When your car audio system starts to fail, identifying the faulty component is the first step towards restoring your sound. At CarDiagXpert, we understand the importance of having access to high-quality Car Amplifier Replacement Parts to get your system back up and running. This guide outlines essential electronic components commonly used in car amplifiers, helping you find the right parts for your repair needs.
Fuses for Car Amplifiers
Fuses are critical safety devices in car amplifiers, protecting sensitive circuits from overcurrent damage. When troubleshooting a dead amplifier, checking the fuses should always be your first step.
GMA Fuses – Fast Blow
GMA fast blow fuses are compact, European-style fuses designed to quickly interrupt the current flow in case of a surge. Measuring 5mm in diameter and 20mm in length (approximately 0.2 inches x 0.79 inches), these fuses are commonly found in car amplifiers for rapid protection. Available in various amperage ratings to match your specific amplifier requirements.
Part #GMA-X – Price: $2.95 (Pack of 5 fuses)
GDC Fuses – Slow Blow (Time Delay)
GDC slow blow fuses, also known as time-delay fuses or “T” fuses (like T1A), are designed to tolerate brief current surges without blowing. They share the same physical dimensions as GMA fuses (5mm x 20mm) but offer delayed reaction to overcurrent, preventing nuisance tripping from temporary power fluctuations common in car audio systems. Ideal for circuits with inrush currents, while still providing overcurrent protection during steady-state operation. Select the appropriate amperage for your amplifier.
Part #GDC-X – Price: $4.95 (Pack of 5 fuses)
2AG Pigtail Fuses – Slow Blow
2AG pigtail fuses are subminiature, slow-blow fuses with axial leads for direct soldering onto circuit boards. These compact fuses, measuring approximately 5mm x 15mm (3/16 inches x 9/16 inches), are designed for space-constrained applications within car amplifier PCBs. The pigtail leads allow for secure and direct integration into circuit boards, commonly used in specific amplifier models requiring board-mounted fuses. 1 amp slow-blow rating.
Part #2AG-P-1A – Price: $1.69 (each)
AGC Fuses – Fast Blow
AGC fast blow fuses are larger, American-standard fuses known for their robust and reliable overcurrent protection. Measuring 1/4″ in diameter and 1-1/4″ long (metric equivalent 6.3mm x 31.75mm or 6 x 32mm), these fuses are a common size in many car audio amplifiers. AGC fuses provide fast-acting protection against short circuits and overloads. Often referred to as 3AG fuses, ensure you select the correct amperage rating for your amplifier.
Part #AGC-X – Price: $2.95 (Pack of 5 fuses)
MDL Fuses – Slow Blow (Time Delay)
MDL slow blow fuses are time-delay versions of the AGC fuse, sharing the same 1/4″ x 1-1/4″ dimensions. These fuses are engineered to handle temporary current surges that are typical in car audio environments, preventing unwanted fuse failures during normal operation. MDL fuses offer a balance of surge tolerance and reliable overcurrent protection for your car amplifier. Choose the correct amperage to match your amplifier’s specifications.
Part #MDL-X – Price: $4.95 (Pack of 5 fuses)
Diodes for Car Amplifier Repair
Diodes are semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. They are used in various stages of car amplifiers, including rectification, signal processing, and protection circuits.
Signal Diodes
| Part No. | Description | Price Each |
|---|---|---|
| 1N34A | Glass Germanium Signal Diode Low Leakage | $0.95 |
| 1N4148 | Glass Signal Diode | $0.12 |
| 1N4937 | 1A High Speed | $0.65 |
| SF14 | 1A High Speed | $0.72 |
Signal diodes like the 1N34A, 1N4148, 1N4937, and SF14 are used for various low-current signal processing tasks within car amplifiers. These diodes are crucial for signal rectification, clamping, and switching in preamp and control circuits. The 1N34A, a Germanium diode, is known for its low forward voltage drop, while the 1N4148 is a general-purpose signal diode. 1N4937 and SF14 are high-speed diodes suitable for faster switching applications.
Rectifier Diodes & Bridge Rectifiers
| Part No. | Description | Price Each |
|---|---|---|
| 1N4007 | 1A / 1000V PIV | $0.15 |
| 1N5408 | 3A / 1000V PIV | $0.60 |
| 6A10 | 6A Diode, 1000PIV | $1.50 |
| KBPC806, BR86 | 8A Bridge, 600PIV 0.75″ x 0.75″ x 0.25″ | $2.95 |
Rectifier diodes such as 1N4007, 1N5408, and 6A10, along with bridge rectifiers like KBPC806 (or BR86), are essential for converting AC voltage to DC voltage in car amplifier power supplies. The 1N4007 and 1N5408 handle 1A and 3A respectively at 1000V Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV), suitable for lower power stages. The 6A10 handles 6A at 1000V PIV for higher current needs. Bridge rectifiers like KBPC806 are used for full-wave rectification, efficiently converting AC to DC for the amplifier’s main power rails.
