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Reviews for LM386
Review 1 for LM386
Rating:
By AJOsmer
Experience: > 5 yrs
Location: San Antonio, TX
Infinitely Versatile Amp/Pre-amp
Posted on:September 23, 2012
Pros: reliable, versatile, high fidelity, few external components, pre-configured gain circuitry
Cons: cannot act as a high voltage pre-amp
"I have used the LM386 in many, many projects for years. Yesterday was the first time I've ever burned one out, and it's because I miswired it badly. It's an incredibly hardy chip with a surprisingly high power output.
I set up a simple sound system in my old car several years ago, using an LM386 in the "bass boost" configuration with a big PA speaker and ran it off of the car's cigarette lighter outlet. It got quite hot, but it worked like a champ, and was even able to drown out the road noise on the highway.
If wired correctly with good components, it also makes for a very high quality pre-amp, taking very small signals from guitar or bass, and bringing them up to line voltage (and with the 200 dB boost created from putting a capacitor between pins 1 and 8, you can even go directly out to a speaker with good volume).
The only thing I could complain about is that I would like a higher voltage rating on it (at least past 24v). But that would make the voltage range of the chip astonishing (5-24v). But as it is, it fits a niche, several actually, and it fits them very well."
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 2 for LM386
Rating:
By suszig
something is wrong
Posted on:July 28, 2012
"LMS 386 is not 70W apmplifier - try to fix this page, please"
