
power amplifier, you can use that as your
pre-amp supply as well. Make sure you test the
voltage first in all cases.
Construction
First check the RCA sockets to make sure they
fit the board. You may need to bend the tags or
drill the holes slightly. Do this if necessary,
but do not fit the sockets until later. There are
five wire links required on the board. Fit these
next. Then install the smaller components,
starting with the resistors and the IC socket.
Do not fit the IC until after you have soldered
the socket into place.
You may wish to use pins for the LED
connection, if you are going to mount that on
the box. You can also use an external switch
for the loudness control if you wish. The
regulator can be mounted vertically, or bend
the leads and bolt it to the board. No heatsink
is required. Install the diode and capacitors,
leaving the pots and sockets until last.

The complete data sheet for the Philips

TDA 1524A can be obtained from our web site
at :

http://www.quasarelectronics.com

Parts List
Resistors :
R1, R2............ 220R (red red brown) ........... 2
R3, R4............ 4K7 (yellow violet red) ........ 2
R5 .................. 2K2 (red red red) .................. 1
R6 .................. 1K (brown black red) ........... 1

Testing

Capacitors :

Check the DC supply voltage before

connecting to the board. Make sure the volume
control is turned down, and that the other pots
are centred. Then connect a music source and
power amp, and increase the volume slowly.
There will be no output at all for a small part
of the rotation. This is normal due to the drop
out voltage of the IC control. Then you should
hear the music. Check the operation of the
Bass, Treble and Balance controls, being
careful not to use full boost at high volume.

C1, 2, 7, 8, 17 .............. 10 uF ecap............... 5

C3, 4 ............................ 47 nF mylar (473)... 2
C5, 6 ............................ 15 nF mylar (153)... 2
C9 ................................ 220 nF poly. (224) .. 1
C10 .............................. 100 uF 25V ecap..... 1
C11, 12, 13, 14, 16 ...... 100 nF mono........... 5
C15 .............................. 1000 uF 35V ecap... 1
C18, 19 ........................ 10 nF mylar (103)... 2

Also check the operation of the Loudness

switch being aware that it is level dependent
and will have no effect at high volume as it is
designed to compensate for changes in the
human hearing response at low listening
levels. The jumper or switch must be closed to
give a flat response.
If there is no output, recheck all wiring, all
component positions and polarity of diodes,
ecaps, and orientation of the ICs. Check for
bad solder joints, and solder bridges between
tracks, especially the IC pins. Also check the
DC voltage across the pots (IC pins 17 to 18)
is between 3.5V and 4V.

Misc. :
IC1 .......................... TDA 1524A................. 1
IC2 .......................... LM 7812...................... 1
P1............................ 50k linear switch pot ... 1
P2, 3, 4.................... 50k linear pot............... 3
X1, 2, 3, 4 ............... RCA jack ..................... 4
D1 ........................... Diode 1N4004 ............. 1
L1 ........................... Red LED...................... 1
Kit 3100 Printed Circuit Board .................... 1
18 pin DIL IC socket... ................................ 1
3mm screw and nut...... ................................ 1
2 pin header and jumper ............................... 1
PCB Pins ..................... ................................ 2

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QUASAR PROJECT # 3100v2 - Stereo Preamplifier with Tone Control

Circuit Diagram

Photo of completed circuit board

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QUASAR PROJECT # 3100v2 - Stereo Preamplifier with Tone Control

THD at 1 kHz, 1V RMS output.

Effect of Tone Controls

Maximum Boost / Cut

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