The End
Millennium
Audio Power Amplifier.
Cook Book.
The End Millennium is a high quality Power Amplifier, in power sizes of 99 to 300 Watts (8 Ohms).
While running in Class A/B the high sound quality is reached through a number of advanced
design strategies. First of all no feedback loops is found in the circuit, as any error that might be
corrected by the feedback loop, cannot be corrected before it is factual, and then - obviously - it
is too late. A simple circuit topology with a minimum of high quality components ensures short signal
path. Polyprop Capacitors, Vertical bipolar multi emitter transistors, glass substrate resistors to
mention some of the high-tech components used.
The higher frequencies are played with simplicity through the ultra fast amplifier (linear to >500.000Hz)
and the four stage output power tunnel gives a firm and fast bass reproduction. The total soundstage
is well controlled and well defined, with precise space and nerve visuality.
L C Audio Technology
Adjustment procedure
Content.
17
Assembly Instructions
Cabinet description
Connection of inputs
Connection of the outputs
Connections to the ext. Boards
High Power Systems based on Millennium
Nonfeedback = Musicality!
Parts List
PCB Sketch
Power Supply Considerations
Principle behind the Millennium
Schematic
12
20
14
15
16
5
4
11
9
7
3
8
Use of the DC Servo
Further information: www.lcaudio.com
The End Millennium
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18
Principle behind The End Millennium.
The principle schematic shows how simple the fundamental circuit of Millennium really is. There
are no feedback loops (100% non-feedback), there are no capacitors or other sound depriving
500.000 Hz. This is probably the fastest amplifier You ever heard! Any part of the music from the
circuit protection. The protection will monitor if any overload is evident, and then shut down for a
couple of seconds. No current limiters or signal limiters are used at all. Should an overload occur,
and play normally. This system is so effective, that short circuit is allowed at full power for days!
L C Audio Technology
components near the signal path. The frequency responce is linear from DC to extreme hights:
deepest bass to the teeniest transient is reproduced with ease by the Millennium!
The Millennium module also contains extra functions such as DC servo and an effective short
the anp will automatically shut down, and wait for things to normalize again. Then it will turn on
Owing to the new amplifier topology, which in several aspects is path breaking in modern audio
technology, it has been possible to make available an amplifier with a well controlled sound
picture, a liquid flowing soundstage and extreme precision, at a very affordable price.
The low price is primarily possible because You do the assembly work Yourself.
(Hand built ready versions are available at a higher price).
The four stage output power tunnel lets the speaker membranes draw all the current required,
directly from the power reservoir. Not o nly to start the motion, but also to stop at the right
microsecond.
The End Millennium
3
100% Non-Feedback = 100% musicality!
L C Audio Technology
4
The warm - almost tube like - sound is mostly owing to the amplifier structure not
containing the usual feedback loop. This principle is normally called non-feedback, and is
also used in other brands of (costly) high-end amplifiers.
In a normal amplifier (with feedback loop) a typical approach is to use a high-gain (up to
100.000 times) / high-distorsion circuit to perform the voltage amplification. By comparing
the output signal on the speaker terminals to the input signal fed to the amplifier, it is
possible to send a correction signal to eliminate any error and thus reducing the measured
harmonic distortion. However an error cannot be corrected before it is encountered, and
then it is in fact too late, because the speakers are also connected to the erractic signal.
In fact the error signal is comparable to eliminating waves in one end of a swimming pool
by sending opposite waves from the other end. Not practical, unless the waves have a very
low frequency, compared to the time it takes the correcting waves to reach the other end
of the basin.
Another problem occurs when You are trying to linearize a signal, that have been amplified
by an unlinear (distorting) element. Then You will inevitable see modulation formerly
known as TIM (Transient Inter Modulation). This is annoying is there is say two vocalists in
a piece, but You actually hear a third un-harmonic tone. In better cases a loss of audible
details is found, but less annoying.
Another way to detect modulation is when an amplifier changes sound when the volume is
raised or lowered.
