Op-Amp based Amplifiers

[Puffin]

Anyone on here use an LM3886 or LM3875 based amplifier (often called Gainclones)

I have a few amps using both of the above chips (the LM3875 has now been discontinued) and have just re-furbed an LM3886.

Cambridge and Mark Levinson used them in some of their amps. I think for the parts count needed to make an very acceptable sound they are somewhat under rated.

[Lawrence001]

I've got a gainclone but it's round my mate's and I've never used it for long, I just bought it to have a play.

Don't the Neurochrome amps use several of these chips in parallel?

[Puffin]

Some of them like the Modulus 686 but there is a one chip version (2 for stereo)

When I first got into DIY I spent many hours making my first gainclone P2P which was great fun and frustrating in equal measures. The first time I got a Bzzzz out of it I was ecstatic...it lived. Thereafter I built a bridged version also P2P form the TI datasheet. A real rats nest of wires for that one, but it worked. And some LM3875 Monoblocks slightly sweeter IMO to the 3886

I more recently built a MyRefC version (see Diy audio) which has some more premuim parts and needs a PCB but it is a step up from others I have built. I think it was the Cambridge 640A amp that had the LM3886 chip.

I just like swapping stuff in and out every now and then and hearing the differences.

[Sherwood]

I am a big fan of chip amps. When I was in Canada (Toronto) some time back I got in touch with Peter Daniels of Audiosector at his home/workshop. He was kind enough to produce a custom high spec version of his Patek amp for me to bring back to the UK with me. It really is a Rolls Royce product with a quality of finish that reflects Peter's background in the aerospace industry.

It was a perfect driver for my Reference 3A MM de Capo monitors. These were a 2 driver design but with no crossover as a result of careful driver matching. They were incredibly revealing with exceptional imaging due to time alignment of the drivers. The Patek amp is extremely revealing with a smooth valve like midrange.

I still have it but it ended up in the cupboard when I bought my Magneplanar 1.7 speakers. Even though it had a lot of grunt, the Maggies require huge amounts of power.

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/audiosector/patek.html

[Ali Tait]

Love my 686 monoblocks, no desire to change them.

[Puffin]

Ahh 6 Loons! I stopped reading any reviews years ago as they just ramble on (particularly Mr Ebaen) and as in the case of the Patek review makes no mention of the op-amp used to drive it but much about the power supply, which is of course important but........

[Sherwood]

Ahh 6 Loons! I stopped reading any reviews years ago as they just ramble on (particularly Mr Ebaen) and as in the case of the Patek review makes no mention of the op-amp used to drive it but much about the power supply, which is of course important but........

On the first page of the review, .."the two chips Daniels prefers to work with are the LM3875 and LM4780". which one depends on the model.

[Puffin]

On the first page of the review, .."the two chips Daniels prefers to work with are the LM3875 and LM4780". which one depends on the model.

Oh dear...i'll get me coat! Mind you the rest of what I said about 6Moons stands

[Mr.Ian]

Neurochrome 686 is the best amp I have ever owned. Full stop

[Ali Tait]

Yes would say the same.

[Macca]

Agree, I had a 686 here for the day a few years back now, gave nothing away to a Krell at 5 times it's price.

[sailor]

When my Mark Levinson 23.5 packed up I looked around for a quick DIY to tide me over and settled on a Neurochrome 286. It is still in use and the ML is still needing repair, I just have been in no hurry to sort it out. The N286 is doing a splendid job.