Testing out the Maxim MAX9768

I recently got some Maxim class D amplifier chips thanks to Michael at Maxim here in the Valley.

Along with the MAX9768 parts I scored some development boards, which are already set up with the amp chip, filtering inductors and binding posts.

I have a few projects in mind for this. Namely, guitar amps! That’s right I want to see how these things do hooked up to my 2×12 cabinet.

I posted a pic of this setup in the last post. I’m running my guitar through a ProCo rat and then into the amplifier board. I have the board powered with 5v from a computer power supply. The board can be powered up to 12v, which would give it a lot more power. I’m not sure what the max power is at 5v, but I’m thinking that it is under 5W.

I’m running the amp flat-out at full volume into the THD hot plate. I’m using my Mesa Boogie 2×12 Recto-cab as the speaker cabinet.

Turning the load off, the amp is super loud. Way too loud for apartment jamming. When the amp isn’t running flat-out, the sound is too bassy for guitar. I’m not sure if this is because of the Hot Plate or what, but things actually sound pretty awesome when it’s cranked up. The Rat distortion pedal helps out a lot.

So the plan is to build a tube preamp using 12AX7 tubes in front of this bad boy.