In The End Millennium the sound is exactly the same no matter what playing level is
required. It uses a quite different technique to eliminate distortion. In a non-feedback
topology there is no possibility to remove distortion once it is evident, so every method has
to be enforced to avoid distortion. Ultra Linear Semiconductors, Highly Stable Resistors, no
capacitors, and rounded PCB traces for all audio signals. All components used are brandname highest graded stuff, that is only found in other amplifiers at a far higher price level.
The result is uncomplicated, and extremely clear audio quality with absolutely no
modulation, but instead streams of details and musical dynamics.
.
The british made Z-Transistor is a vertical bipolar transistor built a way normally associated with
MOSFET’s . However the Z-transistor has much less Re (or Rs) than any FET or MOSFET, and
therefore it produces less distortion in an audio circuit.
The capacitance is negligible (6 pF) and very low noise is also a useful property.
The End Millennium
High Power Millennium Systems.
L C Audio Technology
A basic Millennium amplifer is designed to run on a 33-0-33 V transformer and put out 120
Watts in 8 Ohms / 240 Watts in 4 Ohms. By adding an extra set of power transistors on an
ext. Module, You may use the Millennium at higher power levels or lower impedances
(right down to 1 Ohm). One extra set of output devices will let the unit run on a 40-0-40 V
transformer and provide 180 Watts in 8 Ohms / Two extra output modules will give You
350Watts in 4 Ohms. 3 Extra sets will give 250 Watts in 8 Ohm s / 500 Watts in 4 Ohms
with a 50-0-50 V transformer..
The extra output devices are placed on an ext. Module that also contains emitter resistors
and appropriate bypassing caps to secure stability.
Instead of higher voltages the impedance with the latter system may be sustained at 33-033 V (AC) and more than 800 Watts are available in 1 Ohm loads.
Due to the risk of sound quality deprivation we do not recommend parallelling output
devices that are goind to reproduce treble / midrange frequencies. Parallel devices have
small differences that will result in high order (very audible) distortions, heard as
aggressive sound at high volume levels. The solution is to have separate outputs for bass
and treble/mid. However this requires the speakers to be bi-wirable. Most speakers have
this feature today. One set of output devices drive the treble/mid output, while a number
of additional sets enforces high current output in the bass output where high-order
distortion is removed by the speaker filter.
Separate output terminals are standard issues in out kits of 180W or higher. (Except the
Balanced versions where no parallel output devices are used anyway).
Ext. board with an extra set of output devices plus emitter resistors and
bypassing caps .Up to 3 ext. Boards can be connected to one main board
using power and signal in/out wires.
The End Millennium
5
“The End” is the greatest audio success in Scandinavia ever!
L C Audio Technology
Any Scandinavian DYI audist know The End in former version 3.1. More than 3600 of this
kit was built in the period from 1995 to 1999 where Millennium took over. Nearly every one
of these 3600 units runs today and provides remarkable high sound quality in hundreds of
Different sound systems.
The Millennium edition is improved in every aspect:
NEW!
NEW!
NEW!
NEW!
NEW!
NEW!
Furthermore a couple of functions have been added to the compact Fr4 material main
board. A selectable DC Servo kepps DC error within 5 mV, and an effective short circuit
protection keeps Your amp alive, even under extreme overloads.
A BIAS system where any thermal load is within limits to a supply voltage of +/- 100V
ensures long operational life in any application. Millennium is also stable with low supply
voltages ( from +/- 10 V DC ).
Four stage output power tunnelensures bass control.
Glass substrate resistors improve linearity and homogeneity.
Signal Amplification is performed by the special Z-transistors with very
Low Re and output capacitance (Cc=6pF).
Ultra Linear Core (ULC) Circuit topology gives low distortion with no feedback..
Power rails bypassed by 4,7uF Ploypropylene Foil Capacitors ensures high
Treble resolution.
Any PCB trace that carries audio signals have rounded corners rather that
Angular ones. This eliminates standing waves in the trace, and gives a more
Correct and precise sound.
