LM386 as headphone amp? Will it work?

[soundNERD]

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]

Yes, it will work.

But don't expect good sounding

 

[seangoesbonk]

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]

This is way too much for a headphone amp.

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

 

[seangoesbonk]

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]

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]

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]

Yessssssssssssss..... 🙂

Grtz, Joris

 

[moamps]

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