LM386 as headphone amp? Will it work?

soundNERD · 8th November 2003, 12:54 PM

Can the LM386 be used as a headphone amplifier? Would I have to set the gain below 20 to do that, and is that even possible? Or would I have to use a resistor on the input or something? I don't need a volume conrol, since the audio out of the CD player is controlled.

audioPT · 8th November 2003, 04:55 PM

Yes, it will work.

But don't expect good sounding

seangoesbonk · 8th November 2003, 06:21 PM

No, the LM386 can't be set to a gain below 20. This is way too much for a headphone amp. There are definately better options.

Because of the relatively low power and gain involved in a headphone amp, you are probably better off using a standard op-amp.

tbla · 8th November 2003, 07:39 PM

Quote:

This is way too much for a headphone amp.

not for the k-1000...................................

seangoesbonk · 9th November 2003, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tbla
not for the k-1000...................................

I DEFINATELY wouldn't use a LM386 for the AKG K1000, although after you buy those headphones, you might only be able to afford to use a LM386.

Vigier · 9th November 2003, 01:31 AM

I suggest you use a OPA627 or OPA637 with a BUF634 after it. The OPA will give the necessary voltage swing, and the BUF634 gives enought current (250mA).
Instead of the (in comparison to the LM386) rather expensive OPA627/637 you could also use the NE5534, which is cheaper and sure good enough if you planned to use the LM386 at first.

Grtz, Joris

Brannigan · 9th November 2003, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vigier
I suggest you use a OPA627 or OPA637 with a BUF634 after it. The OPA will give the necessary voltage swing, and the BUF634 gives enought current (250mA).
Instead of the (in comparison to the LM386) rather expensive OPA627/637 you could also use the NE5534, which is cheaper and sure good enough if you planned to use the LM386 at first.

Grtz, Joris

Something like this maybe?

Vigier · 9th November 2003, 10:04 AM

Yessssssssssssss.....

Grtz, Joris

moamps · 10th November 2003, 12:52 PM

Hi all,

just for info,
older professional cass Tascam 122mkII uses LM386.
Newer professional products from Tascam (MD801, DA30,..) use LA6510 power opamp in headphones amp.
http://62.236.156.23/ideaport/d/la6510.pdf

Regards

8th November 2003, 12:54 PM	#1
soundNERD diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Illinois	LM386 as headphone amp? Will it work? Can the LM386 be used as a headphone amplifier? Would I have to set the gain below 20 to do that, and is that even possible? Or would I have to use a resistor on the input or something? I don't need a volume conrol, since the audio out of the CD player is controlled.

8th November 2003, 06:21 PM	#3
seangoesbonk diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada	No, the LM386 can't be set to a gain below 20. This is way too much for a headphone amp. There are definately better options. Because of the relatively low power and gain involved in a headphone amp, you are probably better off using a standard op-amp. __________________ My girlfriend's sub is bigger than mine...

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8th November 2003, 04:55 PM	#2
audioPT diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Right here	Yes, it will work. But don't expect good sounding

9th November 2003, 01:31 AM	#6
Vigier diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Netherlands	I suggest you use a OPA627 or OPA637 with a BUF634 after it. The OPA will give the necessary voltage swing, and the BUF634 gives enought current (250mA). Instead of the (in comparison to the LM386) rather expensive OPA627/637 you could also use the NE5534, which is cheaper and sure good enough if you planned to use the LM386 at first. Grtz, Joris

9th November 2003, 10:04 AM	#8
Vigier diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Netherlands	Yessssssssssssss..... Grtz, Joris

10th November 2003, 12:52 PM	#9
moamps diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Croatia	Hi all, just for info, older professional cass Tascam 122mkII uses LM386. Newer professional products from Tascam (MD801, DA30,..) use LA6510 power opamp in headphones amp. http://62.236.156.23/ideaport/d/la6510.pdf Regards