Características e funcionamento
Download dos arquivos de consulta
Obter a placa de circuito impresso
Comprar arquivos GERBER ou arquivos originais KiCad
Visão geral dos componentes
COMPONENTE |
VALOR |
REFERÊNCIA |
PINO OU FIO SOLDADO |
N/A |
J1, J2, J3,J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9, J10 |
CAPACITOR ELETROLÍTICO |
680uF 25V |
C1 |
CAPACITOR ELETROLÍTICO |
220uF 35V |
C2 |
DIODO |
1N4004 |
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 |
RESISTOR |
22k |
R1 |
RESISTOR |
10k |
R2 |
RESISTOR |
4,7k |
R3 |
RESISTOR |
2,2k |
R4 |
RESISTOR |
8,2R 5W * |
R5, R6 |
RELÉ |
12V 10A 5P |
RELAY1, RELAY2 |
TRANSISTOR NPN |
C9014 |
Q1 |
LED 3mm ALTO BRILHO AZUL |
N/A |
LED1 |
LED 3mm ALTO BRILHO VERMELHO |
N/A |
LED2 |
Observações importantes sobre a montagem
Primeiro acionamento do circuito
Fabricação de placas na PCBWay
Speaker Soft Start Dual protection board for amplifiers — english version
A mature and well-proven project, published here on the website some time ago, this circuit has already been used in several diyPowered builds and also implemented as an upgrade in third-party audio equipment. The Speaker Soft Start board protects loudspeakers against pops and thumps caused during amplifier startup.
Features and operation
The operating principle is very straightforward: once powered by an auxiliary supply (which does not share GND with the amplifier), the circuit delays for approximately 2 seconds and then activates the relays, connecting the amplifier outputs to the speakers.
The board uses two LEDs: a red LED (speakers disconnected) and a blue LED (speakers connected). Both were strategically mounted behind a mirrored acrylic panel, creating a very interesting fade effect during startup — transitioning smoothly from red to blue — adding an elegant visual touch while also serving as a power indicator.
During startup, the amplifier outputs remain connected through resistive loading via the relays, preventing “dry switching” with no load connected to the power stage.
You can use this circuit in virtually any amplifier project you already own or in new designs you may develop. The relays were implemented individually, but multi-contact relays can be used without any issues.
This protection board has already been installed in many amplifiers I’ve built over the years, including the TDA2030A BTL 35W + 35W Amplifier, the HS-1875Mi, and more recently the Minimalista Amplifier — a pure single-ended Class A design inspired by the classic John Linsley Hood JLH 1969 amplifier.
Download reference files
The schematic and PCB design files are freely available in the diyPowered Drive repository:
• Complete schematic
• PCB layout
• PCB silkscreen
Getting the PCB
Available through:
• PCBWay PCB manufacturing service
• Directly through diyPowered (local stock availability)
• GERBER package or original KiCad design files available separately
Components overview
Below is the complete Bill of Materials (BOM) required for assembly.
COMPONENT | VALUE | REFERENCE |
SOLDERED PIN OR WIRE | N/A | J1, J2, J3,J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9, J10 |
ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR | 680uF 25V | C1 |
ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR | 220uF 35V | C2 |
DIODE | 1N4004 | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 |
RESISTOR | 22k | R1 |
RESISTOR | 10k | R2 |
RESISTOR | 4,7k | R3 |
RESISTOR | 2,2k | R4 |
RESISTOR | 8,2R 5W * | R5, R6 |
RELAY | 12V 10A 5P | RELAY1, RELAY2 |
NPN TRANSISTOR | C9014 | Q1 |
3mm HIGH-BRIGHTNESS BLUE LED | N/A | LED1 |
3mm HIGH-BRIGHTNESS RED LED | N/A | LED2 |
Important assembly notes
The circuit is simple to assemble and does not require special precautions, but some points deserve attention:
• Use wires with appropriate gauge for current handling on terminals J1, J2, J3, J4, J7, J8, J9 and J10
• PCB mounting holes are connected to circuit GND
• Suggested LEDs are high-brightness red and blue models, although alternatives can be used — resistor values R3 and R4 may need adjustment for brightness compensation
• When installing inside a dedicated chassis, use speaker terminals rated for proper current handling to avoid overheating
• Transistor Q1 accepts equivalent replacements without affecting circuit behavior
First power-up procedure
The board includes a complete onboard power supply designed for use with a transformer providing 12VAC at a minimum of 150mA, connected to terminals J5 and J6.
For applications where an external DC supply is already available, the board can be powered directly with 14V to 16V DC through capacitor C2 terminals.
If you choose direct DC supply operation, components D1, D2, D3, D4 and C2 can be omitted from assembly.
To test operation:
Power the board
LED2 (SPK CUT) will illuminate first
Its brightness will gradually decrease while LED1 (SPK ON) starts illuminating
After approximately 2 seconds, the relay “click” will be heard, connecting the amplifier to the loudspeakers
Any behavior different from this may indicate assembly mistakes or defective components. Double-check component placement and PCB assembly orientation.
PCB manufacturing by PCBWay
As always, the board quality produced by PCBWay was impressive.
Manufacturing precision is excellent, with flawless finishing and very sharp silkscreen printing, which makes assembly easier and gives the project a very professional appearance.
Another positive point was the production and shipping speed, allowing the prototype to be assembled shortly after placing the order.
Working on a new project? Start here : )









