[cloudbaseracer]

Just to get this out of the way to start with - guys I am not that smart so....

I see the term "chip amp" but I do not have an idea of what that means.  Can some one tell me in laymens terms what this is?  I have heard that the Pioneer 919 receiver is this type but I see no designation in any of the nomenclature that says chip amp.

I have done a search but that provided no real answers.

Thanks for helping me to understand.

James

[Mitsuman]

Basically an IC or chip amplifier has all of the output stages together in one large chip. A discrete design has independent output devices for each channel. That is my understanding of it for the most part. 

[bregez]

It is a SS amplifier that uses a chip that integrates many of the amplifier components. The advantage is less overall total parts for the amplifier.  This makes for a simple circuit that anybody can build as a kit.  I think the latest chip is the National Semiconductor LM3886.  Do a search for that or "gainclone" and be prepared to be overwhelmed with information.

[cloudbaseracer]

Dr. Earl Geddes recommends the Pioneer 919 and says it is great sounding in part because it is a chip amp.  How does one know what chip is in the 919? Is it the LM3886? 

Thanks,

James

[richidoo]

Some chips look excellent on the scope and sound great too. Tripath used to make a class D chip which is used in some truly high end amp designs. The National LM3875 is a really great sounding chip that is very flexible. 3886 has high power rating, but doesn't sound as good as 3875, imo. A Toshiba car stereo chip used in an exotic battery powered amp has high crossing distortion under light load. Maybe this is the secret of its exciting sound, but when compared directly to a low distortion discreet amp the distortion can be heard for what it is.

Here is some info on the Pioneer chips:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68889
specifically: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68889.msg639914#msg639914

[roymail]

The National LM3875 is a really great sounding chip that is very flexible. 3886 has high power rating, but doesn't sound as good as 3875, imo.

richidoo, a little more on the LM3875 would be appreciated.  I had a LM3886 amp awhile back, and I thought it sounded pretty amazing.  In what ways does the 3875 sound superior?  Thanks!

James, go to www.chipamp.com and do some looking and reading on Brian Bell's website.  Otherwise, google chip amp and read all you want.  Just this note, if you've never heard one, they have a purity that is very nice to listen to.

[cloudbaseracer]

So reading Mike Galusha's post it appears that the Pioneer uses their own proprietary chip design - the PAC011A IC - and therefore it would not be found in other manufacturers units?

The main reason I ask about this is that it is the Pioneer that Dr. Geddes has measured and says is very excellent.  I was just curious if this chip was used in other designs, possibly of greater build quality.

It appears to me that the Pioneer unit could have something different than the others using the LM series chips and may posses some magic synergy. 

I have not heard the gainclones/tripath/etc but have read a little on them and people do seem to praise their clarity.

I am trying to find a "possible" amp to replace my Panasonic SA-XR700 all digital when I get the GedLee Abbey speakers in a few months.

Thanks Guys!!

James

[Phil A]

I believe my Pioneer 1120 Receiver has the chip amp.  I bought it for the secondary basement system which doesn't see tons of use.  It is polite sounding (not quite a typical tube sound but sounds somewhat in that direction).  I ended up getting an Onkyo 1000 as it is better for HT and I'm also running 8.1 in the basement.  I have the Pioneer in the office system driving a pair of Mobile Fidelity OML-1s and it sounds really good.  I've been listening to Linn Radio Jazz over the internet while I surf the web and it is a very pleasant sounding combo. 

[JLM]

From what I know, the original chip amp was the 47 Lab amp.  Just 9 components and a total circuit length measured in millimeters.  Not very many commercial examples.  I use Channel Island Audio VMB-1 40 watt monoblocks (Dusty Vawter gave them huge power supplies) in my main rig.  Peter Daniels offers extremely well built 50 watt chip amps.  Heat dissipation limits them to 40 - 50 watts, but thanks to the small/simple design they can sound very organic (almost tube like).

Check out DIYaudio.com where they really sweat the exact layout and parts recipes.  BTW I tried a home brewed one, and it picked up a local FM station and had a bad hum.  It was the only amp I've ever had that wifey said I couldn't keep.

[cloudbaseracer]

From what I know, the original chip amp was the 47 Lab amp.  Just 9 components and a total circuit length measured in millimeters.  Not very many commercial examples.  I use Channel Island Audio VMB-1 40 watt monoblocks (Dusty Vawter gave them huge power supplies) in my main rig.  Peter Daniels offers extremely well built 50 watt chip amps.  Heat dissipation limits them to 40 - 50 watts, but thanks to the small/simple design they can sound very organic (almost tube like).

Check out DIYaudio.com where they really sweat the exact layout and parts recipes.  BTW I tried a home brewed one, and it picked up a local FM station and had a bad hum.  It was the only amp I've ever had that wifey said I couldn't keep.

You mention several different amps but I assume that they all use the LM chips and would therefore sound different than the Pioneer? 

Thanks,

James

[roymail]

Here's some good reading which should provide more insight into what these chip amps are all about.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue18/ciavmb1.htm

[Noseyears]

Burson amps design is different, no chips.   

[cloudbaseracer]

From what I see the Bursons are headphone amps.  Is this not correct?

[rob-fi]

From what I see the Bursons are headphone amps.  Is this not correct?

They also have power amps, preamps, buffers and integrated amps. 


http://www.bursonaudio.com/products.htm

[Noseyears]

They also have power amps, preamps, buffers and integrated amps. 

Partsconnexion have special pricing, it looks tempting.

[Woody1911a1]

the 3875 sounds awesome . my first build .  get the best along with great support from Peter Daniels   http://audiosector.com/

highly recommended

cheers 

[Ric Schultz]

Burson products do not use Chip amps, nor integrated circuits of any kind!  They make discrete op amps and use these in all their products......no chips, no integrated circuits! 

For those that care, there is a chip driver that can be used with a discrete output stage.  This National Semi chip when implemented in a super tweak fashion with super simple mos-fet output stage can make real good sound....much better than chip amps (3875, built almost exactly like the Audiosector jobbie) that have the output stage built in (I have listened to both).

From looking at the inerds of the new Arte Forma integrated (sold by cryo-parts for $1400) it looks like the National driver chip is in use there.  Suppose to be a hot new integrated!  One of my customers is getting one....maybe I will put Bybee Music Rails in it....fun!