Building a 68W Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier with LM3886

 If you’re into DIY audio, few chips are as legendary as the LM3886. Known for its simplicity, reliability, and exceptional sound quality, this chip has powered countless DIY amplifiers over the years.
In this post, I’ll walk through my project hosted on OSHWLab
This project is a mono 68W Hi-Fi audio amplifier built around the LM3886 integrated circuit. It’s designed to deliver clean, powerful output with minimal distortion, making it ideal for home audio systems, DIY speakers, or studio setups.

• Capable of up to 68W output

• Designed for high fidelity audio

• Built using through-hole components for easy assembly
  
  
  

The LM3886 is a high-performance Class-AB audio power amplifier IC widely used in DIY audio.
Key Features:

• 68W output power (4Ω load)

• Low distortion (~0.03% THD+N)

•  High signal-to-noise ratio (>92 dB)

•  Built-in SPiKe™ protection (thermal, short-circuit, overload protection)

•  Wide supply range (±20V to ±35V typical)

These features make it a go-to choice for both beginners and experienced builders
What makes this project interesting is its balance between:

• Performance – High-quality audio output comparable to commercial amps

• Simplicity – Minimal external components required

• Accessibility – Easy to assemble with commonly available parts

This aligns perfectly with the LM3886 philosophy: high-end sound without complex circuitry.

• Use a dual power supply (±18V to ±35V DC)

• Pair with 4Ω or 8Ω speakers

• Add a proper heatsink (critical for thermal stability)

Improper cooling or over voltage can affect performance or damage the IC
You can download gerber files or PDF for home etching from the project page 
Check out the full design here:
https://oshwlab.com/madhukannan/lm3886m