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.
Hi there, what is the best sounding Fleawatt so far?
ReplyDeleteCould you please post a link to purchase a module?
Hi there, what is the best sounding Fleawatt so far?
ReplyDeleteCould 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.
ReplyDeleteTo 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.
ReplyDeleteGreg, 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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