The TDA7297 is a 15 watt per channel integrated circuit made by ST Electronics. It is a class A/B amplifier and the first I've used from ST Electronics. It has short circuit and overload protection. There is a lengthy thread about this circuit on the diy audio forum with many reports on it's wonderful sonics. I equipped this one with a VALAB 23 step ladder style attenuator (which I love), Wima polyester film input capacitors, Cat 6e plenum grade signal wiring, gold plated RCA connectors, gold plated five way binding posts and a nice Nichicon 2200uf power supply capacitor. The chassis is a Hammond hand brushed aluminum 7" x 7" with a zebra wood veneer on the top. Four machined, gold plated, aluminum isolation cones provide the support on the bottom.
5 comments:
Hi there, what is the best sounding Fleawatt so far?
Could you please post a link to purchase a module?
Hi there, what is the best sounding Fleawatt so far?
Could you please post a link to purchase a module?
I don't really think there is a "best". They are kind of like different types of wine. Different flavors, but the ones that have a decent reputation, all sound good in their own special way. It also really depends on your speakers, room, musical tastes, etc. I can highly recommend both the TDA3116 & TDA7297. The 3116 is class D and has a bit more power/efficiency. The 7297 is very balanced, but needs a 12 volt supply of at least 3 amps.
To add my experience, just today, I tried a less expensive T-AMP that sounded better than I ever would have imagined. First thought that I had was about the power supply, since it is only rated for .5 amps, and is a switching type of supply. Looks like I might be able to supply it with D cell batteries? If not that route, then is there a point to upgrading to a bigger non-switching power supply? More than likely you have experience with this.
Greg, The T-Amps use a ntegrated circuit manufactured by the Tripath Corporation. Indeed, they are nice sounding chips and I've owned quite a lot of them. However, many describe them as sounding a bit lean and dry in comparison to the Texas Instruments Class D chips. Give one a try, since they aren't expensive. The 3116 boards are available for under $20. A 12 volt sealed lead acid battery is an inexpensive way to try battery power. External switching power supply quality varies quite a bit. There are varying opinions on power supplies, but I believe a good quality switching supply can provide excellent sound since these circuits don't draw much power.
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