2520-based EQP-1A3 / 325 Utility Line Amp Project (Open Source)

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zzzzz

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Chiming in here with a quick and dirty project. This stuff is taken straight off of data sheets — I can’t take any credit here for the circuit.



I plan to build some of Ian’s “Poor Man’s Pultec” filters and wanted to replicate the solid-state EQP-1A3 gain stage. It turns out that this is essentially an implementation of 2520 data sheet/application notes, similar to the API 325 Line Amp or Melcor line amps.

I have some Jensen 123/2503 style transformers lying around, so I hacked and slashed one of my existing projects to create a utility board. This board allows for various implementations of the unbalanced-to-balanced 2520-based line amp scheme used in the solid-state Pultec EQP-1A3, API 325, etc.



The board has a cutout that will fit a Jensen 123 / 2503 / Profile 4804 / CMOQ-2(?) size output transformer, with hookup pads placed close to the edge of the board for easy connection of a different transformer if needed.

 The original EQP-1A3 line amp obviously does not have adjustable gain or output attenuation and while I don't plan to use them, I added those options from my aforementioned other project because again, this is meant to be a universal/utility board. You could probably mount a bunch of these boards upright in a 2U chassis and build whole rack of line amps.



There are many, many options for populating this board (which was the goal), so I thought it would make sense to share it "open source" with the forum.

Before I upload the Gerber files (to avoid any file confusion), I wanted to share the schematics to see if anyone notices any errors or likewise suggestions for any quick improvements. 
Maybe a one-time-only group buy if other people are interested?

Schematics are attached below as jpeg or a pdf.

Thanks! 



Edit: some of the application notes on the attached schematic are labeled wrong (such as calling “R3” the fixed gain resistor — it’s actually R2) and I will fix those soon.

---

*specs:*

  • Dimensions are 130mm x 58mm, or roughly 5.1” x 2.3”.
  • Various jumpers exist for bypassing/omitting sections of the circuit.

  • Audio I/O is on Phoenix terminals or JST XH and dual supply power I/O are also Phoenix terminals.
  • Pot footprints are for right angle Alpha 16mm, or can be run off board (or not at all).
  • Various ground connections/connections are available depending on your application.
  • Some of the component footprints are weird, yes I know — I based all of this around parts I have in stock.
 

Attachments

  • Pultec EQP1A3 DOA Gain Makeup V1_1.jpg
    Pultec EQP1A3 DOA Gain Makeup V1_1.jpg
    250.2 KB
  • EQP1A3 stock 2520 based line amp schematic.jpg
    EQP1A3 stock 2520 based line amp schematic.jpg
    278.8 KB
  • Automated Processes 2520 Audio Operational Amplifier Circa 1973 (Page 2).pdf
    4.4 MB
  • Jensen JE-123-A Datasheet.jpg
    Jensen JE-123-A Datasheet.jpg
    70.4 KB
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just a quick bump on this -- should this maybe be moved to The Lab?

Haven't really thought of any improvements since my initial posting, so will likely post the gerbers soon if no one chimes in.
 
Cool beans! I can see this as a nice flexible platform for various projects. Would appreciate gerbers (y) :whistle:
Thanks! I just made a quick update where I added footprints for a zobel network on the input in case someone wants to make something like a 312 style mic pre with an input xformer. Otherwise same as previous version -- just cleaned up the schematic and added some info.

Ran various checks and everything should be fine, but noting here that this board is currently unverified.

EDIT: Board has been verified as of December 2024 by forum member @shaggy

The gerbers are exported to play nice with JLCPCB's CAM specifications. They should work with other fabs too, but there is some silkscreen overlap. JLCPCB takes care of this in production and has never been an issue for me with other fabs over the years...

Here is a link to order easily from PCBWay in China, although I have not ordered these boards from them to test.

Attached are:
  • gerbers as a zip
  • .pdf with schematic docs and BOM
  • ...and then schematics as jpegs.

