What else is there?
Amplifiers based on integrated circuits (chips) rather than discrete transistors.
Can an IC based amp be considered 'high end'?
I'm fairly new to this forum so apologies if this has been asked before (I've searched the threads and can't find this question being raised), so here goes...
Most, if not all amplifiers that are regarded as 'high end' are either valve or solid state designs. Is there any reason why an amplifier based on an integrated circuit (chip) shouldn't be considered high-end as well? 47 Labs produced the Gaincard back in 1999 and DIYers have taken the design forward over the intervening years, improving performance, power etc. but there aren't many commercial products based on ICs. In my experience a very well designed IC based amplifier can give any other type of design (with a similar power output) a run for its money, I'm just interested why there aren't many about and whether there is a general opinion that they aren't 'high end', whatever that means.
Showing 7 responses by pragmasi
Opposing perspectives here@beetlemania - Thanks for the link that's a really interesting article. the **intention** is what makes it high end@atmasphere - That's an interesting view, I take that to mean an uncompromising focus on audio quality - is that what you mean? @atdavid - Hah, that's exactly what I was getting at... would the stigma over the use of ICs be enough to put a serious audiophile off of listening to one, or admitting to liking one? |
Thanks for all the responses... I guess 'high end' is a pretty subjective term. It's nice to see that most are open minded about the technology used and not put off by the use of ICs. The LM3886 is a good sounding amp with a competent implementation of the datasheet circuit, it is possible to get even better performance with more advanced designs as well. |
most IC-based stuff can be improved by putting a Burson op amp replacementI've seen those before, occasionally they give away free samples on diyaudio. If you want to improve your equipment by swapping out op amps you really need to understand the role they're performing in the circuit, there are places I'd use a FET input op amp (like the Burson V5) and there are places where I'd use a BJT (there are even places for CMOS)... I can think of at least one example where swapping an op amp for the Bursons wreck the whole design. The datasheet for the Burson V5 is pretty short on information and will compare well with old op amps but falls a long way short of the best modern ICs. Maybe I'll pick up some samples next time they offer them and do some proper testing and listening. |