Summary of Tape Head Pre-Amplifier
This project features a stereo tape head preamplifier based on the Sanyo LA3161 IC. It amplifies low electrical signals from tape playback heads, providing proper equalization for normal tape playback. The circuit operates on a 9 to 12 V DC power supply with low noise and good ripple rejection thanks to an on-chip voltage regulator. It outputs up to 200 mW with typical input and load resistances of 100 KΩ and 10 KΩ, respectively. The design includes convenient mounting holes, Berg pins for connectivity, and a power-on LED indicator.
Parts used in the Tape Head Pre-Amplifier:
- Sanyo LA3161 stereo head preamp IC
- DC decoupling capacitors
- Resistors between pins 2 and 3 and pins 6 and 7 for equalization
- Power supply input (9 ~ 12 V DC)
- Power-On LED indicator
- Berg pins for power supply, input, and output connections
- PCB board (49 mm x 38 mm)
- Mounting hardware (4 holes, 3.2 mm each)
Description
The circuit is built around a popular Sanyos stereo head preamp IC LA3161. Low electrical signals from the playback heads are fed to pins 1 and 8 of IC1 via DC decoupling capacitors, respectively. Components between pins 2 and 3 and pins 6 and 7 provide adequate equalization to the signals for a normal tape playback.
Specifications:
Power supply: 9 ~ 12 VDC @ 20 mA
Output power: upto 200 mW
Input Resistance – 100 KΩ (Typ), Load Resistance – 10 KΩ (Typ)
Low noise, good ripple rejection owing to the on-chip voltage regulator
Berg pins for connecting power supply, input and output
Power-On LED indicator
Four mounting holes of 3.2 mm each
PCB dimensions 49 mm x 38 mm
For more detail: Tape Head Pre-Amplifier