The End Millennium
6
L C Audio Technology
Power Supply Considerations.
The Power Supply is crucial for the sound quality!
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
10.000u
2A bridge
35A bridge
35A bridge
YELLOW
YELLOW
ORANGE
ORANGE
30 VA Auxillary
These two 4u7 are marked
because they are now placed
If You are going to design the perfect audio power supply, the most appealing option is to
use a battery of the great performing (Swedish made) RIFA power capacitors of 100.000
uF each. Combine with blocking coils to remove charging peaks and You have the best
practical Audio Power System.
However the price and size of this approach makes it less appealing to your view of
sensible money and space utilization. It is too expensive and takes up as m uch space as a
small refrigirator. Therefore we have designed the Super Power Supply, to use intelligent
design to weigh up for the size and simplicity of the RIFA solution.
120.000 uF of Low Impedance American made ChemiCon cans configured with a separate
supply for the sensitive signal amplifiers, so any dips in the main power caused by
extreme loading, will not affect the input and driver circuits.
Also a set of Poly Carbonate caps eliminate high frequency noise from the rectifiers.
AUX +
The AUX Supplies are used
for the voltage amplifier
and the driver stage.
63V
4u7
PC
Transformer
RED
BLACK
5-700 VA Main
Transformer
RED
BLACK
The End Millennium
2A bridge
63V
63V
63V
4u7
PC
7
63V
63V
63V
63V
AUX -
63V
63V
63V
63V
4u7
PC
on the PCB but normally
not mounted on the PSU,
4u7
on the amplifier boards.
PC
MAIN +
GND
MAIN -
L C Audio Technology
8
The End Millennium
Complete Schematic.
The Power supply unit consist of 120.000
American made MicroFarads, and provides
all the stability and musclepower needed to
drive even critical speaker loads. The brand
ChemiCon is formerly known as Sprague.
Ground if unbalanced
input signal is used.
The End Millennium
L C Audio Technology
T10
S2D
T12
S1D
T19
1E
T20
6E
T15
6E
T16
6E
T17
1E
T18
1E
R22
3 k 0 1
4k02
R 1 9
1 k 0 0
R 1 7
1 k 0 0
4k02
100n
R45
7K62
D9
15V
103
T3
A1514
R23
1 0 0 k
T4
C3906
D1
4V7
D2
4V7
R24
301
R25
301
R 1 0
2 k 0
R 1 1
2 k 0
R 8
2 k 0
R 3
2 k 0
R100
47k
R101
47k
R 2 7 1 0 k
R 2 6 1 6 k
T21
BF822
R28
1k
R 3 1
1 0 0 k
BF823
R5
10k
R 1 6
2 2 R
RZ-
2k0
RZ+
2k0
1 u
D10
15V
RGND
2R20
C9
PCB Sketch
Note Not 1:1
Measures : 107
470/63
R34
-
T2
C8
100n
D7
T23
B F 8 2 2
B A V 9 9
0 R 2 7
4 7 k
Bias TPBias TP
2SA12162SC2922
R 3 7 1 k
HUSK KaptonHUSK Kapton
R331M
R7-2
4R42
4R42
D4 BAV103
2SB1186
BC517
4k99
R35
4k99
R7
T9
2SD1763
T5 T6
10R
R1
B C V 4 7
D3
T24
BAV103
C7
470n
PNP Basis
R7-1
S2D
T14
S2D
T8
22p/20 0V
8 0 R 6
C18
R 1 2
100nR21k0
C16
C 1 7
S1D
T7
8 0 R 6
S1D
R 9
T11
R 6
0 R 2 7
1 6 k
0 R 2 7
4148
C7555
D6
IC1
1 0 0 n D 8 4 V 7
C 1 1
1 0 0 n
C10
3k01
BCV47
R30
T13
G N D
P o w e r
2 2 p / 2 0 0 V
0.22u
0.22u
30k
3k01
R4
R29
2 k 0
4 9 9 k
R 4 3
0 R 2 7
R 3 6
1 k
0 R 2 7
0 R 2 7
C14
NPN Basis
4R42
R5-2
T1
R5-1
4R42
R44
301k
The End
Copyright 1999-2000
L C Audio Technology
+
1k8
Aux-
2 2 R
R 1 5
R E 6
R 3 8
R 4 0
R E 5
R E 4
R32
C5
10k
R18
22n
BIAS
R14
1k00
2k0
P1
R13
C4
P2
C2
DC-Out
R E 3
R E 2
R E 1
R411MC15
IC2
4 7 0 n
7K62
C 1 2
R42
D C - S e r v o
Aux+
+
T22
D 5 B A V 1 0 3
R20
501
by 54 mm.
