2. amps-preamps
  3. 152049-136834

Can an IC based amp be considered 'high end'?

I'm fairly new to this forum so apologies if this has been asked before (I've searched the threads and can't find this question being raised), so here goes...

Most, if not all amplifiers that are regarded as 'high end' are either valve or solid state designs. Is there any reason why an amplifier based on an integrated circuit (chip) shouldn't be considered high-end as well? 47 Labs produced the Gaincard back in 1999 and DIYers have taken the design forward over the intervening years, improving performance, power etc. but there aren't many commercial products based on ICs. In my experience a very well designed IC based amplifier can give any other type of design (with a similar power output) a run for its money, I'm just interested why there aren't many about and whether there is a general opinion that they aren't 'high end', whatever that means.

pragmasi
tubehead120's avatar
tubehead120
35 posts
 
No matter what you consider high end, most IC-based stuff can be improved by putting a Burson op amp replacement (made of discrete parts) in it.  The amount of improvement depends on what chip was there in the first place but I haven't found any op amps, even the very best ones, that can match a Burson.  (Of course it's easier to do this if the amp has sockets for the IC's, but quite a few do.) 
tweak1
3,681 posts
 
Back in 04-05 I had a GainCard. It was too lite for heavy power cords. It sounded much better with double Humpty's
Shortly thereafter I switched to 100% XLR system, which IMO is where hi-end starts
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
     On my Phase linear 400, my shrill Crown IC 150 was no match for the bland pre-amp in my Advent receiver, but that was long ago.  I did just audition some Rotel Stuff on new B&W 804's.  I hope it is IC based, because otherwise there is no excuse for its existence.  Even the salesman finally admitted it would not be suitable for lengthy listening sessions.
     I really thought that for $5000, an integrated amp and CD player should be at least tolerable.  
 
pragmasi OP
212 posts
 
most IC-based stuff can be improved by putting a Burson op amp replacement
I've seen those before, occasionally they give away free samples on diyaudio. If you want to improve your equipment by swapping out op amps you really need to understand the role they're performing in the circuit, there are places I'd use a FET input op amp (like the Burson V5) and there are places where I'd use a BJT (there are even places for CMOS)... I can think of at least one example where swapping an op amp for the Bursons wreck the whole design. The datasheet for the Burson V5 is pretty short on information and will compare well with old op amps but falls a long way short of the best modern ICs. Maybe I'll pick up some samples next time they offer them and do some proper testing and listening.
More to discover