Suggestions for new amp chip.

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soundNERD said:
I seem to always use the LM3886 chip, probably because it is the most popular chip avaliable. I would like to move onto something more powerful and that sounds even better. Are there any other lines of chips that are somthing easy to try?

I first played with the monolithic power opamps back in the early 90s but when I moved on to hybrids (circuits which combine integrated and discrete circuit components built on a ceramic substrate) I haven't looked back.

My favorite has been the PA-16 from Apex Microtechnology.

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The PA-02 is the same as the PA-16 but in a TO-3 style case.

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If you need more power, the PA-03 can take up to +/- 75 volt supplies and swing up to +/- 30 amps of current.

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None of them are cheap. The PA-03 will set you back $500. So you're looking at $1,000 for two channels. The PA-02 and PA-16 are a bit more reasonable at about $60 to $90 each respectively, but may not give you as much power as you want.

se
 
Actually, I just looked at the power ratings for that chip. I can't even imaginge 2000W from 2 chips sitting in my stereo. After I come up with 1000 dollars to experiment (anotherwords, never) it would sure suck to burn up a $500 chip!! Besides, wouldn't the heatsink set you back pretty far too? I would think a 1000W chip can sure crank out the heat.

I would like to, as I said above, try class D amps too/ How about this:

TPA3001D1
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tpa3001d1.html

It is a heatsink free Class D 20W amp. I like the idea of no heatsink and the circuit doesn't even look that hard to build. Also, class d has less distortion and sounds clearer than class a/b right? Just wondering, but is there a class c? if so, what kind of amps are in that class.

I think I am going to use these chips for my computer speakers. The chip above will be for the subwoofer, and the chips below for the other 2 speakers:

TPA3004D2
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tpa3004d2.html

That chip is also class d and does 12W/channel. It also has a digital volume control built in with a controlled line out for headphone amps, so i could connect the subwoofer amp to the cicuit there.

I would get 12Wx2 + 20W I don't know too much about class d, but those ratings are for 8-ohm speakers. would I get more power into a 4-ohm spekaer?

Thanks, Mike
 
Also, class d has less distortion and sounds clearer than class a/b right? Just wondering, but is there a class c?

Class D is not necessarily better than a/b in any other respect than effieciency. Most implementations of class d are even worse than class a/b sound-wise.

Class C does indeed exist but this would not be usable for audio since it is relying on a tank circuit. It's relative bandwidth is therefore very narrow. Class C makes good RF power amps for applications where amplitude linearity isn't of prime importance, e.g. CW and FM transmitters.

Regards

Charles
 
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