I'm designing a stereo power amplifier based on the LM1875/76. So what's the best option and why, 2 LM1875 ora single LM1876? Space and heatsink aren't issues.
There is little sound quality difference between 2xLM1875, 1xLM1876, 1xLM4766 and 2xUTC-TDA2050.
LM1875 is convenient if you build your amplifier on a Vero-board because you have easy access to each pin (only 5) which is important for power lines decoupling.
LM1876 has the advantage of having mute and stand-by functionality, if you use such.
LM4766 is pretty much an LM1876 with a bit more power.
UTC-TDA2050 is pretty much an LM1875 but better suited to drive 4 Ohm speakers.
What is more important if you build an amplifier for use during a period of time is that you get a reliable chip. And, what you have to pay for a reliable chip.
LM1875 is difficult to buy in a quality you can rely on. There are loads of counterfeits ("fakes") which perform more or less but most are not long-term reliable. Genuine reliable items have to be bought through big distributors and then they are not cheap. More suppliers do not have LM1875 on stock.
LM1876 equally should be supplied "genuine" but then again, they are not cheap and they can be difficult to find.
For LM4766, it is very similar as for the LM1876.
The UTC-TDA2050 (Taiwan) are easy to buy at a good price in Europe. I do not know how it is in Brazil. The Taiwan quality has been tested by more members to be reliable.
Finally, the suggestion by Turbowatch2. He is right - in many cases there is not much difference in price with the other and it has considerably more "muscle". You can just use LM3886 at the same supply voltage as the other and you have the same output power. An advantage of the LM3886 is that it is more robust in case of overload because it is designed for higher power and has a sophisticated protection system.
In conclusion, check which of the types you can buy in Brazil at a good price and in a reliable quality. I have tried several "fakes". Some work quite well, some absolutely not. If you can get one of the types mentioned above at a decent price, it is not worth trying with fakes unless you already have them.
LM1875 is convenient if you build your amplifier on a Vero-board because you have easy access to each pin (only 5) which is important for power lines decoupling.
LM1876 has the advantage of having mute and stand-by functionality, if you use such.
LM4766 is pretty much an LM1876 with a bit more power.
UTC-TDA2050 is pretty much an LM1875 but better suited to drive 4 Ohm speakers.
What is more important if you build an amplifier for use during a period of time is that you get a reliable chip. And, what you have to pay for a reliable chip.
LM1875 is difficult to buy in a quality you can rely on. There are loads of counterfeits ("fakes") which perform more or less but most are not long-term reliable. Genuine reliable items have to be bought through big distributors and then they are not cheap. More suppliers do not have LM1875 on stock.
LM1876 equally should be supplied "genuine" but then again, they are not cheap and they can be difficult to find.
For LM4766, it is very similar as for the LM1876.
The UTC-TDA2050 (Taiwan) are easy to buy at a good price in Europe. I do not know how it is in Brazil. The Taiwan quality has been tested by more members to be reliable.
Finally, the suggestion by Turbowatch2. He is right - in many cases there is not much difference in price with the other and it has considerably more "muscle". You can just use LM3886 at the same supply voltage as the other and you have the same output power. An advantage of the LM3886 is that it is more robust in case of overload because it is designed for higher power and has a sophisticated protection system.
In conclusion, check which of the types you can buy in Brazil at a good price and in a reliable quality. I have tried several "fakes". Some work quite well, some absolutely not. If you can get one of the types mentioned above at a decent price, it is not worth trying with fakes unless you already have them.
As all that FF said above ist right, I may add, that in a time where you can get fantastic D-amps for incredible low prices, it is questionable to build anything potentially of less quality and reliability than a LM3886. If you go through the hassle to get a real, non fake, quality chip amp IC, you can take one of the best A/B designs with enough power to drive even the most demanding loads. All the other stuff around the IC are basically identical. So when you compare the cost, you end up with a saving of maybe 10$ for a stereo build of a smaller chip. You can not invest these 10$ around a potential fake LM1875 , a low cost Chinese TDA2050 or the like and get something better than the LM3886.
This chip amp is something special, this is the cause why it is still produced in a competitive quality sensitive market.
Consider the value you get from a true TI/ National part compared to some reduced quality control free build junk from a Chinese high tech shed, where greed is the only driving force for production.
This chip amp is something special, this is the cause why it is still produced in a competitive quality sensitive market.
Consider the value you get from a true TI/ National part compared to some reduced quality control free build junk from a Chinese high tech shed, where greed is the only driving force for production.
Hi
FF and Trubo are experienced DIY, and yes the cost and the effort is at the side of a LM3886. similar product--> think about the TDA7293 or 7294 - they cost at reichelt about 2,9 euro each !
chris
FF and Trubo are experienced DIY, and yes the cost and the effort is at the side of a LM3886. similar product--> think about the TDA7293 or 7294 - they cost at reichelt about 2,9 euro each !
chris
Ok, thanks for all comments. All the mentioned chips are surely better than the STK series, right?
All the mentioned chips are known to be able to supply good sound. The STK-series is generally more expensive than the chips mentioned and is used by a plurality of brands because the STK-sound is appreciated by many.
Which sound do you prefer?
Then theres also LM675, also obsolete I think (but I have a few TI ones still in bags)
Some also like the OPA549...currently available, I think.
Some also like the OPA549...currently available, I think.
Fake STK modules are everywhere, and it is becoming difficult to find the genuine item. I am not sure if any originals are still being produced. One of the main advantages of the TDA7293/TDA7294, and the LM3886, is you can be assured you are getting the genuine article, and even pick up some spares for not much money in case anything ever goes wrong.
Above not withstanding, there is a lot more to how good an amplifier sounds than what chip is used (unless a very bad chip is used, of course!).