The absolute glory that is a gainclone

Discussion in 'Power Amps' started by restrav3, Apr 24, 2019.

  1. restrav3

    restrav3 Likes Audio-GD

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    I just took delivery of a used LM3875 gainclone I proceeded to hook it up to my Soekris DAC as source, and through my omegas and sit down for critical listening to some Beethoven sonata and some random classic and alt rock tracks as well as some live performances. while I do note that I seem to have hit some sweet spot of synergy between my components here and also some room treatments and room correction have paid dividends making it a bit unfair to all the gear I have auditioned in years prior, I think objectively this level of performance, I have rarely heard from any other power amp. sound is impressive both technically with resolution and control that is second to none, and has that elusive quality that evokes an emotional response in a way that random people stop what they are doing and listen because they get involved with the music. At this level of performance, in terms of transparency, it also becomes easy to demonstrate the effect of changes that would not be so clear to anyone but specially the untrained. for example my wife repeatedly stopped what she was doing and came over and just listened and not once complained about the loudness even though the spl level was at the same exact level when she complained about when an Ayre AX-7 was playing a few days back. she also noted at some point that the sound felt different and less involving and was wondering what was different from an hour before that and the only difference was that I had removed the rug in front of the stereo (this rug is an integral part of my room treatment but rarely the effect is this dramatic, it certainly wasnt with any other SS amp and most tube amps). I put it back and that strong emotional presentation was back. it was quite an experience.

    anyway I obtained two sets of lm3875 chips to attempt two different builds this summer. this well be my solid state amplifier from now on. this particular amp will stay with me.

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  2. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    Chipamps can definitely sound good.. I really like the folsom tda7297 I have
     
  3. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

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    Wait til you do a Modulus 86 amp. Those chips can be made to do magic!
     
  4. Josh Schor

    Josh Schor Friend

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    anyone who is a great builder who would be interested in building a chip amp for me?
     

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