Input-
G
O u t p u t
3 3 k
R 4 6
LF411
100n
C13
R21
C6
470/63
+
Input+
2 k 7 4
Millennium
The End Millennium
9
L C Audio Technology
-30-70V
-30-70V AUX supply.
BIAS
testpoint
BIAS
testpoint
Heatsink placed here..
+30-70V
The End Millennium
Photo of the Millennium Main PCB.
+30-70V AUX Supply.
10
L C Audio Technology
Partslist.
T ra n sisto rs.
T 1 2S C 29 2 2 S anke n
T 2 2S A 1 2 16 S an ken
T 5 2S D 17 6 3 A
T 6 2S B 1 1 86A
T 9 B C 51 7
C ap a c ito rs .
C 1 4u7 P o lypropylene
C 2 0,22u M K T 100V
C 3 4u7 P o lypropylene
C 4 0,22u M K T 100V
C 6 470u /6 3 V P a n a so n ic F C
C 9 470u /6 3 V P a n a so n ic F C
C 1 2 0,47u M K T
C 1 4 1u M K T
C Z 0,1u P P (for Z o b e l n etw ork)
R es isto rs.
R 1 5 22R B e yschlag R e d R ed B lack G o ld
R 1 6 22R B e yschlag R e d R ed B lack G o ld
R G N D 2R 2 B e ysch lag R e d R e d B la ck S ilver
R Z + 2k00 B e ysch lag R e d B lack B la ck B ro w n B row n
R Z - 2k00 B e ysch lag R e d B lack B la ck B ro w n B row n
R E 1-6 0R 27 B e yschlag non inductiv e R e d V iole t S ilv e r G o ld
P 1 500 O hm B o u rn s 3 3 8 6 P trim m e r m ark '5 0 1 ' B ias adj.
P 2 10k B o u rns 3 3 8 6 P trim m er m a rk '103' D C o ffset a d j.
R Z 2R 1 5 1W (for Z o b e l n etw ork)
D ivers e .
M ain P C B w ith S M D com p o n e n ts fitte d .
2 K a p ton isolation p a d s (a d d n o grea se !)
4 S crew s 3 b y 1 3 m m selfcu ttin g alu screw s
2 S crew s 3 b y 8 m m . S e lfcutting alu screw s
4 b ig 3 m m . F lat W a sh e rs
2 sm all 3 m m . F latW a sh e rs
1 Jum p e r for D C S erv o
C o m p o n e n ts no t m e n tio n e d a b o v e are already fitte d on the bo a rd a s S M D 's
The End Millennium
11
L C Audio Technology
Building Instruction.
Assembling the Millennium is easy and consumes little time.
Start by pouring all the components in the package out on Your table.
Get Your Soldering iron heated.
Start by mounting the lowprofile components, like resistors and trimmers. Follow the
printed values on the PCB itself, and compare with the color codes printed on the
previous page. If You are sure everything is mounted correctly, solder it down.
After this fit the capacitors, first the smaller ones and then the larger ones. Solder.
The two 470uF cans go on the backside, remember to polarize them, so the minus
lines printed on them are both clostes to the nearest edge of the PCB.
Lay them down on the PCB (backside) before cutting/soldering.
