Audio grade and separate chip from pcb

[Edits]

Hello everybody, I like to call my self a casual hobbyist. I love to build small electronic projects, including some simple pre or power amps but that does not mean I know electronics and that was also 35 years ago!

I did not remember how I stumbled across this forum, yet it catch me like a virus and revive the joy I got from such activity; So after weeks of scrutinizing some threads on chipamps, I decided to build one. I am waiting for my parts to arrive next week.

My conclusions are:
1. Chipamps do offer a chance of excellent result when implemented well. Even successful standard implementation will sound good enough.
I am not one of those golden eared audiophilist and dont have exotic system to drive (old AR94 and bookshelf B&W 686) so if indeed this chipamp can compete a budget NAD or Rotel and better a Yamaha, I'll be glad already.

2. To get that result, it might need some tweaking which casual builder like me will totally depends on advice from experienced and knowledgable persons in forum like this one.
I have faith in this forum.

3. Due to many variables, there is always a chance that building a chipamp might end in failure or total disappointment.
I take that chance. I'll enjoy the activity.

Many questions that arise in my mind seems to have been covered in the threads, yet still some question I like to ask:

1. Does using "audiograde" components worth the price? considering other components in the system are just "home" audio-system and my ear can not tell the difference between 10$ and 200$ speaker cable (I do can positively differentiate my old 7-channel Yamaha to my new 5-channel Yamaha Tuner; the old one is audibly better)

2. Is it ok to put the chip away from amplifier PCB, say 10 cm away and connect the pin to the PCB with wire? I did that with big "chip" called STK-something long time ago with no adverse effect. The reason of doing this is that I'll be able to switch components, re-assemble/change PCB (try another configuration) without having to unmount the chip from the heatsink.

Glad to be with this form

 

[AndrewT]

...........1. Does using "audiograde" components worth the price?........

for a first build use cheap easy to obtain components.
Then you can experiment after you have it up and running.

 

[paulb]

You may have a problem with separating the chip from its components by 10 cm. At least the feedback and bypass components should be close, and there aren't many other components. I had some serious oscillation problems with my first few attempts at using a chip amp.

 

[peranders]

2. Is it ok to put the chip away from amplifier PCB, say 10 cm away and connect the pin to the PCB with wire? I did that with big "chip" called STK-something long time ago with no adverse effect. The reason of doing this is that I'll be able to switch components, re-assemble/change PCB (try another configuration) without having to unmount the chip from the heatsink.

A golden rule for electronics in general: Keep the circuit compact.

 

[Edits]

OK, thanks. I'll just use standard components first and avoid separating the chip. I can always experiment later . Like you said it is not too many components anyway.