TDA2030A mini audio amplifier board test & review

On the bench today is an assembled TDA2030A board. Let's see if it is any better than the TDA2030A kit I recently reviewed.

[mertylmaz]

When these kind of amplifiers are tested, it can be taken into account that input signal depends on the source if you use pre ampflifier you can get datasheet specs. For example your phone and your computer does not supply the same amount of output voltage so you need to increase it so that your amplifier works efficiently. My tda7377 gives 8-10 watt max when connected directly to phone whereas when I use preamp it gives 35-40watt. This is the main reason why car amplifieres have gain adjustment on them.

[amitghosh]

I created this circuit on veroboard as it is on datasheet but changed the output coupling capacitor to 1000 uF instead of 2000 uF and tested on 12 Volts @ 4 ohms and the max output was 1 Watts without clipping. I also tested it on 24 Volts @ 4 ohms load when the max output was 6 Watts without clipping.

[mpingo]

It was really an interesting note about how a vocal "behaves" after stereo to mono "conversion" (just two resistors I guess). Do we need some advanced DSP to get proper mono sound from a stereo recordings? Or maybe the perfect conversion isn't possible?

[francisli]

I had several of this board before. I think it is badly designed. John, If you have chance, please review the TDA7377 and TDA7297 boards. They have good volume and sound to my ears, and run well under 12v.

[Garisauds]

Were you driving enough input to the amplifier?
I would have thought you need to ensure the output is just below clipping level to measure correct output power.
Perhaps I missed that bit? 🤔

[GrumpyTyer]

Hey John, I build a lot of guitar projects and I have a TDA2030A to put in a guitar with a built in amp project. Do you have a different amp recommendation? (It's not this board design, it's the other one you did recently.) I'm trying to make a decent 9V battery amp and might expand to an 18V one in the future.

[Loscha]

I understand that using a the portable music player is very convenient. Have you considered using a system CD player for test tones? I've used one in the past, and it had a flatter output than an mp3 player, particularly in the high end.

[okosdroid]

I really like your amp tests John due to their consistent structure, professionalism and understandability also for non-pros (as I am). One ask, if possible: can you please test TDA7377 2.1 version, as it seems to be a great AB class audio amp for home use.
Thank you in advance!

[gamedemo]

Everything less than 5 bucks is worth it for me!!! No whining! 😁
Unless you can make it by yourself!

[philipgrobler]

Hallo John, did you do a review or test on the Yamaha YDA 138-E bluetooth amp board, I cannot seem to find the video? Thanks.

[adhywaw]

I have test this amplifier, very nice sound detail n good bass, but very bad at high volume lots of distorsion 😆

[paulmeynell]

What audio voltage are you feeding into the amp ( pre amp output) ?

[simplygame]

What if we change the cap?what cap value do you recommend ?

[techpluslab]

A bigger heat sink and a higher uf cap can give us little more power?try making another video modding this thing!

[mrswagmcmuffin]

John, I would like to send you a piece (3pieces) of some speakers so you can keep for yourself or make a video on. 1 sub, 2 stereo

[davekazoroski]

One thing that I have noticed on many of these low cost Chinese boards is that there are typically no mounting provisions (screw holes or the like) for the board. There is not enough room to drill your own holes, nor does it look as if the boards can be slid into the PCB guides in a project box. Just wonder, how does the supplier expect you to build these boards into a presentable project? (Please don't say the "national fastener of China" - hot glue)

[dropg]

I am wondering what is the difference between power audio amplifier and power opamp? It seems obvious that power opamp could be used as audio amp, but could audio power amp IC be used for opamp applications?

[jp-umfr]

Another good one John. It's rather confusing out there. American amp. chips are up rated at stupid levels of distortion (10%) and Chinese clones need derating by 50%.
LM317HVT - $3.36 and $218.29 postage :- plccenter (117659) on EBAY. ( I can get 5 from China for about $3 free postage and they didn't melt at over 1 amp).
Rather an OTT example but anything to the UK from the USA is roughly 3 times the cost in the USA. I'll stick to my soggy little plastic bags from China and keep my fingers crossed.

[TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

So what you are really saying is that amp out of the Dollar Store amplified speaker is a better buy? ;)

[thedumbinventor_]

What is the specification of speaker on which you are playing the music?