Now mount the T9 and the drivers, (careful they fit in each ones separate side.) so
high up as the pin lengths allow for. They should be nicely aligned in a right angle
compared to the PCB, now solder them.
After this screw the drivers on the heatsink using the shorter 3mm. screws and the
small washers. No insulation or grease is called for! They should now align to the
heatsink with no airgap. The picture shows that the 4u7 caps are also mounted, but it
is a bit easier to wait with these a few minutes.
The End Millennium
12
L C Audio Technology
Lay the heatsink down and place the (orange) Kapton sheets over each pair of mounting holes for
the output devices. No grease is called for!
Fit each Sanken output transistor in the CORRECT side of the pcb, the metal side facing the
heatsink. before
fastening them to the heatsink. Use the bigger washers and screws. Tighten as much as possible
without breaking the screws!
Then solder to the PCB, and crop the pins.
Now mount the 4u7 caps on the backside, from main+ to gnd, and from main- to gnd.
Conn ect input and output terminals as shown on the following pages.
Important!
If You use the Super Powersupply with separate transformer for the input- and driver stages
(recommended) You are required to cut the thin PCB tracks between + and AUX+, and also
between - and AUX -
Careful there may be no impurities captured under the powertransistors
The End Millennium
13
L C Audio Technology
Using RCA (unbalanced) input signals.
Using XLR (balanced) input signals.
1
2
3
Input terminal Connections.
(Use a female chassis plug).
Both input plugs may be used simultanously, just leave
the -input unshorted to gnd, and connect both plugs.
The End Millennium
14
L C Audio Technology
Use heavy Silver/Teflon
Connecting the speaker terminals, and Powersupply.
RED Heavy wire for + main supply
BLACK Heavy wire for - Main Supply
GRAY for Power
GND
BLACK for AUX -
+Out
Speaker Terminals.
100n
Zobel Network
We recommend mounting the ZOBEL network on every output. The required parts
RED for
AUX +
are included in the kit.
+
Speaker Terminals
wiring to the PCB..
-
Gnd
2R15
MKP
The End Millennium
15
L C Audio Technology
Remember Zobel network.
Note, the two 40R2, one 1k resistors and BDT63 should NOT be mounted!
Connecting the Ext. Boards to the Main Board.
RED for power supply +
BLACK for power supply - -
GRAY Power
GND
One or more ext. boards.
RED
Also connect the
AUX supplies, even
though not shown on
this drawing.
+
Separate Bass Outlet
WHITE (thin)
+
Separate Mid/Treble Outlet
Remember Zobel network.
-
GRAY
-
BLACK
WHITE (thin)
The End Millennium
16
L C Audio Technology
Adjustment.
Connect a multimeter (mV) between the two BIAS testpoints, see p.10 to locate them.
Connect a power source for the amplifier. Do NOT connect a loudspeaker yet.
Adjust the BIAS trimmer (501) to 10 mV if You are using 8 Ohm speakers, or 20 mV If 4
Ohms.
Move the black wire to the multimeter to power gnd, and the red one to the Output
terminals.
Adjust the DC trimmer (103) to close to 0. An error of +/- 50 mV is acceptable for any
loudspeaker.
Check the BIAS testpoints again, perhaps You may have to readjust. Values of +/- 20% are
quite OK.
Repeat procedure for the other channel.
If any of these adjustments cannot be met, please contact L C Audio, before proceeding.
Connect Your speakers, and start playing! Note a burnin period of 1-2 weeks is to be
expected for optimal sound performance.
The End Millennium
17
L C Audio Technology
Use of the DC servo.
The End Millennium an integrated DC servo at Your disposal. You may use it or exclude it
from the circuit as You wish. Here is our advise on using it:
Some audio experts have the opinion, that DC servos affect the bass reproduction, and in
some cases they are right! The bass sometimes becomes soft and fluffy.
This is owing to the fact that the servos in some amplifiers run at a too high frequency cutoff
point of say 10-20 Hz.
