So many chip amps ?

[Buzzy]

I searched for chip amps in google and got quite alot of chip amp designs. May i know which are the better ones or popular ones i should look at (other than pavel dudek's amp), prefably using LM3886 or LM3875 as these are cheaper. Any chip amps that could beat an AV receiver in terms of sound quality for music like picking up more details, more airy sound ?

So far i have not seen anyone compare chip amp to AV receiver before .

[DcibeL]

There are reasons for this. The chip amp is only one component of many in an AV reciever. The reciever includes DAC, DSP, preamp, and amp. It is impossible to compare only the amp component since the chip amp can be connected to any different preamp, DAC, etc. that will have dramatic changes to the audio. You're comparing apples to a fruit salad here

[planet10]

As a generalization, because of greater attention to parts & power supply, even given the same chip, a gainclone should have an advantage.

A typical AV receiver's quality is most often dictated by cost pressures.

dave

[w00t]

Hi,

I've built a GC based on the LM3886 but also notice that OPA549/OPA541 is quite popular as well. What are the sonic differences between these 2 ICs?

Thank you!

[AndrewT]

Originally posted by planet10
A typical AV receiver's quality is most often dictated by cost pressures.

Nay, the performance is completely dominated by cost compromise.

[planet10]

Originally posted by AndrewT

Nay, the performance is completely dominated by cost compromise.

2 sides of the same coin?

dave

[pinkmouse]

Originally posted by w00t
... What are the sonic differences between these 2 ICs?!

If you search here you'll find plenty of opinions.