Folks:
I'd like to build a small integrated amplifier for one of my nieces. I've built quite a few LM3875 and LM3886 amps and could do so again, but wonder whether better-sounding options are readily available. To be clear, by "better-sounding" I mean better extension and a greater sense of the performances' spatial characteristics. More air between the performers would be nice, too. Although I'd prefer to populate pcbs myself, I'm open to partially-built solutions. My preference is to include a linear power supply and not use an SMPS.
So, should I pursue a tried-and-true LM38XX amp or head off in a new direction?
Thanks in advance for your considered advice!
Regards,
Scott
I'd like to build a small integrated amplifier for one of my nieces. I've built quite a few LM3875 and LM3886 amps and could do so again, but wonder whether better-sounding options are readily available. To be clear, by "better-sounding" I mean better extension and a greater sense of the performances' spatial characteristics. More air between the performers would be nice, too. Although I'd prefer to populate pcbs myself, I'm open to partially-built solutions. My preference is to include a linear power supply and not use an SMPS.
So, should I pursue a tried-and-true LM38XX amp or head off in a new direction?
Thanks in advance for your considered advice!
Regards,
Scott
Execution is likely as, or more important, than the actual chip in many cases.
I do know i like my LM3875 better than any of the other chip=amps i have had (or have)
dave
I do know i like my LM3875 better than any of the other chip=amps i have had (or have)
dave
I would look at composite amps that use the LM3886. There are quite a few designs kicking around, my Modulus-86 being one of them.
A composite amp uses a precision amp to perform error correction on a less precise amp. In case of a composite chip amp, the less precise amp would be the chip amp. This results in an amp that has the precision of the precise amp and the power of the chip amp. This is what makes it possible to achieve ultra-low distortion with an LM3886.
In terms of sound quality, I find that the composite amps sound completely clean. Basically output = input, amplified. If you feed it a good recording you'll hear the angels sing. If you feed it garbage you'll get garbage, amplified. 🙂
Note that the LM3886 is really hard to get these days due to supply shortages. I've had orders on the books with Digikey and Mouser for over a year now and they have yet to ship. If you're looking to build from scratch you may have more fun with the LM1875 which is still in stock. Or if you want an LM3886 composite amp I suggest buying a full kits so you get the LM3886es with it.
Tom
A composite amp uses a precision amp to perform error correction on a less precise amp. In case of a composite chip amp, the less precise amp would be the chip amp. This results in an amp that has the precision of the precise amp and the power of the chip amp. This is what makes it possible to achieve ultra-low distortion with an LM3886.
In terms of sound quality, I find that the composite amps sound completely clean. Basically output = input, amplified. If you feed it a good recording you'll hear the angels sing. If you feed it garbage you'll get garbage, amplified. 🙂
Note that the LM3886 is really hard to get these days due to supply shortages. I've had orders on the books with Digikey and Mouser for over a year now and they have yet to ship. If you're looking to build from scratch you may have more fun with the LM1875 which is still in stock. Or if you want an LM3886 composite amp I suggest buying a full kits so you get the LM3886es with it.
Tom
I've heard more than once, that people mention the LM1875 more often than any other chipamp when it's about unique sound. For example, the LM3886 is said to have a more analytic sound, while I've read quite more than once, that the LM1875 is described with a warm, nearly tube-like sound.
Mr. Reinders from the Netherlands seems to believe, that the LM1875 is really something special. The same amp, which is sold by the chinese with this small blue PCB's for about 2€, he builds (same schematics) and puts a pricetag on > http://www.ptpaudio.com/blok20
Mr. Reinders from the Netherlands seems to believe, that the LM1875 is really something special. The same amp, which is sold by the chinese with this small blue PCB's for about 2€, he builds (same schematics) and puts a pricetag on > http://www.ptpaudio.com/blok20
As per my experience there is no unique thing about 1875 except soft clipping behaviour just like Tda729X. I mean a good & clean sounding chipamp, nothing special.
I've built Dibya & Jhofland's TDA7293 Xmas amp and it sounds sweet.
My first build, so can't compare it to another chip amp, but I'm very happy with it.
It's 2H dominant, unlike LM3886, say, which I understand is more 3rd harmonic dominant.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/xmas-amp-dibyas-tda7293-by-jhofland.365002/
My first build, so can't compare it to another chip amp, but I'm very happy with it.
It's 2H dominant, unlike LM3886, say, which I understand is more 3rd harmonic dominant.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/xmas-amp-dibyas-tda7293-by-jhofland.365002/
If you go for an 'unassisted' chipamp then the power supply will to a large extent determine how much spatial detail makes it through to the output. Given a very clean power supply on its analog signal rail pin, TDA8932 does a good job at delivering the spatial details you're after.
How old is this niece and what will she be using as input? A Cell Phone, Laptop - or a TT? I'd have to believe the audio source influences the answer - there's lot of Amps on SMD Chips these days...
Some chipamp like tda2050 behaves strangely when they reach their current limit but still i prefer tda2050 over lm1875.
Likely 1875 because all that is easily available.
And just add spatial and performer air resistors
And just add spatial and performer air resistors
I agree. My friend went to chipamp competition and won. He used capacitance multiplier. Several competitors used boutique components and much more expensive than his building. https://anistardi.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/membedah-amplifier-juara-i-kompetisi-chip-amplifier/
Take a look at Bob Cordell's composite amplifier (it's in both editions of his book). You can substitute LM3875 for LM3886. I have heard it, his copy, and it sounds wonderful.
There are certainly many options available beyond the LM38XX series that could potentially offer better sound quality and spatial characteristics. Some other popular amplifier ICs to consider include the TPA3116, TDA7498, and STA350BW. These ICs offer different features and performance characteristics, so it's important to research and compare them to find the best fit for your needs. In addition to choosing the right amplifier IC, the quality of other components such as the capacitors and resistors can also have a significant impact on sound quality. Opting for higher-quality components and taking care in the assembly and layout of the amplifier can help to maximize its performance. If you have experience building LM38XX amplifiers and are comfortable with the design process, it may be worth considering sticking with that series for the sake of familiarity and ease of construction. However, if you're interested in exploring new options and potentially achieving better sound quality, researching and experimenting with different amplifier ICs could be a worthwhile endeavor.
LM3886 for music voice and treble
TDA7294 for bass and treble
LM3886 & TDA7294 Sound Something Wrong , Compare With STK
TDA7294 for bass and treble
LM3886 & TDA7294 Sound Something Wrong , Compare With STK