In the Millennium we have put a great effort into making a DC servo that would not affect
the bass. The cutoff frequency is as low as 0,5 Hz, and there is a second order filter instead
of the normal first order types. This means the cutoff slope is steeper, and therefor affects
audible frequencies less. The DC Servo effect at 20 Hz is close to 0.
The filter caps C12 and C14 are plastic fiol types with non-magnetic pins, so even if the
whole sound had to pass through these caps, they would stand the test of most critical hifi
listening. However they are never in connection with signals above 0,5 Hz.
You should use the DC Servo If:
transformer, since it has a DC resistance of close to 0.
You do not have to use the DC servo if:
accept DC errors of up to some 200 mV without any problems at all.
You have electrostatic speakers with a high voltage
You have normal dynamic speakers, they
Parts.
The End Components:
The End Millennium 120W kit complete (1 ch.)
The End Millennium ext. 180W kit complete (1 ch.)
Heatsink for for 120W ( 2 pcs needed for 180W )
Super Power Supply Mk2 120.000uF/63V + Rect.
Transformer 2 X 33V 500 VA for 99 / 120W low noise (240 V primary)
Transformer 2 X 40V 600 VA for 180 W low noise (240V primary)
Auxillary Transformer 2 X 40 V 30 VA f. 120W/180W version
Cabinet kit with 10mm. Aluminium front. Black finish 140 mm. Height
Accessories:
Digital Softstart module for power amplifiers up to 2000 VA
Mains noise filter 10A incl. Case
Mains DC filter, stop the humming! ( module for build-in)max. 500 VA
Speaker Terminals WBT 0763, 2 pcs.
RCA receptables, 24k gold plated with TEFLON, 2 pcs.
The End Millennium
18
L C Audio Technology
Systems.
1 Set WBT b.p.. screws, RCA's, power cord+++
1 Set WBT b.p.. screws, RCA's, power cord+++
1 Set WBT b.p.. screws, RCA's, power cord+++
Systems
99W stereo system:
2 The End Millennium kit
4 Heatsinks
1 Transformer 2 X 33V 500 VA
1 Super Power Supply Mk2 120.000uF/63V
1 Cabinet kit
120W stereo system:
2 The End Millennium kit
4 Heatsinks
1 Transformer 2 X 33V 500 VA
1 Aux. Transformer 2X40V 30 VA
1 Super Power Supply Mk2 120.000uF/63V
1 Cabinet kit
180W stereo system:
2 The End ext. Millennium kit
4 Heatsinks
1 Transformer 2 X 40V 700 VA
1 Aux. Transformer 2 X 40V 30 VA
1 Super Power Supply Mk2 120.000uF/63V
1 Cabinet kit
We also have kit systems for 200 and 300 Watt versions available, and for AC3 / DTS
systems we have 5,6 or 7 channels (120W) kits available.
You may also configure a 5 ch. of 120W plus 1 ch. of 400W for bass all in one cabinet.
The End Millennium
19
The PowerTrend Cabinet.
The End Millennium is easily built in out PowerTrend cabinet that gives a discrete and powerful
impression. You may also use Your own cabinet design if You prefer, and in such case You can leave
out the cabinet from Your order.
Christiansgade 1
DK-7500 Holstebro
Import License No: SE 93546555
International: www.lcaudio.com
However with this case the assembly goes swift and easy. Materials are:
Frontplate 10 mm (3/8") seawater resistant aluminium with a char paint finish.
Top Cover 2 mm. (3/32") aluminium with cooling mesh.
Heatsinks sturdy extruded anodized aluminium.
On the rear side You have all holes necessary to fit speaker terminals (WBT) RCA and XLR
receptables and power inlet and switch.
Any mains side components used are UL, CSA, CE and VDE approved.
Denmark
L C A u d i o T e c h n o l o g y
Tel: (+45) 97410863
Fax: (+45) 97428010
E-Mail: lcaudio@post5.tele.dk
Web: www.lcaudio.dk
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