Circuit Assembly Tutorials || LM380 Audio Amplifier

Video demonstrates the assembly of an LM380 audio amplifier circuit. The LM380 is an older but nonetheless still usable audio amplifier. I tend to prefer the sound that can be produced from an LM386 or LM383. But, with minimum external components one can have this chip up and running quite quickly. It tends to be much less finicky than, e.g., an LM386. I offer this video as a starting point for those interested in experimenting with the LM380 and audio amplifier ICs in general. The circuit built in the video produces decent sound, but not as 'clean' as someone who works with audio amplifiers every day could likely build. I encourage everyone to experiment with the component values, check out the datasheets for the LM380 as well as the LM384 for alternative circuit configuration ideas. Definitely let me know if you build the circuit and later find ways to modify and/or improve it so as to achieve an even better sound quality. I'm always interested in learning from others. Parts List: -- LM380 audio amplifier (14 pin DIP package, from somewhere like Jameco Electronics) -- 12V DC power supply (anything from 10 to 22V will work, 8 to 9V is fine for initial testing but a better sound will be achieved with 10+V) -- 4in , 8 ohm , 5 watt speaker (4in+ diameter speakers will tend to sound better with this particular chip) -- 1/8 stereo or mono jack (fits standard mp3/mp4 players) -- 470uf capacitors ( x 2 ) -- 10uf capacitor -- 470pf capacitor -- 0.47uf capacitor -- 0.1uf capacitors ( x 2 ) (polyester tends to sound better than ceramic) -- 10K potentiometer (50K, 100K, etc., would work) -- 2.5 ohm resistor -- hookup wire (20 - 22 gauge) -- breadboard