Pre Amplifier using LA3161 and C1815 Gain Booster

This article describes the Pre amplifier circuit, PCB layout and Connection details. This Pre amplifier circuit is build with LA3161 IC and C1815 Transistors. This circuit is common in old cassette player amplifier boards.

Circuit Diagram

Pre amplifier circuit using la3161

The gain of this board can be adjusted using the given 10k preset. Bea aware about the over gain, it will destroy the total audio quality so set the gain accordingly.

The 222 pf capacitor in the input section is used for noise filtration. So you can replace that with 102 pf capacitor for working with more high frequency response. The quality of the Tape Head determines the sound quality. So use a good quality tape head.

Components Required

NoComponentValue / Part NumberQuantity
1ICLA3161 Audio Pre-Amplifier IC1
2TransistorC1815 (NPN)2
3Transistor2N2222 / A2222 (NPN)2
4Resistor10Kฮฉ4
5Resistor100Kฮฉ2
6Resistor220Kฮฉ2
7Resistor1.2Kฮฉ (1K2)2
8Resistor100ฮฉ4
9Resistor33ฮฉ2
10Capacitor (Electrolytic)4.7ยตF (4u7)8
11Capacitor (Electrolytic)47ยตF4
12Capacitor (Electrolytic)100ยตF1
13Capacitor (Ceramic)103 (10nF)2
14Capacitor (Ceramic)104 (100nF)2

Download LA3161 IC Pre amplifier PCB Layout