Zener Diodes
| Part No. | Description | Price Each |
|---|---|---|
| 1N5353 | 16V 5W Zener | $1.95 |
| 1N4744A | 15V 1W Zener | $1.00 |
| 1N4746A | 18V 1W Zener | $1.00 |
Zener diodes like 1N5353, 1N4744A, and 1N4746A are specialized diodes designed to maintain a constant voltage across their terminals when reverse biased. They are widely used in car amplifiers for voltage regulation and overvoltage protection. The 1N5353 is a 16V 5W Zener often found in vintage amplifiers, while 1N4744A (15V 1W) and 1N4746A (18V 1W) are used for lower power voltage regulation and protection circuits.
High Voltage Protection Diode
| Part No. | Description | Price Each |
|---|---|---|
| R3000 | 0.25A / 3000V High Voltage Protection Diode | $1.00 |
The R3000 high voltage protection diode is designed to protect sensitive amplifier circuits from high voltage transients and surges. Rated at 0.25A and 3000V, this diode is crucial for safeguarding components against potentially damaging voltage spikes in the car’s electrical system. Often used in input stages and power supply sections for robust protection. Click here for datasheet.
Larger Transistors for Car Amplifiers
Transistors are semiconductor devices used for amplification and switching. Larger transistors are typically used in the power output stages and power supply sections of car amplifiers due to their higher power handling capabilities. (Note: “2S” prefix omitted, e.g., C3890 = 2SC3890)
| Description | Price Each |
|---|---|
| C3890 Power Supply Switching Transistor | $1.75 |
| C4073 Power Supply Switching Transistor | $2.35 |
| C4130 Power Supply Switching Transistor | $2.90 |
| TIP142 NPN Silicon Darlington Power Transistor | $6.99 |
| TIP147 PNP Silicon Darlington Power Transistor | $6.99 |
Power Supply Switching Transistors like C3890, C4073, and C4130 are NPN transistors designed for high-speed switching in car amplifier power supplies. These transistors efficiently regulate and switch power to different amplifier stages.
Darlington Power Transistors such as TIP142 (NPN) and TIP147 (PNP) are high-gain transistors capable of handling significant current. They are frequently used in the output stages of car amplifiers to drive speakers with high power and efficiency.
Output Modules for Car Amplifiers
Output modules, often integrated circuits (ICs), are the heart of the amplifier’s power output stage. They amplify the audio signal to drive the speakers.
| Description | Price Each |
|---|---|
| TDA2030 OUTPUT CHIP (Replacement for LM1875T) | $6.95 |
| TDA2040 OUTPUT CHIP (Replacement for LM1875T) | $6.95 |
| TDA2050 OUTPUT CHIP (Replacement for LM1875T) | $6.95 |
| TDA7240A OUTPUT CHIP | $4.95 |
| LM1875T OUTPUT CHIP (Replaces TDA2030/40/50) | $6.95 |
| LM3886TF OUTPUT CHIP | $12.95 |
| LM4765T OUTPUT CHIP | $8.95 |
| TDA7293 OUTPUT CHIP | $17.95 |
| TDA7294 OUTPUT CHIP | $11.95 |
| STK401-140 OUTPUT CHIP | $11.95 |
| TIP142 NPN DARLINGTON OUTPUT TRANSISTOR | $6.99 |
| TIP147 PNP DARLINGTON OUTPUT TRANSISTOR | $6.99 |
Output chips like TDA2030, TDA2040, TDA2050, TDA7240A, LM1875T, LM3886TF, LM4765T, TDA7293, TDA7294, and STK401-140 are audio power amplifier ICs commonly found in various car amplifier brands. These chips offer different power ratings and are chosen based on the amplifier’s output power requirements. Note some older models like TDA2030 series are obsolete, and LM1875T is a recommended replacement. Higher power chips like LM3886TF, TDA7293, and TDA7294 are used in high-power car amplifiers. TIP142/TIP147 Darlington transistors are also used in discrete output stages.
Voltage Regulators for Car Amplifiers
Voltage regulators maintain a stable output voltage despite variations in input voltage or load current. They are crucial for ensuring consistent performance and preventing damage to sensitive components in car amplifiers.
| Description | Price Each |
|---|---|
| 7815 +15V 1amp Voltage Regulator | $0.90 |
| 7915 -15V 1amp Voltage Regulator | $0.90 |
Voltage regulators such as 7815 (+15V) and 7915 (-15V) are linear voltage regulators providing fixed positive and negative voltage outputs respectively. These regulators are commonly used to create stable power rails for op-amps and other low-power circuits within car amplifiers, ensuring proper biasing and operation of sensitive components.
