2. amps-preamps
  3. 187931-162919

Bypass the op-amp input buffer - only Audiophonics?

Lots of good Class D amplifiers offer selection of two or three gain levels, which I understand are achieved in the op-amp input buffer in front of the Class D module proper. But I see Audiophonics amplifiers that also offer the choice to bypass the op-amp buffer. This is attractive if your DAC puts out good voltage and your speakers are run at medium or low volume.
Does any other manufacturer of completely assembled Class D amplifiers offer this bypass option?

 

charles7
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 

Some Class D amps natully  have very low input impedance, the input buffers are there to make them look more like other amps and give OEMs a chance to differentiate themselves.  Check the resulting input impedance before deciding

charles7 OP
104 posts
 

Thank you. The Audiophonics option of bypassing the input buffer proved unneeded to me. The RME ADI FS-2 DAC can be set at -5, -1, +7, or +13 dBu, and the Boxem class D amp, for example, offers input sensitivities of 9.4, 3.74, or 1.79 V at 8 ohms, so I guess that it is more than enough flexibility.

 

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