What's the best sounding chip?

[Poindexter]

Not a troll, honest.

I want to try a chip amp. I have a pair of LM1875s, power supply components, I've gone through some of the fora and webpages, done some research, but it seems difficult to find sonic comparisons between the different chips. The 1875s will give me enough power, actually, so that's not an issue, but if I'm going to go on the developmental journey, I might as well start with the sonically most promising chip, since none of them are horribly expensive.

Anybody?

Aloha,

Poinz

[Dxvideo]

I tried;
TDA2050, 2052, 1514A, LM1876, 3875, 3886 and LM4780.
I am still using LM4780 in my living room. For audiophille listening these all National chips give the same results. I cannot say there is anykind of difference between them.
However if you need more "headroom" then I strongly recommend to use LM3886 with 35-40v split supply.

[Williams Audio]

hi,
i will tell you soon, in about couple weeks. i am building a multi channel amp with LM 3886, 8 channels to be correct with regulated psu working around +/-35vdc. i tested before in stereo mode and was not bad at all, you must use a good size trafo.
Williams

[Zero One]

Hi Poindexter

Pretty much all the Nat semi chips can be made to sound very good, however if your after something truly musical, dare I say tube like you actually have the right chips there. Yes those little LM1875 can be magical.

My advice, forget about the power supply you have and grab a couple of 12V SLAs and run them from that and keep the circuitry very compact, go for a gain of about 18 or so.

The amps will put out about 6 or so really really sweet watts, so you need efficient speakers, but the sound potentially lovely. Going to another chip will make no difference to power if you stay on 12V, basically they all have the same output at 12V.

You could go to 24V battery supply too but frankly in my opinion it doesn't sound as nice, hope it helps.

[lineup]

Originally posted by Poindexter

I want to try a chip amp. I have a pair of LM1875s, power supply components,
----
The 1875s will give me enough power
----
I might as well start with the sonically most promising chip,
since none of them are horribly expensive.

Anybody?

Originally posted by Zero One
Hi Poindexter

----
Yes those little LM1875 can be magical.
----
The amps will put out about 6 or so really really sweet watts,
so you need efficient speakers, but
the sound potentially lovely.
.

I agree very much with Zero One.

If LM1875 gives enough good level in your speakers
then you have not much for trying those higher in power ( LM3875, LM3886 )
You may even lose some of 'the magic' from LM1875 sound.

I am right now going to order some chips, for myself.
I am thinking of LM1875 and possibly LM3875.

As my goal is to drive my good sensitivity drivers ( SPL: 91-96 dB / watt )
in a normal sized room, at good hifi sounds & lovely music ( not PA / DISCO / TECHNO ),
I wont even consider the Powerful LM3886.

LM1875 or LM3875.
I will buy like 10 of each.
For 6-8 Ohm woofers I would start trying LM1875.
If I hear it is needed,
for woofers with dips in Impedance, say 3-5 Ohms,
I would go for LM3875, as this chip can handle higher Current peaks / spikes better.


I say LM1875 and LM3875 are the best sounding and musical
in National Overture series amp chips.

LM3886 can excel in Punch and Power, especially for 4 Ohms speakers.
But there will be a trade-off in musicality.
I am sure.

This is not only from subjective evaluation I say this.
I have read an article, that can explain why.
This possibly less musicality has got its technical logical story.

As often ... whatever you change:
- to gain something
- you lose something else
This also goes for Audio IC construction and design.
... You can't & wont get it all .
It is up to you what compromise you can & want to live with.
Depending on your personal needs in 'your music'.


Regards
lineup
Lineup Audio LABS
http://lineup.awardspace.com/

[Poindexter]

Mahalo, guys; that's just the sort of info I was hoping to get.

Pardon my iggnerunce; what's an SLA?

Aloha,

Poinz

[AKN]

Hi,

what's an SLA?

Sealed Lead Acid battery

[Leolabs]

Personal favourite:LM3875,but need to pay attention to the power supply,esp when u want to powered it from mains.

[DonoMan]

They all sound the same. There is no "magic."

[d to the g]

I was hoping to work my way from chips to the musical machine, and the man himself is working the other way.

Hats off!

(I'm running a 3875 with a 22V supply and it's far more power than I need, but it sounds wonderful)

.d.