Small Signal Transistors for Car Amplifiers
Small signal transistors are used in preamp stages, tone control circuits, and other low-power signal processing sections of car amplifiers. (Note: “2S” prefix omitted, e.g., A933 = 2SA933)
| Description | Price Each |
|---|---|
| B641 M-68 Case | $0.58 |
| B643 M-68 Case | $0.72 |
| C3203 TO-92 Case | $0.59 |
| C3616 TO-92 Case | $1.12 |
| D1330 M-68 Case | $0.85 |
| D1458 M-68 Case | $0.93 |
| D2144 TO-92 Case | $0.72 |
| J111 JFET N-CHANNEL | $0.99 |
| J175 JFET P-CHANNEL | $0.99 |
Small signal transistors like B641, B643, C3203, C3616, D1330, D1458, and D2144 are bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) used for low-noise amplification and signal processing in car amplifier preamp and tone control circuits.
JFETs (Junction Field Effect Transistors) such as J111 (N-Channel) and J175 (P-Channel) are used for analog switching and impedance buffering in car amplifiers. J111 and J175 are general-purpose FETs and are often found in channel switching circuits of various amplifier brands. Datasheet for J111, Datasheet for J175.
Opto-Isolators for Car Amplifiers
Opto-isolators provide electrical isolation between circuits while allowing signal transfer using light. They are often used in car amplifiers for control signal isolation and to prevent ground loops.
| Part No: | Description | Price Each |
|---|---|---|
| PC817 | Opto-Isolator | $1.20 |
| TLP621 | Opto-Isolator (replaces ON3131) | $1.14 |
| PS2501 | Opto-Isolator | $0.98 |
| VTL5C1 | Revisit™ VTL5C1 OPTO-ISOLATOR | $4.95 |
Opto-isolators like PC817, TLP621, PS2501, and VTL5C1 are used to isolate control signals in car amplifiers, preventing noise and ground loops. VTL5C1 is a specialized opto-isolator known for its dynamic range and fast response, often used in channel switching circuits of certain amplifier models. Datasheet for VTL5C1.
Op-Amps (Operational Amplifiers) for Car Amplifiers
Op-amps are versatile integrated circuits used for voltage amplification, filtering, and signal conditioning. They are fundamental building blocks in car amplifier preamp, tone control, and equalization circuits.
| Part No: | Description | Price Each |
|---|---|---|
| NJM4558-D | Op-Amp, 4558, 8-pin DIP | $1.00 |
| NE5532 | Low-noise 5532 Dual Op-Amp, 8-pin DIP | $1.50 |
| NE5534 | Low-noise 5534 Single Op-Amp, 8-pin DIP | $1.50 |
| NJM2068 | Low-noise 2068 Dual Op-Amp, 8-pin DIP | $1.50 |
| OP07 | Precision Op-Amp, very low offset voltage | $4.40 |
| TL062 | Low-current, JFET input, TL062 Dual Op-Amp | $1.00 |
| TL071CP | Low-noise, JFET input, TL071 Single Op-Amp | $1.50 |
| TL072CP | Low-noise, JFET input, TL072 Dual Op-Amp | $1.60 |
| TL082 | High slew rate, JFET input, TL082 Dual Op-Amp | $1.90 |
| LM386 | LM386 AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER IC, Low voltage | $1.50 |
Op-amps such as 4558, 5532, 5534, 2068, OP07, TL062, TL071, TL072, and TL082 are commonly used in car audio amplifiers for various functions. The 4558 is a general-purpose op-amp, while 5532, 5534, and 2068 are low-noise op-amps for high-fidelity audio stages. OP07 is a precision op-amp with low offset voltage, useful in sensitive circuits. TL062 is a low-power op-amp suitable for battery-powered applications. TL071, TL072 and TL082 series are JFET input op-amps known for their low noise and good input impedance characteristics, ideal for audio applications. LM386 is a low-voltage audio power amplifier IC suitable for low-power audio amplification needs within car amplifiers. Consider using an 8-pin DIP socket for op-amp replacements to facilitate future swaps and repairs.
Relays for Car Amplifiers
Relays are electromechanical switches used to control circuits with a low-power signal. In car amplifiers, relays are often used for power switching, input selection, and channel switching.
| Description | Price Each |
|---|---|
| RLY-5 5V DC DIP Relay DPDT | $9.95 |
| RLY-12 12V DC DIP Relay DPDT | $9.95 |
| RLY-24 24V DC DIP Relay DPDT | $9.95 |
Relays such as RLY-5 (5V), RLY-12 (12V), and RLY-24 (24V) are DIP (Dual In-line Package) relays with DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) configuration. These relays are used for various switching functions in car amplifiers, including channel switching and power control. It is crucial to check the coil voltage of your existing relay to ensure compatibility before replacement. RLY-12 is a common 12V relay used in many car amplifier brands. RLY-24 is often found in specific models requiring 24V relay control.
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