Linn Majik vs. Gainclone

[salesmonster]

I'm a newbie to the Chip Amp DIY world.

I've been using a Linn Majik for several years with many hours of musical enjoyment.

Now, it's time to branch out.

Given that the Linn product is a chip-based amp (Philips TDA1514A), and I like the sound, I'm can side-step the subject of chip vs. discreet amplification.

Sonically, how would a Philips-based amp compare to a Gainclone? I would assume the lower parts count, plus the newer chip design would be positives.

My amplification needs are modest as I'm living in an apartment. I will be driving Paradigm Atoms.

Source will be a current version Squeezebox (using the variable outputs as the "preamp"). I will be using no other sources.

I am handy with a soldering iron, the scariest part of a build is the chassis work.

I'm a (new) Cleveland, Ohio resident. If there are any close-by enthusiasts give me a shout!

Anyway, any advice is welcome. I'm thrilled to find a group like this one.

Dave

 

[Bas Horneman]

I'm not sure there is that much of an improvement from one chip to the next. So I think you'll have a similar type of sound to the Majik. There are many "gainclone" kits around.

But here is a very affordable kit from a great guy (BrianGT).
http://www.chipamp.com I myself have a 3875 kit that sounds not half bad. Nice midrange.

And there is also http://audiosector.com/ from Peter Daniel both are members of this forum.

And both kits have been "proven"

Lately the hype has been with Hypex (no gainclones though but apparently worth a look) Hypex produces Class D modules you basically just have to wire the transformer to the psu module to the amp modules. http://www.hypex.nl.

The chassis is indeed daunting for most diy'ers..

Welcome to this forum.

 

[Minion]

Actually if you look at the data sheets for both TDA1514 and LM 3886 you will see that the lm3886 is actually a newer chip and has better noise and distortion specs than the TDA but both should be about as easy to implement but i don"t think the TDA1514 will Have less parts count.....

both the LM3886 and then TDA1514 are basicly just like Opamps on steroids and follow then same principles of of feedback and supply decoupleing ect that all opamps follow so the ammount of parts used should be fairly simular ........

the datasheets i could find on the TDA1514 did not show any curcuit diagrams on how to implement the chip or even what the pins designation but i"m sure through a bit of deductive reasoning you should be able to figure it out.....


Cheers

 

[ashok]

Data sheet with details.
http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/T/D/A/1/TDA1514A.shtml

 

[traw]

I should bring by a gainclone so you can get an idea of sound... also few other diy amps around.

 

[salesmonster]

Traw: I'll email you when my "moderated" status gets lifted. I'm not too far from you, up in Willoughby.

Dave