    ...and as explicitly stated: this is an open-source project for D.I.Y. purposes only, not for resale and not for profit :)

    EQP1A3 Gain Makeup V2_0 - Board Render.pngEQP1A3 Gain Makeup V2_0 - Schematic Page 01 of 02.jpgEQP1A3 Gain Makeup V2_0 - Schematic Page 02 of 02.jpg
 

Attachments

  • EQP1A3 Gain Makeup V2_0 - Gerbers.zip
    602 KB
  • EQP1A3 Gain Makeup V2_0 - Schematic and Build Docs (Compressed).pdf
    1.2 MB
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Hi Z11111.
This is a fantastic idea. You have any experience designing PCBs with an edge connector?

Ha just saw your Melcor preamp PCB design.
I've been attempting a similar PCB as the output for a 5U Helios mic pre/ EQ utilizing Ian's EQ module and a DIY2128.
 
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Hi Z11111.
This is a fantastic idea. You have any experience designing PCBs with an edge connector?

Ha just saw your Melcor preamp PCB design.
I've been attempting a similar PCB as the output for a 5U Helios mic pre/ EQ utilizing Ian's EQ module and a DIY2128.
Yeah edge connectors are pretty easy to lay out in EAGLE (program I use). I just used the datasheet for the respective connector (EDAC, etc) and based all measurements on that.
 
Forum member @shaggy was kind enough to build one of these boards out and verify that the layout is functional. Thank you!
Thanks Z.. yes, I've currently got one of your Utility/Gain Makeup boards up and running and about to go into my 20-year-old home-brew EQP (pic below), as well as a couple of your Melcor boards. They work well with the various DOAs I've tried, from vintage collectibles, to MAP 5002s and CAPI hybrids (currently fitted with OPA604s), and probably a dozen combinations so far of input and output transformers I have laying around. All still very much in test mode, but quite promising. And I've been learning a lot in the process, so 'thanks again' to your effort in getting these boards together, and for your advice.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20241105_175529350_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20241105_175529350_HDR.jpg
    3.1 MB
  • IMG_20241212_113143418_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20241212_113143418_HDR.jpg
    3.3 MB
  • IMG_20241224_172918547_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20241224_172918547_HDR.jpg
    3.6 MB
Thanks Z.. yes, I've currently got one of your Utility/Gain Makeup boards up and running and about to go into my 20-year-old home-brew EQP (pic below), as well as a couple of your Melcor boards. They work well with the various DOAs I've tried, from vintage collectibles, to MAP 5002s and CAPI hybrids (currently fitted with OPA604s), and probably a dozen combinations so far of input and output transformers I have laying around. All still very much in test mode, but quite promising. And I've been learning a lot in the process, so 'thanks again' to your effort in getting these boards together, and for your advice.

Good work Shaggy (y)

I ordered some of Z’s boards with a couple of projects in mind and tbh, I was prob feeling a bit over ambitious ordering ten, so happy to give a few away.

C06C1D21-E309-42B0-8487-3A709BA434BE.jpeg

I’ll hold on to 6 for now (still ambitious!!) so 4 up for grabs, just pay postage. Prob make sense to stick to UK diyers though and max of 2 per forum member. Just send me a PM…don’t respond here.
 
One of zzzzz's utility boards, working but not quite done with testing. I've enough JE-11s for six of these, which I expect will be at the 'hi-fi' end of the spectrum, sound-wise. (In a more 'vintage' configuration, one will be going in my ancient, much-modded Pultec clone).
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20250103_103049285_HDR001.jpg
    IMG_20250103_103049285_HDR001.jpg
    1.3 MB
One of zzzzz's utility boards, working but not quite done with testing. I've enough JE-11s for six of these, which I expect will be at the 'hi-fi' end of the spectrum, sound-wise. (In a more 'vintage' configuration, one will be going in my ancient, much-modded Pultec clone).
Btw, if anyone's wondering about tricky transformer-to-pcb mounting solutions, the answer (at least until I can think of something better) is 'Scotch Industrial Double-Sided Adhesive Tape' 8>]
 
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Good work Shaggy (y)

I ordered some of Z’s boards with a couple of projects in mind and tbh, I was prob feeling a bit over ambitious ordering ten, so happy to give a few away.

View attachment 142628

I’ll hold on to 6 for now (still ambitious!!) so 4 up for grabs, just pay postage. Prob make sense to stick to UK diyers though and max of 2 per forum member. Just send me a PM…don’t respond here.
Those look good. Who's your supplier? Ready-made PC boards are definitely a gateway drug!
 
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