Best Power op amp

[Diode]

Well, the lm3886 is popular right now but I sure see a lot of blown up ones. I fix pro audio and so much junk uses them. I wonder about their usage and dependability.

My opinion is that they are crap. I prefer STK packs but only use 8 Ohms or they will blow!!!!!

Either that or go descrete.

Chris

[sangram]

Originally posted by Diode
...I prefer STK packs but only use 8 Ohms or they will blow!!!!!

Or so I used to believe. I run a pair of STK 4191 in bridge mode, at 42 volt rails, into 4 ohm speakers at party levels (I didn't know better when I built them, about 7 years back) - and now I don't play them that loud, but still into 4 ohm loads (which for each half is 2 ohm, effectively).

But the whole thing has a thermo-fan (not from ESP, my own design using BD139 which is easier to secure onto heatsink, but I digress) and HUGE heatsinks, so I guess that I might be 'overclocking' the chips but they work, so what the heck.

Edit: BTW this is my experience only. YMMV and don't blame me for blown chips.

[JAZZ2250]

Originally posted by pundip
I have a couple of opa541's but I have seen no info regarding its use in audio. From a purely construction point of view I would like to use the TO-3 packs.

I'm currently working on a subwoofer amplifier using OPA541 in TO-3 package because of the same reason as yours. So far, I have built active crossovers for both right and left channel using TL072 op-amps, and connected low-pass signal (below ~100 Hz) to OPA541. I used the schematic on Amp Chips DIY forum.
I don't have a subwoofer right now. But, I'm going to drive an 8" DVC subwoofer. All the parts are on the way. So, I should be able to describe how it sounds in a week or so.